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Few tracks connect pop and electronic music the way Madonna’s Ray of Light did in 1998. Produced with William Orbit, it carried trance and ambient influences into the charts at a time when that sound was still underground for most listeners. For a generation of fans, it was an introduction to electronic music’s textures and energy.
Beatport – the World’s largest music store for DJs – in partnership with Warner Music Group has now launched a global remix contest for the track, giving producers access to the original stems and the chance to put their own stamp on one of Madonna’s defining singles. The contest is open until September 25, 2025.
The prizes go beyond more than $12,000 in studio gear. There’s also a signed Ray of Light vinyl and the possibility of an official release, which makes this competition as much about recognition as it is about equipment.
Major artists and labels are increasingly opening up classic material to new interpretations. These opportunities allow younger producers to engage directly with tracks that shaped previous generations, while also showing how electronic music has changed over time.
The contest launches together with the release of Veronica Electronica, a remix album from the same era featuring contributions from William Orbit, Sasha, BT, Victor Calderone and Peter Rauhofer. It’s a reminder of how central remixes were to Madonna’s work and how electronic music was shaping pop culture in the late ’90s.
The message to participants was simple: “My appreciation for the art of remixing has been passionate since I started making music,” said Madonna. “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.”
For anyone producing today, it’s a chance to engage with the legacy of Ray of Light while showing what electronic music sounds like in 2025. All details about the competition can be found here!
