Beatport launches remix competition for Madonna's 'Ray of Light'

Beatport has launched a new competition encouraging budding producers to remix Madonna’s 1998 classic track ‘Ray Of Light’.

The ‘Madonna Global Remix Challenge’ was launched on August 28 by Beatport, Madonna, Warner Records and Rhino Entertainment, asking producers to “put their spin on a piece of music history”.

Producers will be able to use original stems from recording sessions between Madonna and William Orbit, encouraging those from “all over the world” to rework the GRAMMY-winning track.

The competition is open now for entries, and will close on September 25. The winner will be revealed just weeks later on October 15 through Beatportal, the platform’s editorial branch.

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A prize pool worth more than $12,000 is up for grabs, which includes a signed vinyl by Madonna, “top” studio gear and software such as a monitor, headphones, and microphone, and the opportunity to get signed by Warner Records. 

There’s also two runners-up prizes worth $3,000 altogether, while all entrants will receive access to a virtual instrument, Excite Audio’s Bloom Drum Machine Lite, just for signing up.

“Madonna’s cult 1998 album ‘Ray of Light’ marked a pivotal shift in pop, introducing electronic music to a broader audience and helping pave the way for its mainstream breakthrough,” Beatport said alongside the announcement.

Speaking on the challenge, Madonna says: “My appreciation for the art of remixing has been passionate since I started making music. The ability to propel boundaries and do the unexpected is something I can relate to as an artist. I look forward to hearing everyone’s interpretation - don’t hold back."

Read this next: From the archive: When Madonna became Veronica Electronica

The competition landed following the release of Madonna’s long-rumoured remix package, 'Veronica Electronica', featuring eight rare and unreleased remixes from the likes of Sasha, William Orbit, Peter Rauhofer and more.

The remix collection was initially planned for release as an accompaniment to her album 'Ray of Light' back in 1998, but was shelved for almost three decades.

In July, Mixmag republished a cover story with Madonna from March 2000, where she spoke on her dance music persona, her favourite DJs, and more. Check it out here.

Enter the Madonna Global Remix Challenge here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter