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 1929 and compositions whose copyright has expired. You can find public domain music through resources like Discogs and 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 programs like FL Studio or Ableton Live. From there, you can chop up the original recording into samples, loop interesting sections, change the tempo or pitch, layer tracks, add your own original instruments or beats, and apply effects like reverb, distortion, or filters.
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.
Upload your completed work here by 11:59 PM on January 14, 2025, to be included in the community vote.
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.
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
Be sure to read carefully the Contest Rules and Guidelines before your start!
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.
