King Street Sounds, one of New York City’s most iconic house music labels, marks a new chapter under Armada Music with the release of House Music Royalty: The Story of King Street Sounds. This 35-minute documentary, produced in partnership with Beatport, delves into the label’s rich legacy and its continued impact on the global house music scene.
Founded in 1993 by Hisa Ishioka, King Street Sounds emerged from the underground house music culture of NYC and Hisa’s native Japan. The documentary explores the label’s influence, soundtracked by timeless tracks from legends like Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer, and Mood II Swing. With interviews featuring pioneers such as Blaze, Barbara Tucker, David Morales, and Ultra Naté, the film highlights the label’s foundational ties to the soulful house movement of the Paradise Garage era, while also introducing perspectives from rising stars like Kasango and House Gospel Choir’s Natalie Maddix.
The relaunch of King Street Sounds—backed by BEAT Music Fund, Armada Music’s investment arm—ushers in exciting changes. A refreshed visual identity, catalog vinyl repressings, and new releases are just the beginning. Initiatives like the remix series King Street: Beat Match and global writing camps aim to bridge the label’s heritage with the future of house music.
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“We’re thrilled to share this documentary, which celebrates King Street Sounds’ immense influence while connecting it to a new generation of fans,” said Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music and BEAT Music Fund.
David Browne, Head of Live at The Beatport Group, added, “This film not only chronicles King Street’s legacy but honors house music’s cultural roots. Through our global platform, we’re ensuring this history inspires audiences worldwide.”
House Music Royalty: The Story of King Street Sounds debuted at EYE Filmmuseum during the 2024 edition of Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), drawing artists, media, and label collaborators to an exclusive screening.
Now available to stream globally, the documentary cements King Street Sounds as a timeless force in house music, paving the way for a vibrant new era under Armada Music.