In a move that’s set to redefine the contours of dance music, Armada Music, the world’s leading independent dance music label, has announced the grand relaunch of New York City’s esteemed King Street Sounds. This seismic shift comes on the heels of the label’s acquisition by BEAT, the pioneering dance music investment fund under the Armada Music umbrella, in 2023. The relaunch is not just a nod to the past but a leap into the future, featuring a comprehensive visual rebrand, the debut of a remix series ‘King Street: Beat Match’, fresh frontline releases, and a unique content collaboration with Beatport to showcase the label’s storied history through the voices of both legacy and emerging artists.
A Tribute to a Musical Legacy
King Street Sounds holds a special place in the heart of the dance music world. Originating from the iconic Paradise Garage in New York City, the label has been a beacon of the soulful house music movement for over three decades. Armada Music and BEAT aim to honor this rich history by infusing new energy into the label. With the visionary Hisa Ishioka at the helm and backed by a team of Armada’s finest, the relaunch promises a revitalized connection with fans old and new. The ‘King Street: Beat Match’ remix series is a testament to this blend of heritage and innovation, featuring diverse reinterpretations by artists like Kasango, Demi Riquísimo, and Demuja of classics from Dennis Ferrer, Barbara Tucker, and Mood II Swing. Set to drop on April 12, 2024, these remixes span genres from Afro house to garage, symbolizing the label’s dynamic evolution.
“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,” “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.” –
Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music and BEAT Music Fund.
A Visual Renaissance
The relaunch also unveils a striking visual transformation, rooted in the vibrant street culture of 1990s New York. The redesigned logo, adopting a minimalist and timeless aesthetic with a nod to the iconic crown, together with new motion assets and artwork, pays homage to the label’s legacy while looking firmly ahead. This rebrand extends to the label’s extensive catalog, with tracks receiving updated digital artwork that blends the new branding with a nostalgic CD motif, a reminder of the era when music was a tangible experience. The integration of iconic New York typography, inspired by the city’s subway system, reinforces King Street Sounds’ deep connection to its urban origins.
“For decades, King Street Sounds has been dedicated to bringing people together with the best of house music,” “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.”
– Ed Hill, SVP, The Beatport Group.
Fostering Future Talents
In addition to celebrating its illustrious past, King Street Sounds, backed by the combined forces of BEAT and Armada Music, is setting the stage for the future of dance music. The announcement of dedicated writing camps, the first of which will take place this month, underlines a commitment to nurturing and promoting contemporary talent. These initiatives are designed to ensure that King Street Sounds remains at the forefront of the music industry, continuing to shape the global dance music landscape.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the rich history of King Street Sounds and breathe new life into the extraordinary music that started it all,” “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.”
— Hisa Ishioka, label founder of King Street Sounds.
The relaunch of King Street Sounds under the guidance of Armada Music and BEAT heralds a new chapter in the annals of dance music history. With a legacy of over thirty years, this revitalization promises to usher in an era of renewed creativity and innovation, bridging the gap between the rich heritage of house music and the endless possibilities of the future. In conclusion, for more information on all things King Street Sounds, be sure to check out their official website, here.
