Celebrating two decades of one of house music’s most iconic tracks ‘Most Precious Love’, legendary NYC house label King Street Sounds is proud to announce a special Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) in-store event at Killacutz Record Store alongside the release of a limited-edition anniversary vinyl.
Taking place on Friday, October 24 during ADE, King Street Sounds will take over Killacutz Record Store for an afternoon of vinyl-only DJ sets by DJ Spen and Saint Lukez, plus a vinyl signing session and live PA from Barbara Tucker – the track's original vocalist. The event is walk-up and first-come-first-serve.
Releasing in tandem with the in-store celebrations, a limited edition anniversary vinyl will land in select record stores worldwide and online, featuring new versions from Sam Divine and Nico De Andrea alongside Dennis Ferrer’s Future 3000 Mix and Michael Gray’s mix.
Killacutz x King Street Sounds ADE Event Details:
Date & Time: Friday 24 October, 13:00–17:00
Venue: Killacutz Record Store, Nieuwe Nieuwstraat 21-hs, 1012 NG Amsterdam
Line-up: DJ Spen, Barbara Tucker (vinyl signing and live PA), Saint Lukez
Originally released in 2004, Most Precious Love is a defining house anthem from Blaze, Underground Dance Artists United For Life (UDAUFL) and Barbara Tucker. The track quickly became a global sensation, with standout remixes from Dennis Ferrer, Copyright, Michael Gray, YASS, and more. Ferrer’s Future 3000 Mix propelled the record to the top of the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in 2005, while the Freemasons’ rework helped it break into the UK Official Charts Top 20 in 2006, cementing its place as a modern classic.
About King Street Sounds
The story of King Street Sounds starts at the Paradise Garage in New York City, the iconic nightclub that birthed the soulful house music movement. Once home to the late DJ Larry Levan, the Paradise Garage has had a major influence on the career choice and artistic style of house royalty such as David Morales, Louie Vega and Junior Vasquez, and was a keystone for the region's LGBT culture, particularly for Black and Latin American men. This spirit, along with the iconic music the Garage cultivated, inspired the foundation of King Street Sounds in 1993.
Japanese founder Hisa Ishioka continues to spearhead the label’s output, maintaining King Street Sounds’ position at the forefront of dance culture. Predominantly focusing on its roots in house music whilst also pushing the sonic boundaries of the label to include Afro, Latin, jazz and tech-infused records, King Street Sounds has a global repertoire with a worldwide following. Household names such as Blaze, Barbara Tucker and Ultra Naté released exceedingly successful records such as ‘Most Precious Love’ and ‘Party Girl’ on the label, while house legends Kerri Chandler and Dennis Ferrer signed their seminal albums ‘Trionisphere’ and ‘The World As I See It’ to King Street Sounds.
Fast forward to today, King Street Sounds continues to honor the legacy of the past thirty years, weaving its music into the modern ecosystem to educate and entertain new ears and existing fans. Through the continued work of label founder Hisa and a dedicated team of dance music experts, a new wave of talent pumps the beating heart of this legendary label.
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 50,000 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, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, 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. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a 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.
King Street Sounds Unveils the Electrifying King Street: Beat Match II Remix Compilation.
King Street Sounds is thrilled to announce the release of its latest remix series installment, "King Street: Beat Match II," a dynamic collection that bridges the gap between the past and the present. This volume is packed with invigorating 4-to-the-floor house beats, expertly crafted to electrify both clubs and festivals.
"King Street: Beat Match II" features sensational remixes from renowned artists including ESSEL, Kryder & Jay Robinson, DJ Vivona, and Paul Adam. These trailblazers in the music industry have breathed new life into classic tracks, skillfully reimagining gems by prominent artists like Gasparian, Technique, Ralphi Rosario & Linda Clifford, and Qubiko & Fabio Ricciuti.
This compilation promises to be an essential collection for any house music enthusiast, offering a refreshing punch with each track. Whether you're on the dance floor or enjoying a festival, these remixes are designed to elevate the energy and keep the groove going all night long.
"King Street: Beat Match II" is now available on all major music platforms. Dive into the pulsating rhythms and experience the vibrant fusion of classic and contemporary house music.
King Street Sounds has been a staple in the house music scene, renowned for its dedication to delivering cutting-edge music and supporting talented artists worldwide.
To celebrate the relaunch of one of New York City’s most significant house music labels, King Street Sounds, Armada Music and Beatport have unveiled a brand-new documentary: House Music Royalty: The Story of King Street Sounds. The film explores the label’s rich history and lasting influence as it begins a new era under the leadership of Armada Music.
