Remix Contest: 11 Places to Find Every Single Remix Competition

Entering a remix contest is an important milestone for every aspiring producer.

Sure, it might be stressful. You’ve got the pressure of the deadline. And you don’t know if your remix will hold up against other entries.

But in my opinion, there is a LOT to learn from entering remix contests. That’s why I’ve put together this guide! Together, we’ll look at:

• The benefits of entering a remix contest
• Practical tips to boost your chances of winning
• A complete list of every remix contest I could find

Ready? Let’s dive in 👇

What is a Remix Contest?

Chances are if you’re here, you already know what a remix contest is 😅

But just in case you don’t, here is the low down.

A remix contest is a competition where multiple producers have access to the stems of a song. They then create a remix, using some or all of the stems. They might need to follow specific rules and submit their remix before a given deadline.

Usually, there is a predefined panel of judges. These could be the artist, their management, or the label managers.

However, some remix contests are open to public voting. Whichever track gets the most votes wins the competition.

Note that remix competitions are different from song challenges.

Sample companies will sometimes organize contests based on specific sample packs. The idea here is to create a track based on a specific number of samples provided. However, these are different from remix contests.

In a remix contest, you are provided with stems from an original track. It is then up to you to come up with a re-interpretation of that song.

Why You Should Enter a Remix Contest NOW ⏱️

Let’s get one thing out of the way.

There aren’t any real downsides to entering a remix contest.

Even if you’ve just started producing, you can learn a lot from attempting remixes. It might even speed up your learning curve!

Let’s look at some benefits of entering a remix contest 👇

Learn From the Pros

When you download a remix pack, it might include the following:

• Vocal stems
• Separate instruments
• Drum track
• MIDI files

A remix contest is a HUGE learning resource.

This is because you have access to the source material of pros. You can analyze how the melody was written. You can find out how the bass mixes with the kick and snare. Or you can even dig into how the vocal melody aligns with the chord progression.

Some remix contests will offer more or less stems to work with. But there’s always something to learn.

Learn to FINISH a Track

Here at EDMProd, we’re big advocates of finishing more tracks.

And let’s face it: the deadline is the best motivator.

Learning to finish tracks is a skill. And what better way to train that skill than with a deadline?

If you enter a remix contest, you’ll have a strict deadline to meet.

Your only choice is to roll your sleeves and get to work! You’ll be surprised how efficient you are the closer the deadline! 😅

Gain Exposure

Contest winners will often be shared publicly:

In terms of exposure, it doesn’t get much better.

Even if you don’t win, you might be featured on a shortlist. And in any case, you might still be allowed to publish your remix on Soundcloud. A great way to get noticed!

It’s Easier to Write than an Original Track

I don’t think this is a controversial opinion. Coming up with ideas from a blank canvas can be hard.

But working with awesome-sounding stems? Not so much!

Now, I didn’t say writing a good remix was easy. But getting started is much easier. This is why we recommend new producers to enter remix contests. If you’re stuck in a creative rut, trying out a remix competition can also be a solution.

Build your Music Theory Knowledge

Finally, entering a remix contest is a great way to learn music theory:

Let’s say you decide to focus on a vocal.

More than likely, you need to know the key of that vocal.

If you decide to write new chords, using the circle of fifths is useful. You’ll learn which chords work in your key. And you’ll figure out under which notes certain chords fit.

There are a ton of other advantages to entering remix contests—winning gear, learning to think creatively, etc.

But for now, let’s move on to the meat of this article 🔥

A List of EVERY Single Remix Contest 👇

So hopefully I’ve convinced you to enter a remix contest. Now let’s look at where to find them. These are in no particular order.

SKIO Music

The Skio Music platform is one of the leading remix contest platforms:

The platform usually has several remix contests in parallel. Prizes are often eye-watering, including mentorship, monitors, sample packs, artist merch, and more.

One great thing is that all the entries are public:

This means you can get noticed and win over fans even if you don’t win.

Check out remix competitions on Skio Music

Kreasound

The platform Kreasound is a great place for community-held remix competitions:

The great thing is that anybody can create and host his remix competition. At the time of writing, there were 9 open remix contests running. Be mindful however that prizes are often more modest (release + maybe a small cash prize).

Check out remix competitions on Kreasound

Armada Music

Armada Music is one of the biggest dance music labels in the world. It was co-founded in 2003 by Armin van Buuren:

Armada regularly hosts remix competitions on its website. The most recent as I write this guide was for the track Kill My Heart by Zack Martino.

