Submissions open March 4, 2026 and close March 30, 2026.
Elevate Miami and Guitars Over Guns in collaboration with the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami Launch “Elevated Tracks 305”
Miami is one of the most musically influential cities in the world. From Latin pop and hip-hop to jazz and electronic music, its sound has traveled globally. Yet unlike cities such as New York or San Francisco, Miami does not have a formally adopted anthem.
That may be about to change through a new independent, community-driven cultural initiative.
Elevate Miami and Guitars Over Guns are launching “Elevated Tracks 305” in collaboration with the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. The global open call invites creators anywhere in the world with a meaningful connection to Miami to compose an original, contemporary anthem that captures the city’s rhythm, complexity, resilience, and cultural influence.
Submissions open March 4, 2026 and close March 30, 2026.
The initiative is supported by iconic global artists and industry leaders with Miami roots, including 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. The Distinguished Jury includes Julio Bagué, Vice President Latin Division East Coast and Puerto Rico at peermusic, Chad Bernstein, Founder & CEO of Guitars Over Guns, and award-winning faculty members from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.
Open to all genres, including Latin, pop, hip-hop, R&B, jazz, fusion and beyond, the competition will award a total of six winners, three adults and three youth. In each category, first place will receive $10,000, second place $2,500 and third place $1,000. All winners will also receive citywide and national amplification through media, live performances and digital platforms in 2026.
“The Frost School of Music has had a profound impact on the arts, music, and cultural scene in Miami since the school opened its doors nearly 100 years ago. In that time, our institution has cultivated and supported talented songwriters whose music has etched itself into people’s hearts and minds,” said Dean Shelton G. “Shelly” Berg of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. “Our esteemed faculty and renowned alumni are proud to lend their expertise to select songs by a new generation of Miamians, identifying fresh musical anthems that will capture the spirit of the city today and for generations to come.”
“Guitars Over Guns has helped young artists find their voice and tell their stories for nearly 20 years,” adds Bernstein. “This initiative honors those voices alongside established creators and industry leaders. It reflects Miami’s full creative ecosystem – intergenerational, diverse, and fearless.”
Joe Deitch, Founder of the Elevate Prize Foundation, Elevate Cities, and Elevate Miami, described the project as emblematic of Elevate’s broader mission.
“Elevate Miami is designed to spark bold, joy-filled moments that strengthen belonging, connection, and civic pride at scale,” said Deitch. “Elevated Tracks 305 is more than a contest. It is an invitation for creators to help define how this city presents itself to the world for the next generation.”
Final winners will be determined through a 50 percent jury and 50 percent public vote model.
By aligning Guitars Over Guns’ deep community impact and Elevate Miami’s ambition to reimagine civic engagement, along with the prestige of the Frost School of Music, Elevated Tracks 305 sets a new standard for how arts institutions and civic platforms can collaborate to create enduring cultural artifacts.
Winners will be announced in early May. Learn more at: www.elevatecities.org/miami/
Songs may be submitted at elevatecities.submittable.com