Calling all musicians: transform ordinary subway sounds from the New York City subway into extraordinary music in Soundcheck’s Remix the Rails contest!

PLEASE NOTE: THE ENTRY DEADLINE FOR "REMIX THE RAILS" HAS PASSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO SUBMITTED A SONG. WE WILL REVEAL OUR LISTENER LATER THIS WEEK ON SOUNDCHECK. STAY TUNED!

Here’s how:

1. Download the short audio clips (MP3s or WAVs) of sounds we recorded at subway stations, including MetroCard readers, escalators, subway cars that sound like “West Side Story” and, of course, the “stand clear of the closing doors, please,” announcement.

2. Use one or more of our audio clips to create a new piece of music. You may alter or manipulate clips as much (or as little) as you desire. You may also use other sounds and recordings. The sky’s the limit, but please note: Your composition must be an original work and will be subject to our contest rules below.

4. Complete our entry form below. Audio files can either be emailed to SoundcheckContest@gmail.com or uploaded to our Soundcloud Dropbox.

PRIZE: a one-month unlimited MetroCard for the NYC transit system. Winning entry will be announced on an episode of Soundcheck.

DEADLINE: ENTRY DEADLINE HAS PASSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

Remix the Rails was inspired by the Washington Post blog Click Track’s recent project. It remixed the sound of squeaky escalators in the city’s Metro stations. Post pop music critic Chris Richards will serve as the judge for our contest and determine a winner. (Hear Chris talk about the first project on Soundcheck.)

RULES: Must be 18 years of age or older. Not open to employees of New York Public Radio, their immediate families or persons living in the same household. Void where prohibited by law. Only one entry per person. 

Entries must contain one or more of the subway sound files provided via the contest page. Entrant is permitted to manipulate and/or alter original sound files. Entries must be received by 9 a.m. ET on Monday, March 14 using the methods detailed on this page. By submitting an entry, you are asserting the following: a) New York Public Radio may broadcast, webcast and archive your entry in whole or partial form indefinitely; and b) that your entry is an original work. 

Work will be judged by Washington Post music critic Chris Richards on the basis of creativity, imagination, originality and musicality. One winner will be chosen.  Prize is a one-month unlimited MetroCard for the NYC transit system. Prize is nontransferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.  Judge’s decision will be final. Any misrepresentation made by an entrant or multiples entries will result in disqualification of the entrant. Winner’s name will be kept on file at WNYC and will be available by writing WNYC Listener Services, 160 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013.

Download the MP3s below or visit Soundcloud to get the WAV versions.

1. Escalator at Grand Central Terminal

2. Escalator at the World Trade Center

3. Emergency Exit at 86th Street

4. Aboard the 4 train

5. Card Swipe at 86th Street

6. Three Notes at Times Square

7. Ding Dong at 14th Street

8. Announcer at Spring Street