Founded by Hisa Ishioka in 1993, King Street Sounds emerged as a transformative force in the global house music scene, rooted in the vibrant underground cultures of NYC and Hisa’s home country of Japan. This compelling 35-minute documentary, filmed across New York, London, Manchester and Ibiza and soundtracked by some of the label's most iconic and influential records from artists such as Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer and Mood II Swing, chronicles the label's evolution from its foundations in NYC's underground house music scene to its worldwide influence. Featuring insights from iconic figures such as Blaze, Barbara Tucker, David Morales, and Ultra Naté, along with contemporary voices like Kasango and House Gospel Choir’s Natalie Maddix, the film journeys through the label’s formative days at the Paradise Garage—the legendary nightclub that gave rise to the soulful house music movement—whilst also looking ahead to its future under the guidance of Armada Music.
"We are so excited to unveil this special documentary that we hope resonates with longtime fans, and introduces new audiences to King Street Sounds’ huge influence,” said Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music and BEAT Music Fund. "At this pivotal time for the label, it felt crucial to reflect on the label’s journey and tell its story, and we couldn't have found a better partner than Beatport to bring this vision to life."
“It’s an honor to work with Armada Music to tell the story of King Street Sounds, a label that has been a defining force in house music for decades,” said David Browne, Head of Live at The Beatport Group. “Until now, the story of King Street has only been shared in fragments. With this documentary, our aim is to share a more complete history—one that celebrates not only the label, but also the spirit and cultural roots of house music itself. At Beatport, we’re committed to preserving these cultural legacies while also connecting them to the future of the genre. With our global platform, we’re helping bring this documentary to life by ensuring King Street’s influence continues to inspire and resonate with viewers around the world.”
The documentary is part of the recent relaunch of King Street Sounds by Armada Music, following the label being acquired by Armada Music’s investment arm, BEAT Music Fund, back in June 2023. In addition to the documentary, the relaunch encompasses a fresh visual rebrand and exciting new initiatives such as a remix series 'King Street: Beat Match' featuring innovative reinterpretations of classic tracks; new frontline releases; and catalog vinyl repressings. Elsewhere, BEAT and Armada Music will run dedicated writing camps.
During the 2024 edition of Amsterdam Dance Event, the documentary premiered exclusively at EYE Filmmuseum to artists, media, and individuals connected to the label, both past and present.
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 50,000 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, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, 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. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a 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.
About King Street Sounds
The story of King Street Sounds starts at the Paradise Garage in New York City, the iconic nightclub that birthed the soulful house music movement. Once home to the late DJ Larry Levan, the Paradise Garage has had a major influence on the career choice and artistic style of house royalty such as David Morales, Louie Vega and Junior Vasquez, and was a keystone for the region's LGBT culture, particularly for Black and Latin American men. This spirit, along with the iconic music the Garage cultivated, inspired the foundation of King Street Sounds in 1993.
Japanese founder Hisa Ishioka continues to spearhead the label’s output, maintaining King Street Sounds’ position at the forefront of dance culture. Predominantly focusing on its roots in house music whilst also pushing the sonic boundaries of the label to include Afro, Latin, jazz and tech-infused records, King Street Sounds has a global repertoire with a worldwide following. Household names such as Blaze, Barbara Tucker and Ultra Nate released exceedingly successful records such as ‘Most Precious Love’ and ‘Party Girl’ on the label, while house legends Kerri Chandler and Dennis Ferrer signed their seminal albums ‘Trionisphere’ and ‘The World As I See It’ to King Street Sounds.
Fast forward to today, King Street Sounds continues to honor the legacy of the past thirty years, weaving its music into the modern ecosystem to educate and entertain new ears and existing fans. Through the continued work of label founder Hisa and a dedicated team of dance music experts, a new wave of talent pumps the beating heart of this legendary label.
