A New Chapter for the Groove Cruise DJ Contest

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For years, the Groove Cruise DJ Contest has discovered rising talent and launched careers on a platform unlike any other onboard the world’s largest music cruise. This year, we’re raising the bar even higher by partnering with Beatport & LabelRadar, expanding the format to include producers, opening entries to artists internationally, and introducing Whet Music, our brand-new record label!

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What’s Changing and Why It Matters

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• First Ever Collaboration with Beatport & LabelRadar: Two industry innovators in music discovery and distribution power our contest, elevating it beyond anything we’ve done before.
  
  
• DJ + Producer Format: Not just for bedroom DJs! Producers can now submit original tracks, leading to real-world opportunities for release and performance.
  
  
• Global Access: Aspiring creators from anywhere can participate, not just in the U.S.
  
  
• Launch of Whet Music: The winner gets an exclusive release on our very own label, an industry-first for Groove Cruise.
  
  
• Our Biggest Grand Prize Yet: The prize includes a DJ set on Groove Cruise Miami 2026, track release, stateroom for two, travel reimbursement, Beatport goodies, and more.

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The Groove Cruise DJ competitions have long been known as one of the strongest artist springboards in electronic music. We've helped launch careers and provided the kind of exposure few contests can match.

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• Alley Kay – Went from winning the contest to becoming a Groove Cruise fan favorite, as well as touring and playing festivals internationally. She’s now returned multiple times to perform and grow alongside the community.
  
  
• Doc Brown – Built on his Groove Cruise breakthrough to release tracks on major labels, showcase the best of the underground with his own Unlearn:Records, and establish himself as a staple in house music. His label-hosted stage has a huge draw every sailing.
  
  
• SHAM – Crowned the 2022 Cabo winner, SHAM has since been appointed A&R of Gene Farris’s Farris Wheel Records, gained press coverage, expanded his releases, and continues to rise in the scene.
  
  

These success stories are proof that winning the Groove Cruise contest is more than just a one-time gig, it’s the first step in a career-changing journey.

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How the Contest Works

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PHASE ONE:
Submit an unsigned, original track through the CONTEST PAGE by 11:59 PM PT on September 19, 2025. Producers and DJs, this is your moment to shine!

PHASE TWO:
A short list of finalists will be invited to submit a 30-minute DJ mix. Our panel of judges, including Beatport & LabelRadar talent, will select the Grand Prize Winner for our big stage.

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See full contest details HERE.

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The Grand Prize

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Here's what’s on deck for the winner:

• DJ set aboard Groove Cruise Miami 2026 (Jan 22–26)
  
  
• Official track release on Whet Music
  
  
• Interior stateroom for two (taxes/fees not included)
  
  
• Travel reimbursement up to $600
  
  
• Exclusive swag bag
  
  
• Featured media coverage & guest spot on State of the Ocean
• Excite Audio Bloom plugin bundle
  
  
• 6-month Beatport Streaming membership
  
  

Runners-up also receive great gear and memberships, making this one of the most generously awarded DJ contests out there.

See all prizes HERE.

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How To Enter

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Visit the LabelRadar CONTEST PAGE for details, rules, and to submit your track.

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