Loud&Unfiltered

In this episode of Inside SXM Festival, we sit down with Elderbrook — singer, producer and globally recognised electronic music artist — to unpack how he approaches performing, writing and touring at the highest level.

Recorded in Saint Martin during SXM Festival, this conversation dives into how Elderbrook prepares for completely different environments — from sunset sets on a mountain stage to late-night club performances — and why every show requires its own unique energy and curation.

We explore the key differences between his live show and DJ sets, including how he uses his voice as an instrument, builds looping performances in real time, and balances playing his own music with other artists’ tracks.

Elderbrook also shares insight into his songwriting process — why he now focuses on speed and instinct over perfection, how collaboration helps unlock creativity, and why spending too long on a track doesn’t necessarily make it better.

Along the way, the conversation touches on touring life, playing unique venues around the world, discovering electronic music, and how early club experiences shaped his journey into becoming a global artist.

Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/

Key Moments:
00:00 – Elderbrook in the Caribbean: Outdoor Gigs & First Impressions
01:18 – SXM Festival Podcast Intro: Rum, Pina Coladas & Guest Lineup
02:05 – Playing a Mountain Sunset Set at Pararama Party (SXM Festival)
03:51 – Elderbrook’s Live Show Setup: Looping Vocals & Using Voice as Keys
04:28 – DJ vs Live Performance: Energy, Identity & Expectations
06:10 – New Music: Elderbrook & Adriatique Collab + Working Fast in the Studio
07:44 – Songwriting Mindset: From Over-Perfecting to Raw Ideas
08:12 – Mobile Studio Gear: Producing on the Road with Just a Laptop
08:35 – Favourite Places to Play: USA, Poland & Unforgettable Crowds
09:16 – The Club That Changed Everything: Discovering Fabric & Electronic Music
10:07 – Dream Collaborations: Jamie xx, The xx & Influential Albums
10:29 – SXM Festival Tips: Sunscreen, Shade & Wild Gig Stories

In this episode, we sit down with &Friends, DJ, producer and global collaborator to explore the reality of life inside the electronic music industry, from playing stages like Coachella to performing at SXM Festival.

Recorded live on the island of Saint Martin, this conversation goes beyond music. It’s about mindset, wellness, creativity and staying grounded in an industry that moves faster than ever.

&Friends shares how journaling became a key part of his creative process, why slowing down is essential in a fast-paced touring lifestyle, and how chasing “more, more, more” can quietly disconnect artists from why they started in the first place.

We also dive into the philosophy behind the &Friends project — a collaborative, global approach to music that blends influences from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and beyond. From working with vocalists around the world to building a unique sound rooted in emotion, rhythm and storytelling, this is a masterclass in modern electronic music creativity.

Along the way, we explore festival culture, the SXM experience, and what it really means to create connection through music — whether that’s playing intimate rooms or closing major stages in front of thousands of people.

Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/

Key Moments:

0:00 – Trailer

01:15 – Welcome to Loud&Unfiltered: Live at SXM Festival

02:11 – Meet &Friends: DJ, Producer, Collaborator

03:13 – Touring Life, Mental Health & Journaling Practice

05:25 – Slowing Down, Presence & Coachella Perspective

07:07 – Inside the &Friends Project: Community & Collaboration

10:49 – Saying No: Authenticity in a Toxic Music Industry

14:10 – Lebanon Home Base & The Reality of Middle Eastern Hospitality

16:21 – Signature &Friends Sound: Melodic, Afro‑Influenced, Joyful

19:12 – Crafting 3‑Hour Sets: Emotional Journey & Track Selection

21:05 – SXM Festival, Caribbean Crowds & Island Vibes

24:14 – Wellness on Tour: Gym, No Alcohol & Science‑Based Fasting

27:14 – Favourite Places, Life‑Changing Clubs & Egyptian Euphoria

29:37 – Festival Survival Tips & Closing Thoughts

What does it really feel like to play SXM Festival? And how do you go from soul singer to global DJ performing around the world?

Welcome to Loud&Unfiltered: Inside SXM Festival — the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of one of the world’s most unique electronic music festivals, set in the heart of the Caribbean.

If you are looking to understand DJ culture, festival life, and how artists build their sound in electronic music, this episode gives you a real, unfiltered perspective from the artists living it.

In this episode, we sit down with Adassiya, a French DJ, producer and former singer, who shares her journey from growing up between Paris and Algeria to performing at global festivals like SXM. She opens up about how she transitioned from soul, R&B and gospel into electronic music, how her cultural influences shape her sound, and why emotion, love and connection sit at the heart of everything she creates.

We also explore what makes SXM Festival so special — from sunrise sets on the beach to the global community of music lovers who travel to the island each year. Adassiya breaks down how she prepares for sets, reads a crowd, and blends live vocals into her DJ performances — something rarely seen in dance music.

Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/

Key Moments:
00:00 – Episode Trailer: Adassiya
00:33 – Podcast Intro & SXM Festival Overview (Caribbean, Saint Martin)
01:06 – SXM Festival Atmosphere & Global Dance Community
01:25 – Introducing Adassiya at SXM Festival
02:35 – Adassiya’s Background: Paris, Algeria & Cultural Influences
04:07 – From Soul Singer to DJ: Transition to Electronic Music
07:09 – Musical Influences & Singing While DJing (Unique Live Sets)
09:35 – Describing Her Sound: Tribal, Groovy & Melodic House
11:01 – Festivals vs Clubs & SXM Crowd Energy (Love & Happiness)
13:09 – Favourite Places to Play: Tulum & Magical Mountain Venue in Greece
15:09 – Producing Music & Running Her Label ‘Mektoub’
17:45 – Dream Collaborations & Emotion-Driven Music
19:14 – Upcoming Gigs & Future Plans (Ibiza / Hi Ibiza Mentions)
20:08 – SXM Festival in One Word & Final Festival Tips

Lee Burridge is a true pioneer of electronic music culture. From discovering acid house in the late 80s, to building a global DJ career, launching All Day I Dream, and becoming a defining figure at SXM Festival and Burning Man — his journey is one of longevity, taste and staying true to the music.