About The Beatport Group
The Beatport Group is the worldwide home of music for DJs, producers, and their fans. Founded in 2004, The Beatport Group's family of companies includes Beatport, the preeminent store for electronic music DJs, Beatsource for the open-format DJ community, Loopcloud and Plugin Boutique for music producers, ampsuite and LabelRadar for streamlining label management and demo submissions, and Beatport Media Group for brands and fans of DJ culture. The Beatport Group’s portfolio of products includes an array of high-quality audio solutions to choose from, including full song downloads, exclusive content from leading labels, a streaming music service seamlessly integrated into DJ software and hardware (Streaming), and exclusive sound packs and plugins. All of the content is expertly curated on a weekly basis by a global team that helps define DJ culture. With headquarters in LA and London, The Beatport Group’s teams reflect the culture they serve. A passionate collective of music professionals and technologists who serve the DJ and producer communities with pride. Follow Beatport on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
To celebrate the relaunch of one of New York City’s most significant house music labels, King Street Sounds, Armada Music and Beatport, will next month unveil a brand-new documentary: House Music Royalty: The Story of King Street Sounds. The film explores the label’s rich history and lasting influence as it begins a new era under the leadership of Armada Music.
Founded by Hisa Ishioka in 1993, King Street Sounds emerged as a transformative force in the global house music scene, rooted in the vibrant underground cultures of NYC and Hisa’s home country of Japan. This compelling 35-minute documentary, filmed across New York, London, Manchester and Ibiza and soundtracked by some of the label's most iconic and influential records from artists such as Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer and Mood II Swing, chronicles the label's evolution from its foundations in NYC's underground house music scene to its worldwide influence. Featuring insights from iconic figures such as Blaze, Barbara Tucker, David Morales, and Ultra Naté, along with contemporary voices like Kasango and House Gospel Choir’s Natalie Maddix, the film journeys through the label’s formative days at the Paradise Garage—the legendary nightclub that gave rise to the soulful house music movement—whilst also looking ahead to its future under the guidance of Armada Music.
"We are so excited to unveil this special documentary that we hope resonates with longtime fans, and introduces new audiences to King Street Sounds’ huge influence,” said Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music and BEAT Music Fund. "At this pivotal time for the label, it felt crucial to reflect on the label’s journey and tell its story, and we couldn't have found a better partner than Beatport to bring this vision to life."
“It’s an honor to work with Armada Music to tell the story of King Street Sounds, a label that has been a defining force in house music for decades,” said David Browne, Head of Live at The Beatport Group. “Until now, the story of King Street has only been shared in fragments. With this documentary, our aim is to share a more complete history—one that celebrates not only the label, but also the spirit and cultural roots of house music itself. At Beatport, we’re committed to preserving these cultural legacies while also connecting them to the future of the genre. With our global platform, we’re helping bring this documentary to life by ensuring King Street’s influence continues to inspire and resonate with viewers around the world.”
The documentary is part of the recent relaunch of King Street Sounds by Armada Music, following the label being acquired by Armada Music’s investment arm, BEAT Music Fund, back in June 2023. In addition to the documentary, the relaunch encompasses a fresh visual rebrand and exciting new initiatives such as a remix series 'King Street: Beat Match' featuring innovative reinterpretations of classic tracks; new frontline releases; and catalog vinyl repressings. Elsewhere, BEAT and Armada Music will run dedicated writing camps.
During the 2024 edition of Amsterdam Dance Event, the documentary premiered exclusively at EYE Filmmuseum to artists, media, and individuals connected to the label, both past and present.
House Music Royalty: The Story of King Street Sounds will be available via YouTube on November 14, 2024. Watch the trailer here.
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.
About King Street Sounds
The story of King Street Sounds starts at the Paradise Garage in New York City, the iconic nightclub that birthed the soulful house music movement. Once home to the late DJ Larry Levan, the Paradise Garage has had a major influence on the career choice and artistic style of house royalty such as David Morales, Louie Vega and Junior Vasquez, and was a keystone for the region's LGBT culture, particularly for Black and Latin American men. This spirit, along with the iconic music the Garage cultivated, inspired the foundation of King Street Sounds in 1993.
Japanese founder Hisa Ishioka continues to spearhead the label’s output, maintaining King Street Sounds’ position at the forefront of dance culture. Predominantly focusing on its roots in house music whilst also pushing the sonic boundaries of the label to include Afro, Latin, jazz and tech-infused records, King Street Sounds has a global repertoire with a worldwide following. Household names such as Blaze, Barbara Tucker and Ultra Nate released exceedingly successful records such as ‘Most Precious Love’ and ‘Party Girl’ on the label, while house legends Kerri Chandler and Dennis Ferrer signed their seminal albums ‘Trionisphere’ and ‘The World As I See It’ to King Street Sounds.
Fast forward to today, King Street Sounds continues to honor the legacy of the past thirty years, weaving its music into the modern ecosystem to educate and entertain new ears and existing fans. Through the continued work of label founder Hisa and a dedicated team of dance music experts, a new wave of talent pumps the beating heart of this legendary label.
