Ahead of World Piano Day this coming Friday, we recognize the instrument's significant contribution in the shaping of countless dance classics. From the early days of underground rave culture to the global phenomenon that dance music is today, the piano has left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring generations of producers, artists, and music lovers. Join us as we celebrate a selection of classic dance tracks influenced by this remarkable instrument.
Most Precious Love – Barbara Tucker, Blaze, and U.D.A.U.F.L.
In 2005, Blaze released ‘Most Precious Love’, a track graced with the vocals of icon and house music pioneer Barbara Tucker. Starting with strong piano chords and soulful vocals, the song seamlessly transitions into a captivating funky melody that has served as inspiration for countless remixes and other house tracks. Alongside the artists featured, ‘Most Precious Love’ has gained its highly deserved place as an undeniable house anthem.
Piano 2003 (DJ Jean Remix) – B.O.B. Ltd.
Produced by British producer, Brian Eno, and remixed by DJ Jean in the early 200s, ‘Piano 2003’ thrives on its classical piano chords, synths, and melodic elements, which created an electronic ambient track that to this date, resonates on every dancefloor.
Afro Medusa – Pasilda
Dating back to the early 2000s, Pasilda is a perfect blend of conga beats with strong percussions, and catchy vocal arrangements, making it a staple in clubs around the world, and guaranteeing to fill the dancefloor with its infectious Latin rhythm.
Turn Around (Hey What’s Wrong With You)– Phats and Small
British duo Phats and Small released ‘Turn Around’ in the late 90s, where the track became an instant dance music classic due to its energetic mixture of beats, infectious chorus and memorable piano harmony. ‘Turn Around (Hey What's Wrong With You)’ emerged as a true dance anthem all over the world.
On My Way – Kerri Chandler
With 'On My Way,' house music icon Kerri Chandler's innovative blend of jazz-infused house music inspired artists of the time. His pioneering style helped define the sound of a genre that, to this day, undeniably stands as a staple of electronic music.
About Armada Music
Armada Music is the biggest independent dance music label in the world. Founded by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron (CEO) and David Lewis, the label manages an ever-growing catalog of over 40,000 tracks, built up across twenty-plus years of specialized dance music exploitation.
Representing artists such as Armin van Buuren, ARTY, D.O.D, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Tensnake, THEMBA and Yulia Niko, Armada Music amasses more than one billion streams per month, airplay on leading radio outlets such as BBC Radio 1 and Sirius XM, and top positions in the world’s most notable charts. The label also takes great pride in major achievements such as Armin van Buuren’s GRAMMY nomination for ‘This Is What It Feels Like’, Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ surpassing one billion streams on Spotify and breaking artists such as Lost Frequencies into global stardom.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a truly global appeal to its growing roster. The label has its own club, radio studio and multiple production studios, and hosts various live formats. Producer platform Armada University, which offers educational products and opportunities, shows the label’s sustained effort to nurture the next wave of talent.
In 2023, Armada Music launched BEAT Music Fund, the world’s first dance music investment company, that acquires catalogs with the mission of honoring, representing and reinvigorating them. BEAT’s portfolio will continue to grow; in the first six months following its launch, BEAT acquired the catalogs of, among others, electronic music star ARTY, house and techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Records, legendary NYC-based house label King Street Sounds and chart-topping producers Chocolate Puma.
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