Arizona was a band that existed from the summer of 2005 until the winter of 2009.
Arizona started in NYC and ended in Asheville, NC.
Arizona was a good ride, complete with strange tunes, intense artistic passion, countless hours spent squirreling away sounds in studios, and wild tours with amazing bands (The Slip, Band of Horses, the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray, Dead Confederate, Derek Trucks, and the Snakebites to name a few).
Arizona was first formed by Ben Wigler, Nick Campbell and Alex Hornbake. The band then brought in drummer Matt Cozin for their first shows and the recording of the song “Splintering”. The band completed their debut LP Welcome Back Dear Children largely as the original three piece, bringing in Andrew Dunn on piano for a few tunes. Andrew Dunn then joined the band full time, singing and playing guitar and keys. James DeDakis was brought on as the band’s full-time drummer. This line-up recorded the follow-up AZ release, Fameseeker and the Mono. Andrew Dunn left the band and Arizona’s final LP Glowing Bird was finished by the remaining four members.
An honorable mention goes out to Deems, the incredible visual artist who helped Arizona find their aesthetic and artistic center early in their career. His covers and artistic ambition were a large influence.
A further honorable mention goes out to Eric Stephenson who contributed stellar cello parts to many Arizona recordings and at a handful of special shows.
A further, further honorable mention goes out to Cyril Besnard (aka Young Francis) who documented the band on the road, created multiple bits of film to go to Arizona’s music and also inspired the band with his passion for both their music and art at large.