It’s a story that’s been going strong for 10 years already — the story of Armada Music is one of music, passion, and hard work. Growing from a boyhood dream into an award-winning company, the Amsterdam-based record label has a bright future and an illustrious past.
Armada Music was founded in June, 2003 by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron and David Lewis, whose names stand for ‘ArMaDa’. Throughout the years, the record company has brought countless quality releases to the world within the wide spectrum of electronic dance music. Outstanding releases in trance, house, progressive, techno, deep house, and even in the pop genre have made Armada Music a label that stands out, and one that has stood the test of time. From 2009-2013, the Dutch label was awarded the ‘Best Global Dance Label’ title from the International Dance Music Awards in Miami. Working with and managing some of the biggest names in the dance music industry, Armada is home to (among others) Dash Berlin, W&W, Aly & Fila, Cosmic Gate, and of course Armin van Buuren himself. Investing in rising talents such as David Gravell, Audien, Toby Hedges, and Andrew Rayel, Armada Music has been able to nurture aspiring artists until they reach the top of the game.
Under the Armada Music umbrella are some of the industry’s biggest imprints, including W&W’s Mainstage Music, Trice Recordings, Orjan Nilsen’s In My Opinion Records, Dash Berlin’s Aropa, M Records, and Armin van Buuren’s Armind, A State of Trance, and Who’s Afraid of 138?! labels. More than 25 sub-labels reside under Armada, building a solid reputation in the global dance scene. And it doesn’t stop there.
Armada Music also hosts its very own worldwide events: Armada Nights. Featuring the most talented Armada DJs, Armada Nights have taken place in Buenos Aires, London, Amsterdam, Rome, Jakarta, New York, Mexico City, and other hot-spot destinations throughout the world. Armada-branded stages have appeared at Ultra Music Festival events in Argentina and Chile, as well as Electronic Family in Amsterdam.
Ultimately, CEO and co-owner Maykel Piron explain Armada Music’s strategy best: “Armada Music changes along with the ever-evolving music industry, as we’re always trying to improve — finding new opportunities and developing our business.”