Key Takeaways
- Miami is launching a global songwriting competition called “Elevated Tracks 305” to create its first official anthem.
- The initiative is a collaboration between Elevate Miami, Guitars Over Guns, and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.
- Creators worldwide with a connection to Miami are invited to submit original contemporary anthems.
- Submissions opened on March 4, 2026, and will close on March 30, 2026.
- The competition offers cash prizes for adult and youth winners, with first place receiving $10,000.
- Iconic artists and industry leaders with Miami roots, such as Rico Love and Jon Secada, support the initiative.
- Winners will be selected through a combination of jury and public voting.
Summary Lead
Elevate Miami, Guitars Over Guns, and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami have launched “Elevated Tracks 305,” a global songwriting competition to create Miami’s first official anthem. The contest, which opened on March 4, 2026, and closes on March 30, 2026, invites musicians worldwide with a connection to the city to compose an original song that captures Miami’s unique rhythm, complexity, resilience, and cultural influence. This initiative aims to give Miami an official anthem, something it has historically lacked despite its significant global musical impact.
The Deep Dive
A City Unsung: The Quest for Miami’s Official Anthem
Miami, a city pulsating with a diverse and globally influential music scene—from Latin pop and hip-hop to jazz and electronic music—has surprisingly never had an officially adopted anthem. This absence is being addressed by “Elevated Tracks 305,” a new cultural initiative spearheaded by Elevate Miami and Guitars Over Guns, in collaboration with the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. The project marks a significant effort to capture the city’s vibrant spirit in a single, unifying song.
“Elevated Tracks 305”: A Global Call to Creators
The “Elevated Tracks 305” competition is a worldwide open call, welcoming creators from all corners of the globe who share a meaningful connection to Miami. Participants are tasked with composing an original, contemporary anthem that embodies Miami’s distinctive character—its rhythm, its complexity, its resilience, and its profound cultural influence. The submission window opened on March 4, 2026, and interested artists have until March 30, 2026, to submit their entries.
A Collaborative Effort with Star Power
This ambitious undertaking has garnered support from a roster of acclaimed artists and industry leaders who have deep roots in Miami. Notable figures lending their endorsement and expertise include Grammy-award winning songwriter and producer Rico Love, Latin Grammy and Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Jon Secada, Latin Grammy and Grammy-award winning songwriter and producer Rudy Pérez, and Latin Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter, and Frost School alumnus Danny Flores. These luminaries, along with faculty members from the Frost School of Music, will form part of a distinguished jury tasked with evaluating the submissions. The jury also includes Julio Bagué, Vice President of the Latin Division East Coast and Puerto Rico at peermusic, and Chad Bernstein, Founder & CEO of Guitars Over Guns.
Prizes and Recognition
“Elevated Tracks 305” is not only an opportunity for artistic expression but also offers significant rewards. A total of six winners will be selected: three adults and three youth. The top prize in each category is $10,000, with second place receiving $2,500 and third place earning $1,000. Beyond the monetary awards, all winners will receive considerable exposure through citywide and national media, live performances, and digital platforms throughout 2026.
The Judging Process and Civic Pride
The selection process for the winning anthem will be a democratic one, with final winners determined by a 50 percent jury vote and a 50 percent public vote. This approach ensures that the chosen anthem resonates with both industry experts and the general public. Joe Deitch, Founder of the Elevate Prize Foundation, Elevate Cities, and Elevate Miami, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with Elevate’s broader mission to foster belonging, connection, and civic pride. “Elevated Tracks 305 is more than a contest,” Deitch stated. “It is an invitation for creators to help define how this city presents itself to the world for the next generation.”
Musical Diversity and the Spirit of Miami
The competition embraces all musical genres, including Latin, pop, hip-hop, R&B, jazz, fusion, and beyond, reflecting the rich and diverse soundscape of Miami. Organizers emphasize that the goal is to capture the multifaceted essence of Miami – its energy, its cultural fusion, and its undeniable global appeal. By bringing together established institutions, emerging artists, and the wider community, “Elevated Tracks 305” aims to create an enduring cultural artifact that truly represents Miami.
FAQ: People Also Ask
What is “Elevated Tracks 305”?
“Elevated Tracks 305” is a global songwriting competition launched by Elevate Miami, Guitars Over Guns, and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. It aims to create Miami’s first official anthem by inviting musicians worldwide to compose original songs that capture the city’s spirit and culture.
Who can participate in the “Elevated Tracks 305” competition?
The competition is open to creators anywhere in the world who have a meaningful connection to Miami. Submissions are accepted across all musical genres, including Latin, pop, hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and fusion.
What are the prizes for winning “Elevated Tracks 305”?
There are six winning spots: three for adults and three for youth. The first-place winners in each category will receive $10,000, with second place receiving $2,500 and third place receiving $1,000. Winners will also gain significant media exposure and performance opportunities.
