The heartbeat of the high desert
Northern Arizona includes the ponderosa pines of Flagstaff, the mesas of the Navajo and Hopi nations, red rock canyons and wild desert landscape. Northern Arizona is more than just a setting for 1st Drop Music's artists – it's a source of inspiration. Each song created by the artists of 1st Drop Music contains the landscape and sounds of Northern Arizona. Bear Cole’s ties to Northern Arizona have shaped the music he creates under the artist identities of 1st Drop Music.
Nature, culture and history inspire 1st Drop Music's artists
The stark contrasts of Northern Arizona – snow-capped mountains and sun-drenched desert valleys; ancient Native American traditions and modern lifestyles; isolation and community – inspire 1st Drop Music's artists to create a wide variety of sounds. Many times, the artists bend and blend genres to capture the complexity of the region. Turntable Kachina creates downtempo electronic music with a meditative quality that resembles rain falling on desert soil. Sagebrush & The Little Flowers takes listeners on a journey through folk, country and americana traditions, telling stories based on rural life and spiritual connections to the earth. Bear the Astronot uses lyrics that reflect the contradictory nature of life in the desert – the hardships and hopes – combined with golden era hip-hop rhythms.
Flagstaff: a hidden music oasis in the southwest
Many people tend to think that only cities such as Nashville or Los Angeles have strong music scenes.
However, Flagstaff has quietly developed a vibrant underground music scene that has grown due to its relative isolation. Its separation from other major music markets allows for a creative atmosphere for diy artists and producers to develop their own styles. Producer/dj/founder of 1st Drop Music Bear Cole is the creator behind the diverse artist identities featured here. His ability to fuse house, hip-hop, soul, country and cinematic electronica has made him a key element in connecting the diverse artist identities in 1st Drop Music. In this regard, Cole's musical style reflects Flagstaff's own diverse, dynamic and innovative spirit.
Native American and multicultural influences
Northern Arizona includes the lands of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and Havasupai Tribe. Beyond being geographically present, these reservations also provide a spiritual and sonic influence on 1st Drop Music's artists. Artists often incorporate elements of Native American rhythms, themes of resilience and ancestral storytelling into their music.
While honoring tradition, artists continue to look forward.
The soundtrack of the southwest
Regardless of whether it is a dance track that sounds like a desert rave beneath the starry sky or a country ballad that flows along a desert highway at sunset, 1st Drop Music's music is distinctively southwestern. Not only does it reflect the land, but it comes directly from it.
For example, Wild One’s West by Sagebrush & The Little Flowers transports listeners to a place where painted skies meet red dirt roads. Turntable Kachina's Roots reflect the reverberations of canyons and cliffs. And Bear the Astronot's ARIZONA is a lyrical tour through the trials and triumphs of living in the Grand Canyon State.
Conclusion: the land is the label
1st Drop Music is more than simply a label — it is a movement rooted in location. 1st Drop Music’s Northern Arizona roots continue to shape the music alongside Bear Cole’s connection to Tucson. Listeners seeking authenticity, depth and connection will find solace in 1st Drop Music — an escape to the high desert where creativity flourishes.