Beatport, Warner Music Group, and music icon Madonna have officially unveiled the Ray of Light Global Remix Challenge, inviting producers worldwide to reimagine one of dance music’s most transformative tracks. Running from August 28 to September 25, 2025, the contest allows participants to download official stems from Madonna and William Orbit’s original production and submit their remix via Beatport’s Label Radar platform. The winner will be revealed on October 15 on Beatportal, the editorial hub for global DJ culture.
The challenge launches alongside the long-awaited release of Veronica Electronica, a companion project to Ray of Light featuring newly edited club remixes from William Orbit, Peter Rauhofer, Sasha, BT, and Victor Calderone. Originally planned in 1998, the project was shelved after Ray of Light became a runaway global success, earning Madonna four GRAMMY® Awards—including “Best Dance Recording” for the title track—and selling more than 16 million copies worldwide.
Released in 1998, Ray of Light marked a dramatic sonic departure for Madonna, blending electronic and ambient elements into her pop foundation. At the heart of that transformation was British producer and composer William Orbit, whose visionary production reshaped the sound of modern pop and dance music.
Madonna shared her excitement for the challenge:
“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.”
Emilie Birks, VP of Marketing at The Beatport Group, added:
“Today marks the launch of an exhilarating new chapter in our Global Remix Challenge. Madonna’s Ray of Light is a seminal masterpiece, and this initiative unites an icon with a worldwide community of producers ready to redefine the track’s legacy.”
With the Ray of Light Global Remix Challenge, a new generation of artists now has the opportunity to remix one of the most influential songs in dance music history—bridging past, present, and future in true Madonna fashion.
How to Enter:
- Download the official stems from Ray of Light via Beatportal.
- Redeem a free Excite Audio Bloom Drum Machine Lite plugin (value $29) using code rayoflight at checkout.
- Submit remixes through LabelRadar.
Key Dates:
- Launch: August 28, 2025
- Deadline: September 25, 2025
- Winner Announced: October 15, 2025, on Beatportal
Grand Prize: worth $12,000 +
- Signed Ray of Light vinyl from Madonna
- iLoud Micro Monitor Pro by IK Multimedia
- Minimal Audio ‘Everything Minimal’ Bundle
- Pure Tube microphone by Lewitt
- DT 1990 PRO MKII Headphones by Beyerdynamic
- SonicBundle by UVI
- And more
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