Watch a new documentary exploring the history of house label King Street Sounds

A new documentary exploring the history and influence of New York’s King Street Sounds is out now.

House Music Royalty: The Story of King Street Sounds tracks the influential house label’s journey from New York’s underground dance music scene to its eventual place on the worldwide stage and features some of the defining artists it has platformed along the way.

Released on November 14 by Armada Music in collaboration with Beatport Films, the 35-minute film comes as part of the imprint’s relaunch after it was bought by Armada in June 2023.

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Before embarking on this new chapter, Armada Music felt it was important to pay homage to the King Street’s roots and document its lasting impact on electronic dance music.

Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music and BEAT Music Fund said: “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.”

Filmed across New York, London, Manchester and Ibiza, House Music Royalty features archive footage from the label’s early days at Paradise Garage and Southport Weekender, as well as interviews with some of its biggest names including Blaze, Barbara Tucker, David Morales, and Ultra Naté.

Read this next: Ultra Naté: “I remember Paradise Garage closing – it was like the end of the world”

It also documents the label’s evolution into a more contemporary scene, bringing in voices such as Kasango and House Gospel Choir’s Natalie Maddix, and touching on its future with Armada Music.

Founded in 1993 by Hisa Ishioka (pictured above), King Street Sounds was a key player in the development of house music, providing a space for innovative Afro, Latin, jazz and tech-infused records.

Some of its best known releases include ‘Most Precious Love’ by Blaze Feat. Barbara Tucker and ‘Party Girl’ by Ultra Naté, while house legends Kerri Chandler and Dennis Ferrer signed their seminal albums ‘Trionisphere’ and ‘The World As I See It’ to King Street Sounds.

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“Until now, the story of King Street has only been shared in fragments,” says David Browne, Head of Live at The Beatport Group. “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.”

Other recent documentaries to watch include a new film exploring the history and importance of British independent record stores, which screened around the UK with plans to come online later this year.

Meanwhile, on December 31, Netflix will release a documentary on the life and legacy of Avicii.

Having premiered at this year’s Amsterdam Dance Event, House Music Royalty: The Story of King Street Sounds is available to watch now for free. Check it out below.

Meena Sears is Mixmag’s Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram