Turntable Kachina

Part of Twenty Years of 1st Drop Music

Discover this artist’s place in twenty years of music made in Arizona. Explore the milestone releases, the story, anniversary vinyl and CDs, and official anniversary merch.

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I'm Turntable Kachina – a producer/DJ creating music that explores the relationship between natural/organic sounds and samples and electronic rhythmic patterns. I grew up in Northern Arizona, with the Grand Canyon's vastness and the indigenous communities (Navajo and Hopi) living on nearby reservation land. These surroundings shaped my understanding of my environment and how I hear. During my youth, I grew to appreciate the land and respect the unique cultures, histories, and current-day traditions of the people around me. The above mentioned aspects are part of my own individual experience; therefore, they do not give me authority to speak on behalf of those cultures. As an artist, hip-hop is a major influence in my production process. I find value in being a listener first, understanding where each sound comes from, and finding creative ways to incorporate rhythmic elements, textural elements, and melodic ideas into my music.

In addition to hip-hop, down tempo, house, jungle, lo-fi and dance music have influenced my creative process. My early experience making music included film/video game production. Both of these experiences taught me to approach music production using a scene-based mindset (movement, emotion). This way of thinking continues to guide me today, regardless of whether I'm producing a minimalistic instrumental track or a track specifically for the dance floor. Regardless of the mood or vibe of a track, it is possible for a track to have both a cinematic quality and raw detail at the same time. Turntable Kachina is one of many artist personas that I utilize within 1st Drop Music, a musical project that I develop under the name Bear Cole. 1st Drop Music allows me to express this part of my work – active listening, respect for the influences that inform it, and an ongoing connection to Northern Arizona. You can find out more about my music through a playlist or buy official merchandise.