About The Beatport Group
The Beatport Group is the worldwide home of music for DJs, producers, and their fans. Founded in 2004, The Beatport Group's family of companies includes Beatport, the preeminent store for electronic music DJs, Beatsource for the open-format DJ community, Loopcloud and Plugin Boutique for music producers, ampsuite and LabelRadar for streamlining label management and demo submissions, and Beatport Media Group for brands and fans of DJ culture. The Beatport Group’s portfolio of products includes an array of high-quality audio solutions to choose from, including full song downloads, exclusive content from leading labels, a streaming music service seamlessly integrated into DJ software and hardware (Streaming), and exclusive sound packs and plugins. All of the content is expertly curated on a weekly basis by a global team that helps define DJ culture. With headquarters in LA and London, The Beatport Group’s teams reflect the culture they serve. A passionate collective of music professionals and technologists who serve the DJ and producer communities with pride. Follow Beatport on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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.
Armada Music, the world’s biggest independent dance label, is thrilled to reveal its expansive and dynamic lineup for the 2024 Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). Aptly titled "Welcome To Our Home”, this year’s program showcases a wide range of performances, networking opportunities and educational masterclasses. The program is designed to inspire and connect everyone from dance music fans to industry insiders, and reinforces Armada Music’s position as a global powerhouse in electronic music.
Armada Invites, the label’s event series, will welcome Adam Beyer’s techno label Drumcode for a special takeover, Eelke Kleijn’s DAYS like NIGHTS label (in addition to a live radio broadcast), and the iconic duo Deep Dish, plus a special showcase at Lagerwal with a star-studded lineup including Lilly Palmer, Something Good (Yotto) and more. Additionally, the label will head to KILLACUTZ record store for an intimate pop-up event featuring vinyl-only sets. A State of Trance will also welcome fans to experience an extended version of its iconic radio show at Armada Music’s Amsterdam headquarters, which rolls into a club event.
For emerging artists and aspiring producers, Armada University, the label’s educational platform, returns to ADE Lab for a full day’s program. This educational experience will include masterclasses from renowned artists like Armin van Buuren, DJ Yuki, Lilly Palmer, Maxim Lany and Skytech, offering invaluable insights for those looking to advance their music careers.
Armada Music has also partnered with Dolby Atmos for a day-long immersive event at the Dolby Atmos House, featuring masterclasses and listening sessions from Eelke Kleijn, Joris Voorn, Ferry Corsten and Kelli-Leigh, plus a special episode of The Will Clarke Podcast from multifaceted artist Will Clarke.
Elsewhere, attendees can look forward to an exclusive premiere screening of a brand-new documentary exploring the rich history and enduring legacy of legendary NYC house label King Street Sounds, as the label embarks on a new chapter under Armada Music’s leadership.
Full program: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Armada Invites: Drumcode – The Club, Armada HQ Time: 22:00–01:00 Lineup: Adam Beyer, Bart Skills, Konstantin Sibold Armada Music teams up with Drumcode for an electrifying night of techno. RSVP here. First come, first served. ADE Pro Pass not required.
Thursday, October 17, 2024 Dolby Atmos House: Armada Music Takeover – Dolby Atmos House, Tobacco Theatre Time: 11:00–14:00 Lineup: Eelke Kleijn, Ferry Corsten Joris Voorn, Kelli-Leigh, Will Clarke Masterclasses and listening sessions from Eelke Kleijn, Joris Voorn, Ferry Corsten and Kelli-Leigh, plus a special episode of The Will Clarke Podcast from multifaceted artist Will Clarke. First come, first served with ADE Pro Pass.
A State of Trance Radioshow and Club Event – Armada Music HQ Time: 14:00 - 00:00 Lineup: Agents of Time, AVIRA, Cosmic Gate, Maddix and many others A special broadcast and club event celebrating trance music with iconic artists, hosted by Armin van Buuren, Ruben de Ronde and Ferry Corsten. RSVP via the ASOT website. First come, first served.
Kings Street Sounds Documentary Premiere Screening – EYE Film Museum Time: 14:00 (arrive 5 mins before) A brand-new documentary, created in partnership with Beatport, delves into the history of the legendary NYC house label at a pivotal moment as it is relaunched by Armada Music. RSVP here. First come, first served.
Armada Invites @ Lagerwal – Lagerwal Time: 19:00–00:00 Lineup: Arodes, Franc Fala, KASIA, Lilly Palmer, Something Good (Yotto) Armada Invites is to bring the sonic heat to the northern part of Amsterdam with a five-hour event at Lagerwal featuring some of dance music’s most exciting artists. Win tickets here.
