Inside SXM Festival: From Acid House to SXM Festival, Burning Man & Building All Day I Dream

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.

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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