New Documentary Celebrating Legendary NYC House Label King Street Sounds
New York, NY – November 14, 2024 – 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.
House Music Royalty: The Story of King Street Sounds is available via YouTube.
