Beginning a New Chapter: Expanding from Flagstaff to Tucson, AZ
Changes are coming for 1st Drop Music! Even though our core will always remain in the mountains of Northern Arizona, we are happy to announce that our main office has moved to Tucson, AZ. This is the next stage of our development; a bold move that will allow us to expand our creative reach throughout the state. We do not intend to leave Flagstaff behind. We will maintain all aspects of our Flagstaff operation, and keep our roots firmly planted in the cool pines of Northern Arizona. However, with Tucson serving as our new headquarters, 1st Drop Music will officially have both a Northern and Southern Arizona branch. We will be able to unite Arizona's varied music scene under one banner of independent creativity from the high desert mountains to the low desert plains. We are excited about what this means for Arizona's independent music scene.
For those who have supported us from the beginning, this move brings us back around. 1st Drop Music was first formed in Chandler, AZ, in its initial form - a spark of an idea centered around collaboration, experimentation, and community. After forming in Chandler, we soon found our natural rhythm in Flagstaff, AZ. Flagstaff became our creative home and what most consider the place where 1st Drop Music was born. Flagstaff's vibrant arts scene, creative energy and independent spirit provided us with the necessary fuel to develop into the label we are today - a label that celebrates the unique sounds of Arizona and beyond.
Now we are bringing that same energy to Tucson, AZ - a city filled with culture, art, and innovation. Tucson's long history, numerous music venues and desert-inspired creativity make it an ideal location for 1st Drop Music's next evolution.
With this move we are pleased to announce the creation of two official branches of 1st Drop Music:
🎵 Northern Arizona Branch (Flagstaff) - The mountain home of our label, where our sound originated. This branch will continue to act as a central point for artists and collaborators who represent the independent and alternative spirit of 1st Drop Music.
🌵 Southern Arizona Branch (Tucson) - Our new headquarters and creative lab. From the wild west deserts to the lively downtown scene, Tucson presents new opportunities for live events, recording sessions, collaborations and community involvement.
Together these two branches represent the entirety of what Arizona has to offer - a blend of landscape, culture and sound that inspires our artists daily.
Before we begin releasing new music again we will take a short break to establish ourselves in our new home base. Establishing an entire label including studios, equipment and creative spaces takes time and effort. However, we assure you it will be worth waiting for.
When 2026 arrives be prepared. We have many new projects and collaborations coming from Bear Cole across his 1st Drop Music artist identities - Bear Cole, Bear the Astronot, Turntable Kachina, Feral Business, Michael Patrick Ceol, WUUYUH and others. Each project is developing into something special and Tucson will be the background for our next phase of music.
Regardless of whether our offices relocate our mission remains unchanged: To provide you with the best independent music from Arizona and beyond. To support local artists. To experiment without limits regarding genre or boundaries. To produce music that evokes emotion - body, mind and spirit.
1st Drop Music will continue to create, innovate and elevate regardless of whether we are in the wild west deserts of Southern Arizona or the cool pine forests of Northern Arizona. This relocation is not solely about geographic location; it is about growth, connection and continuing to evolve as an independent label that embraces authenticity.
We want to thank all of our listeners, artists and supporters for helping make 1st Drop Music a driving force for creativity and independence within Arizona's music scene. We look forward to having you join us on this journey as we establish ourselves in Tucson and develop our Flagstaff branch further.
Please follow us on social media for updates about our new space and announcements about all of the exciting new music that will be released in 2026.