Ministry of Sound to host a 12-hour-long livestreamed DJ contest

Six emerging DJs will compete for a Ministry of Sound residency and £25,000 in prizes through the new interactive Twitch competition.

Finding a way into the dance music industry has become increasingly difficult for emerging DJs, but Ministry of Sound is hoping to change that with the launch of Boxed In. The new competition puts a fresh spin on the traditional DJ contest by combining live performance, audience participation, and mentorship in a 12-hour livestream that will air on Twitch this September.

Rather than judging contestants through a single recorded mix or short live set, Boxed In challenges six rising DJs to spend an entire day inside the club’s newly renovated main room, The Box. Throughout the competition, they’ll face a variety of tests designed to showcase more than just technical mixing skills. Contestants will also be pushed on their adaptability, music selection, stage presence, and ability to handle the pressure of performing for an extended period.

One of the biggest twists is that viewers won’t just be watching from home. Fans tuning in on Twitch will have the chance to influence the competition through live voting and real-time interaction, helping shape challenges and playing a role in deciding who comes out on top. It’s an approach that turns the livestream into an interactive experience while giving new artists exposure to a global audience.

Each competitor will also receive guidance from established names in dance music before and during the contest. The mentor lineup brings together artists from across different corners of the electronic music scene to help coach the finalists through the challenge. The mentor lineup includes Sam Divine, G33 of Girls Don’t Sync, Fish56Octagon, Mak10, Jakkob, and Sian Owen.

Courtesy of Ministry of Sound

The winning DJ won’t just walk away with bragging rights. Along with a coveted Ministry of Sound residency, the champion will receive £25,000 worth of equipment, studio time, and artist development resources. Anyone looking to compete can apply by submitting a 60-second video explaining why they should be selected, along with a 15-minute mix uploaded to SoundCloud. 

The announcement arrives as the Ministry of Sound continues celebrating its 35th anniversary with major investments in the club, including the renovation of The Box and a global anniversary tour. 

About The Author

author

My name is Alejandra Benitez and I was born and raised in the DMV. Having close proximity to Washington D.C. means I am accustomed to a fast paced environment as things are constantly changing. For me, the EDM scene has provided so much comfort and space to really find myself even amongst chaos. My first ever show was Zeds Dead and it truly changed my outlook on community and further affirmed my love for music. I am a basshead at heart but enjoy exploring new genres and artists. Being a writer for Exron has given me an amazing opportunity to learn more about the electronic music industry and I love being able to express myself creatively. Some of my favorite artists include Levity, Rezz, Tape B, Disco Lines, and Sub Focus.

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