You can’t really talk about the history of dance music without mentioning King Street Sounds, the legendary house label that popped up in the early ’90s alongside big names like Strictly Rhythm and Nervous. Back in those days, the label focused on that vocal-heavy, soulful deep house vibe that came out of iconic clubs like the World, Shelter, and the later days of Paradise Garage. Therefore, the story of King Street Sounds is inseparable from the legacy of Paradise Garage, the legendary New York City nightclub that shaped the house music movement. Located at 84 King Street in Soho, Paradise Garage was a cultural keystone, especially for Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Its focus on dancing over social interaction, coupled with a groundbreaking approach that placed the DJ at the center of the experience, made it revolutionary. Resident DJ Larry Levan’s electrifying sets became the foundation of modern dance music, influencing generations of artists and producers. Though the club closed its doors in 1987, its spirit lives on.
In 1985, a young Hisa Ishioka arrived in New York from Japan to study interior design. A chance introduction to Paradise Garage and its pulsating, soulful music, particularly through Larry Levan’s transformative performances, changed his trajectory. Immersed in the city’s vibrant dance music scene, Ishioka began organizing Japanese club tours for iconic DJs like Levan, Frankie Knuckles, and David Morales. By the early 1990s, he was curating dance music compilations, laying the groundwork for his next big step.
In 1993, inspired by his experiences at Paradise Garage, Ishioka founded King Street Sounds, naming it after the club’s iconic location. The label became a beacon for soulful house music, blending its roots with Afro, Latin, jazz, and tech-infused sounds. King Street quickly established itself as a premier house label, championing both groundbreaking releases and timeless classics. Some of the label’s most notable tracks include ‘Most Precious Love’ by Blaze featuring Barbara Tucker and ‘Party Girl’ by Ultra Naté. Seminal albums like Kerri Chandler’s ‘Trionisphere’ and Dennis Ferrer’s ‘The World As I See It’ further solidified its legacy. Other artists such as Mood II Swing and Francois K have also contributed to King Street’s rich catalog, earning the label global recognition.
“If I didn’t experience Paradise Garage and if I’d never met Larry Levan, I don’t think I would have started King Street Sounds,” Ishioka once remarked. “His music remains in my body and soul after more than 20 years.”
The label’s influence extends far beyond its music. In 2023, Armada Music’s BEAT Music Fund acquired King Street Sounds, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Alongside a fresh visual rebrand, the relaunch includes the documentary House Music Royalty: The Story of King Street Sounds. The film, shot across New York, London, Manchester, and Ibiza, chronicles the label’s journey from its humble beginnings in a New York living room to its global impact. Soundtracked by iconic tracks from Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer, and Mood II Swing, the documentary underscores the enduring relevance of King Street Sounds in dance music history. You can watch the documentary for free on YouTube.
From its origins in the soulful rhythms of Paradise Garage to its current status as a global dance music powerhouse, King Street Sounds remains a vital force in the genre, celebrating three decades of shaping and elevating house music culture.
To celebrate King Street Sounds’ rich legacy, I’ve picked out a few timeless classics from its catalog for you:
1. Urban Soul – Show Me (Def Club Mix) [King Street Sounds, 1997]
2. Blaze Presents UDAUFL Feat. Barbara Tucker – Most Precious Love (DF’s Future 3000 Mix)
3. Rain A Lil Louis Painting* – Give It Up (MAW Club Mix) (King Street Sounds, 2001)
4. Ananda Project – Cascades of Colour (Wamdue Black Mix): 1998
5. Mondo Grosso – Souffles H (King Street Extended Club Mix): 1995
