Public Domain Music Remix Contest: Tulane Libraries and WTUL Are Looking for Creative Music Made by You!

Tulane Libraries, in partnership with WTUL New Orleans, is launching an exciting new creative opportunity for students: the Public Domain Music Remix Contest. This competition invites students to reimagine and remix music that has recently entered or will soon enter the public domain, transforming classic works into fresh, original compositions.  

Contest Overview  

Tulane students are challenged to create a 3-5 minute musical work that samples and remixes music that entered the public domain in 2025/2026. Whether you're a music producer, an aspiring DJ, or simply someone who loves experimenting with sound, this contest offers a chance to get creative with cultural heritage while developing new pieces of music. 

To get started, first identify music that has entered the public domain, this includes recordings published in 1924 or earlier, as well as sounds published more recently directly to the public domain. You can find public domain music through resources like Discogs and the Library of Congress 

Once you've selected your source material, download the audio files and import them into your favorite digital audio workstation software like GarageBand, Audacity, or other commercial programs like FL Studio or Ableton Live. From there, you can isolate samples, stretch, loop, change the pitch, and perform other actions to create entirely original works. 

The beauty of working with public domain material is that you have complete creative freedom—you can use as much or as little of the original as you want. 

Read the Contest Rules & Guidelines, and upload your completed work by 11:59 PM on January 14, 2025. 

Voting 

Community voting will take place from January 16-31, giving the Tulane community a chance to listen to all entries and select their favorites. 

All contest entries will be compiled into a single, chaptered YouTube video, with each remix receiving its own title card so voters can easily identify and reference specific pieces. Be sure to tune in to contest radio partner WTUL New Orleans to hear your submission played on air during the community voting period.   

Three winners will be announced on February 2. 

Prizes include: 

• 1st Place: Audio Technica ATH-M20x Closed-Back Monitoring Headphones 
• 2nd Place: Recording Studio in Use sign 
• 3rd Place: Analog Synthesizer stainless steel insulated tumbler 

All winners will receive a tote bag from one of our local record shops packed with goodies. 

Why Public Domain Matters   

The public domain represents our shared cultural heritage—works that are free for everyone to use, remix, and reimagine without permission or fees. Each January 1st, new works enter the public domain, opening up fresh creative possibilities. 

The Public Domain Music Remix Contest is inspired by similar creative initiatives, including the Internet Archive's annual film remix contest.  

Questions? Contact Tulane Libraries at mediaservices@tulane.edu  

The Public Domain Music Remix Contest is presented by Media Services of Tulane University Libraries and WTUL as part of its commitment to supporting student creativity, digital literacy, and engagement with our shared cultural commons.