Friday, October 18, 2024 Armada University X ADE Lab – Lynk & Co, Rokin 75 Time: 11:00–17:00 Artists: Armin van Buuren, DJ Yuki, Lilly Palmer, Maxim Lany, Skytech A full-day educational session for aspiring producers and music professionals. First come, first served with ADE Pro Pass.
KILLACUTZ Armada Takeover – KILLACUTZ Record Store Time: 12:00-17:00 Lineup: Ferry Corsten, Maykel Piron, Maxim Lany, Ruben de Ronde and SUPERSTRINGS. Pop-up event featuring vinyl-only sets at KILLACUTZ record store. First come, first-served.
Armada Invites: DAYS like NIGHTS (Radioshow & club event) – Radio studio & The Club, Armada Music HQ Time: 14:00–18:00 Lineup: Eelke Kleijn b2b Arodes A live radio broadcast and DJ sets showcasing the sounds of Eelke Kleijn’s label, DAYS like NIGHTS. Win tickets here. Armada Invites: Deep Dish – The Club, Armada Music HQ Time: 19:00–22:00 Lineup: Deep Dish, Kamorah Closing the day with an exclusive set by the legendary duo Deep Dish. Win tickets here.
Armada Invites: Special guest b2b special guest - The Crane Time: 01:00-04:00 (Saturday, 19 October) Lineup: TBA Win tickets here.
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 50,000 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, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, 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. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a 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.
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.
The New York-based dance music label ushers in a new era following BEAT’s 2023 acquisition
Armada Music, the biggest independent dance music label in the world today announced the relaunch of King Street Sounds, one of the oldest and most respected independent house music labels in New York City. The label was acquired by the first-ever dance music investment fund, Armada Music’s BEAT Music Fund in 2023. The relaunch encompasses a visual rebrand, the introduction of a remix series titled: ‘King Street: Beat Match’, new frontline releases and a collaborative content partnership with Beatport to tell the story of the label’s rich history through the lens of legacy and contemporary artists.
Following its acquisition of King Street Sounds in June 2023, BEAT and Armada Music have sought to honor the legacy of the label that was founded over thirty years ago, born out of Paradise Garage in New York City, the legendary nightclub that gave rise to the soulful house music movement. Through the continued work of label founder Hisa Ishioka and a dedicated team of dance music experts at Armada Music, a new wave of activity pumps the beating heart of this legendary label, weaving the existing catalog into the modern ecosystem to educate and entertain both new ears and existing fans. The remix series kicks off with Kasango, Demi Riquísimo and Demuja issuing diverse takes on tracks from Dennis Ferrer, Barbara Tucker and Mood II Swing, ranging from Afro house to garage. Remixes land on Friday, April 12, 2024.
London-based Demi Riquísimo, celebrated for his distinctive acid and Italo house influences, brings his signature touch to Barbara Tucker's 'One Desire' featuring Tuccillo. Meanwhile, DJ and producer Kasango offers a vibrant Afro house rendition of Dennis Ferrer and Danil Wright’s gospel house classic ‘Church Lady’. Rounding off the EP, Demuja infuses a garage vibe into Mood II Swing's timeless track 'Closer', featuring Carole Sylvan, adding his own flair to the classic. Find on Beatport HERE
"It’s an honor to be trusted with a track from a house music legend like Barbara Tucker,” said Demi Riquísimo. “I wanted to bring contemporary house elements to the track and a fresh energy into the mix. It's all about bridging the past with the present without losing the essence of the original. I hope people love it!"
“House music is my first love, so saying yes to the offer of remixing a track by the legendary Dennis Ferrer wasn’t something I had to think twice about,” added Kasango. It’s an honor and a pleasure to put my stamp on ‘Church Lady’. It’s amazing to see King Street having another moment.”
Demuja said: "Putting my spin on a track for such a legendary house act was truly a pleasure; Mood II Swing's music has been a part of my life since I was very young. With numerous versions of 'Closer' already out there, I aimed to offer a unique twist, which ultimately led to the creation of this UK garage interpretation."
