To celebrate the relaunch of one of New York City’s most significant house music labels, King Street Sounds, Armada Music and Beatport 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.

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.

image: Joe ‘JoeB’ Berinato, DJ Spinna e Frankie Feliciano