Dance music powerhouse Armada Music has announced the relaunch of the legendary New York-based house music label King Street Sounds. The label was acquired by Armada’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 history.
Inspired by the storied NYC disco Paradise Garage, King Street Sounds was founded in 1993 by Hisa Ishioka, who emigrated from Japan to New York in the mid-1980s and became captivated by the club and the music that it cultivated, particularly from resident DJ Larry Levan and other DJs in the scene such as Francois K, David Morales and others (the label’s name came from the club’s location on King Street in Lower Manhattan). Its key releases over the years include the label’s biggest hit, “Most Precious Love” (by Blaze featuring Barbara Tucker), “How Do I Let Go” (by Dennis Ferrer) and releases by Kerri Chandler, Ultra Nate, Mood II Swing and others.
The remix series kicks off with Kasango, Demi Riquísimo and Demuja issuing takes on tracks from Ferrer, Tucker and Mood II Swing and drop on April 12.
“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.”