The visual rebrand comprises a fresh logo and motion assets, updated artworks for tracks in the label’s catalog, and dynamic new artwork for forthcoming music, all centered on the context and heritage of New York street culture during the 1990s. The redesigned logo maintains the classic "stamp" format, adopting a more minimalist, timeless approach, with subtle incorporation of the iconic crown. Utilizing archive imagery of New York with a low-resolution grainy aesthetic forms the basis of the artwork for new music and motion assets fit for digital platforms, complemented by iconic typography inspired by the city's subway system, reaffirming King Street Sounds' connection to its New York roots. Additionally, existing tracks in the label's catalog receive updated digital artwork that integrates the new branding and typography onto a CD motif, nodding to an era when physical consumption was at its peak.
"Relaunching King Street Sounds signifies a big step for Armada Music and BEAT as we strive to bolster and honor dance music’s existing footprint,” said Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music and BEAT Music Fund. “We are incredibly excited to continue to work alongside Hisa to preserve the legacy King Street Sounds holds in dance music while working toward new opportunities as the label evolves.”
“For decades, King Street Sounds has been dedicated to bringing people together with the best of house music,” said Ed Hill, SVP, The Beatport Group. “Collaborating with Armada Music to tell the story of King Street in exciting ways that celebrate this journey has been rewarding. We’re looking forward to highlighting how the label has paved a path for underrepresented artists – and made incredible music along the way."
“We are thrilled to celebrate the rich history of King Street Sounds and breathe new life into the extraordinary music that started it all,” said Hisa Ishioka, label founder of King Street Sounds. “We couldn’t ask for better partners than Armada Music and Beatport to help us usher in this new era, and we can’t wait to see how this collaboration further empowers the label, our creators, and the dance music genre in today’s landscape.”
Elsewhere, BEAT and Armada Music will be running dedicated writing camps, with the first taking place this month to further support and unleash contemporary artists to make their mark on the label.
About BEAT Music Fund
BEAT Music Fund is the world’s first dance music investment company. BEAT stands for Best Ever Acquired Tracks, which seamlessly connects with the company’s mission to acquire and exploit the very best of recording and music publishing catalogs from a range of dance-related genres. Its portfolio includes the master recordings catalog of KMS Records, founded by house and techno legend Kevin Saunderson, as well as ARTY. BEAT’s financial partner is Pinnacle Financial Partners, whose global holdings include music, sports and entertainment ventures. For more information visit us at beatmusicfund.com.
About King Street Sounds
The story of King Street Sounds starts at the Paradise Garage in New York City, the iconic nightclub that birthed the soulful house music movement. Once home to the late DJ Larry Levan, the Paradise Garage has had a major influence on the career choice and artistic style of house royalty such as David Morales, Louie Vega and Junior Vasquez, and was a keystone for the region's LGBT culture, particularly for Black and Latin American men. This spirit, along with the iconic music the Garage cultivated, inspired the foundation of King Street Sounds in 1993.
Japanese founder Hisa Ishioka continues to spearhead the label’s output, maintaining King Street Sounds’ position at the forefront of dance culture. Predominantly focusing on its roots in house music whilst also pushing the sonic boundaries of the label to include Afro, Latin, jazz and tech-infused records, King Street Sounds has a global repertoire with a worldwide following. Household names such as Blaze, Barbara Tucker and Ultra Nate released exceedingly successful records such as ‘Most Precious Love’ and ‘Party Girl’ on the label, while house legends Kerri Chandler and Dennis Ferrer signed their seminal albums ‘Trionisphere’ and ‘The World As I See It’ to King Street Sounds.
Fast forward to today, King Street Sounds continues to honor the legacy of the past thirty years, weaving its music into the modern ecosystem to educate and entertain new ears and existing fans. Through the continued work of label founder Hisa and a dedicated team of dance music experts, a new wave of talent pumps the beating heart of this legendary label.
About The Beatport Group
The Beatport Group is the worldwide home of music for DJs, producers, and their fans. Founded in 2004, The Beatport Group's family of companies includes Beatport, the preeminent store for electronic music DJs, Beatsource for the open-format DJ community, Loopcloud and Plugin Boutique for music producers, ampsuite and LabelRadar for streamlining label management and demo submissions, and Beatport Media Group for brands and fans of DJ culture. The Beatport Group’s portfolio of products includes an array of high-quality audio solutions to choose from, including full song downloads, exclusive content from leading labels, a streaming music service seamlessly integrated into DJ software and hardware (Streaming), and exclusive sound packs and plugins. All of the content is expertly curated on a weekly basis by a global team that helps define DJ culture. With headquarters in LA and London, The Beatport Group’s teams reflect the culture they serve. A passionate collective of music professionals and technologists who serve the DJ and producer communities with pride.
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.