The top prize usually includes an official release on Armada Music. Not bad!

Check out remix competitions on Armada Music

Spinnin’ Records

Alongside Armada, Spinnin’ Records is another juggernaut of the EDM world:

Spinnin’ Records was founded in 1999, and subsequently sold to Warner in 2017 for over $100 million.

The label regularly hosts remix contests from artists such as Tiësto, David Guetta, and Cedric Gervais.

Note that these remix competitions often gather hundreds of entries. So don’t feel bad if you don’t win 😅

Check out remix competitions on Spinnin’ Records

BPM-Remix

BPM-Remix is part of the BPM-College, a music school based in Israel:

The platform isn’t that active anymore (the last remix contest was in December 2022). But it’s worth keeping an eye on it nonetheless.

Check out remix competitions on BPM-Remix

Audius

This platform is presented as a new Spotify alternative based on blockchain technology (I think 😅):

The platform features a variety of remix contests and challenges. Prizes include official releases as well as some massive cash prizes.

Check out remix competitions on Audius

REMIEXS

No, I did not misspell that, it’s actually REMIEXS 😅

This platform is more of an aggregator. So some remix contests might overlap with other websites on this list.

However, one great thing about REMIEXS is that it actually fetches remix competitions hosted on Soundcloud.

A great way to find more niche contests!

Check out remix competitions on REMIEXS

Rate My Mix

The Rate My Mix platform hosts monthly mixing and remixing contests:

The songs often focus on instrumental or rock tracks. Prizes include a ton of hardware and recording gear. But expect some stiff competition though 😅

Check out remix competitions on Rate My Mix

Sonic Academy

Although updates here are less frequent (a few contests a year), it’s still worth checking out:

The latest remix contest they hosted offered a $500 cash prize and numerous plugins for the winner.

Check out remix competitions on Sonic Academy

Cymatics

Although not technically a remix competition platform, Cymatics does host some contests:

Usually, these are based on their own sample packs. Prizes include Cymatics samples and plugins, shoutouts, and more.

The only downside is that you sometimes need to buy a sample pack to participate.

Check out remix competitions on Cymatics

Social Media

One of the best ways is to simply follow your favorite artists and labels:

They will usually be the first ones to announce when a new remix contest is open!

Inactive Platforms

Through endless Google scrolling, I found a number of platforms that are not active anymore. So I figured I would mention them here:

• Remix Comps (hasn’t been updated since 2018)
• Metapop (now redirects to Native Instruments)
• FindRemix (hasn’t been updated since 2021)
• LANDR Challenge (discontinued)
• Mixinghub (hasn’t been updated since 2021)

5 Tips If You Decide to Enter a Remix Contest 🎯

So you’ve decided to enter a remix contest. What now? Here are our 5 best tips to maximize your chances of winning.

Remix Contest Tip #1: Focus On Only 1 Stem

A great way to stand out from the crowd is to be selective.

One example is to only use the vocal (if it’s provided):

Listen through every stem, and find one that appeals to you. Build on it, and remove all the rest.

Remix Contest Tip #2: Don’t Listen to the Original

This one might be a bit controversial. However, I’ve found it hugely beneficial in my remixes.

Of course, you can’t unhear a song that you know.

However, I find it helps me to NOT go back to the original track. Once you have the stems, just focus on them. Don’t go back to the original track for inspiration. You’ll end up writing the same tune 😅

Remix Contest Tip #3: Treat a Remix as An Original Track

I find it really important to treat your remix as an original track.

This will help you create something brand new.

Want to extend the intro? No problem. Shorten the breakdown? You got it. Feel free to be original and deviate from the original structure.

Remix Contest Tip #4: Create a New Hook

This one can be challenging for beginner producers. Especially if you know the original track.

However, coming up with a new hook is one of the best ways to stand out.

You could for example introduce a new melody in the second drop. Or chop up the vocal to create something new. If you’re interested, check out this guide on vocal processing for some ideas.

Remix Contest Tip #5: Catch the Listener’s Attention

Put yourself in the shoes of a judge. They might listen to dozens, even hundreds of submissions.

So make their life easier. Hook them directly.

Try to have something catchy in the first 10-15 seconds. You could for example minimize the intro to just 8 bars. Then, you go directly into a first build-up and drop. Remember, your goal here is to immediately grab the attention.

That’s It for This Guide! 🙏

That’s a wrap for this guide on entering a remix contest! New remix competitions are popping up every day, so I’ll try to keep this list updated.

Did I miss out on any important ones? Let me know over at [email protected]