1st Drop Music Is Moving — Expanding from Flagstaff to Tucson, Arizona

A New Chapter for Arizona’s Independent Music Scene

Big changes are on the horizon for 1st Drop Music! While our heart will always beat in the mountains of Northern Arizona, we’re excited to announce that our main offices are officially moving to Tucson, Arizona. This marks the next chapter in our journey — a bold step forward that will expand our creative footprint across the entire state.

We’re not saying goodbye to Flagstaff — far from it. Our Flagstaff operations will continue to run strong, keeping our roots firmly planted in the cool pines of Northern Arizona. But with Tucson now serving as our new headquarters, 1st Drop Music will officially operate with both a Northern and a Southern Arizona branch. From the high desert mountains to the low desert plains, we’re uniting Arizona’s diverse music scene under one banner of independent creativity.

From Chandler Beginnings to a Statewide Music Family

For those who have been with us since the early days, this move brings things full circle. 1st Drop Music was first established in Chandler, Arizona, in its earliest form — a spark of an idea built around collaboration, experimentation, and community.

Shortly after, we found our true rhythm in Flagstaff, which quickly became our creative home and what most consider the birthplace of 1st Drop Music. The mountain town’s vibrant arts scene, creative energy, and independent spirit gave us the fuel to grow into the label we are today — one that celebrates the strange, the soulful, and the genre-bending sounds of Arizona and beyond.

Now, we’re bringing that same energy to Tucson — a city bursting with culture, art, and innovation. Tucson’s rich history, thriving music venues, and desert-inspired creativity make it the perfect home for 1st Drop Music’s next evolution.

The Expansion: Northern and Southern Arizona Branches

With this move, we’re proud to announce the establishment of two official branches of 1st Drop Music:

• 🎵 Northern Arizona Branch (Flagstaff) – The mountain home of our label, where our sound was born. This branch will continue to serve as a hub for artists and collaborations that define the independent, alternative spirit of 1st Drop Music.

• 🌵 Southern Arizona Branch (Tucson) – Our new headquarters and creative laboratory. From the wild west deserts to the lively downtown scene, Tucson offers new opportunities for live events, studio sessions, collaborations, and community engagement.

Together, these two branches represent the full range of what Arizona has to offer — a fusion of landscapes, cultures, and sounds that inspire our artists every day.

A Short Break Before a Big Year Ahead

We’ll be taking a short break from releasing new music while we get everything set up in our new home base. Moving an entire label — studios, equipment, and creative spaces — takes a little time and a lot of care. But trust us, it’ll be worth the wait.

When 2026 rolls around, be ready. We’ve got brand-new projects, albums, and collaborations coming from every corner of the 1st Drop Music family — including Bear Cole, Bear the Astronot, Turntable Kachina, Feral Business, Michael Patrick Ceol, WUUYUH, and more. Each artist is working on something truly special, and Tucson will be the backdrop for the next wave of our music.

The Mission Remains the Same

While our offices may change, our mission stays exactly the same:

To bring you the best independent music from Arizona and beyond.

To support local artists.

To experiment without fear of boundaries or genres.

To make music that moves people — body, mind, and soul.

From the wild west deserts of Southern Arizona to the cool pine forests of the north, 1st Drop Music will continue to create, innovate, and elevate. This move isn’t just about geography — it’s about growth, connection, and continuing to evolve as an independent label that stands for authenticity.

Thank You for Supporting Arizona Music

To all of our listeners, artists, and supporters — thank you. You’ve helped make 1st Drop Music a force for creativity and independence in Arizona’s music scene. As we settle into Tucson and continue growing our Flagstaff branch, we can’t wait to bring you along for the ride.

Stay tuned for updates, behind-the-scenes looks at our new space, and announcements about the incredible new music coming in 2026.

From the mountains to the desert, 1st Drop Music is Arizona — and we’re just getting started.

Follow and Stay Connected

🌐 1stDropMusic.com

📸 Instagram / Threads / TikTok / Bluesky: @1stDropMusic or @1stdropmusicgroup

🎧 Listen on your favorite platform and support independent Arizona music

bearcole

Bear Gallagher-Cole is the founder of 1st Drop Music. He embarked on a professional journey and love affair with music very young, and has worked in multiple roles in the industry ever since. When he isn't in the studio you are most likely to find Bear way out in the woods somewhere enjoying nature.