In this episode of Inside SXM Festival, Lee takes us back to the origins of rave culture — from underground parties and record shops to playing in front of 20,000 people almost overnight. He shares how electronic music evolved from a niche sound into a global movement, and why the real magic has always been about connection, community and emotion on the dancefloor.

The conversation dives deep into the philosophy behind his career, the creation of All Day I Dream, the unique energy of sunrise sets, and why he’s always chosen to play music he loves — not just what works. This is a masterclass in longevity, authenticity and building a career that lasts in an ever-changing music industry.

Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/

Key Moments:
0:00 – Keeping DJing a Gift, Not a Job
0:40 – Introducing Lee Burridge at SXM Festival
01:40 – First Trips to SXM and Island Life
02:05 – The Legendary SXM Sunrise Party
02:56 – What Makes SXM Festival Special
03:49 – Early Raves, Sunrise Culture and Thailand
04:35 – From Mobile DJ to Early House and Acid House
06:21 – First Electronic Tracks: Marshall Jefferson & Chicago House
07:16 – Late 80s Rave Culture and 20,000-Person Parties
08:18 – DIY Beach Parties and Moving to Hong Kong
09:33 – Becoming a Promoter in Hong Kong and Importing UK DJs
11:33 – Records vs Food: The Reality of Early DJ Life
12:17 – Touring in the 90s and Believing the Scene Would Last Forever
13:08 – Not a Purist: Living on the Edge of Genres
18:06 – Discovering Burning Man in 2005
19:21 – Shaping the Burning Man Sound and Sunrise Sets
21:34 – How Burning Man and Dance Music Changed Each Other
24:30 – The Birth of “All Day I Dream”
25:58 – From Mix to Movement: Early All Day I Dream Parties
27:30 – Building the All Day I Dream Brand in New York
29:41 – Long Sets, Emotional Journeys and Marathon DJing
30:05 – Ibiza, Venues and the Challenge of Outdoor Sound
30:54 – Why Akasha in Ibiza Feels Right
31:39 – Where Electronic Music Is Heading Now
33:32 – Creative Restlessness and Moving Beyond Organic House
34:05 – 43 Years of DJing: Keeping the Energy and Passion
35:03 – Quickfire Round: Fabric, Frankie Knuckles and Long Sets
36:07 – Sunrise Philosophy: Playing Patient Tracks for the Moment
36:43 – Festival Tips for SXM and Pacing Yourself
37:05 – Ones to Watch: Shouting Out Francis Mercier

Welcome to the very first episode of our brand new series, Inside SXM Festival — taking you behind the scenes of one of the world’s most unique destination music experiences.
Recorded live in the Caribbean on the island of Saint Martin, this episode features Alex Jukes and Grego O’Halloran, sat down with SXM Festival founder Julian Prince, sharing the real story behind how a small island idea turned into a globally recognised electronic music and DJ culture event.

From early days partying in Saint Martin to launching a festival that now attracts thousands of music lovers from around the world, Julian breaks down the journey of building SXM Festival from scratch — without shortcuts, without huge budgets, and with a relentless focus on experience, community and culture.

The conversation explores how the rise of destination festivals like Burning Man, Coachella and BPM Festival helped shape the vision for SXM, and why creating something truly immersive — not just another “festival” — became the mission.

Julian also opens up on the realities of building a festival in the Caribbean: from logistics, shipping equipment and infrastructure challenges, to navigating hurricanes, pandemics and the pressure of delivering a world-class event on a remote island.

Alongside the challenges, this episode captures what makes SXM Festival special — the energy, the people, the sunrise parties at Happy Bay, and the philosophy that the island itself is the true headliner.

Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/

Key Moments:
00:00 – Welcome to SXM Festival in St Martin - Trailer
00:45 – What Makes St Martin Unique: French & Dutch Island History
02:27 – Julian’s First Trip to St Martin and Falling in Love with the Island
04:31 – Montreal Rave Culture and Julian’s DJ Roots
05:32 – The Original Idea: Dreaming of a Destination Music Festival
07:35 – Burning Man & Coachella: The Rise of Travel for Music Festivals
10:52 – From Idea to Action: Founding SXM Festival in 2015
11:54 – Building the Team: Alex Fish, PR, and Key Partners
16:17 – Surviving Stress: Early Years, Burnout, and Learning to Cope
18:34 – Hurricane & Family Crisis: The Emotional Cost Behind the Festival
20:23 – Why Island Festivals Are So Hard: Logistics, Costs, and Tickets
22:04 – What Is SXM Festival Really About? Experience vs ‘Just a Festival’
23:56 – Integrating Local Community, Talent, and Businesses
25:17 – Politics, Economics, and SXM as a Labour of Love
27:17 – Why Julian Still Has the Most Fun at His Own Festival
29:08 – Signature Moments: Sunrise Parties at Happy Bay with Lee Burridge
33:21 – Booking Legends: Carl Cox’s First-Ever Gig in the Caribbean
36:03 – Why Travel to SXM Festival? Three Reasons to Come to St Martin
37:08 – Enter the Legend: Julian’s Father on the ‘Magic’ of SXM
40:17 – Croissants at Sunrise: A Family-Run Festival Spirit
38:53 / 39:43 – Building Happy Bay from Empty Beach to Festival Village
40:44 – Closing Reflections: Culture, Family, and the Spirit of SXM Festival