When did one of the world’s largest independent electronic dance music labels establish a foothold in the United Kingdom’s capital? Armada Music officially opened its London office on September 13, 2017, marking a significant expansion of the Dutch label‘s global reach. The strategic move positioned the company, which streams over one billion tracks monthly, to better navigate one of the world’s most influential music markets.
Founded on June 1, 2003, by Dutch producer Armin van Buuren, CEO Maykel Piron, and music manager David Lewis, Armada Music derives its name as an acronym from the founders’ names. The Amsterdam-headquartered label has grown into the largest independent dance music label globally, managing an impressive catalog of over 50,000 tracks spanning various electronic music sub-genres including trance, deep house, and other electronic elements.
The London office, formally incorporated as ARMADA MUSIC UK LIMITED on January 8, 2018, operates from its registered address at 4 Bath Place in Shoreditch. This location houses a core team focused primarily on local artist and repertoire development and promotion within the UK market. CEO Maykel Piron emphasized that establishing the UK office was crucial for better partner relationships and increased involvement in the heart of the music action. The label operates more than 25 sub-labels covering genres from trance to progressive house. The office regularly welcomes rotating visits from Armada’s CEO, General Management, and various departments including A&R, PR, and Marketing.
London’s strategic importance extends beyond merely accessing the UK market. As one of Europe’s most vibrant club scenes, the capital provides Armada with enhanced opportunities for artist development, live events, and industry collaborations. The label’s presence in London complements its existing offices in Amsterdam, New York, and Laren, creating a truly global network for its roster of artists. Armada also leverages social media advertising to promote its artists and releases, ensuring maximum exposure across digital platforms.
Armada’s catalog includes notable artists such as founder Armin van Buuren, ARTY, Loud Luxury, and THEMBA, many of whom operate their own sub-labels under the Armada umbrella. With over 25 sub-labels covering diverse electronic music styles, Armada’s London presence strengthens its position within the competitive European electronic music landscape, where geographic proximity to key markets increasingly matters in an industry that values both digital distribution and physical presence. The label also helps its artists generate additional income through sync deals that place their music in television shows, films, and commercials.
