Jerome, Arizona | Verde Valley

The Artists Behind Prima Materia

I recently had the honor of seeing Prima Materia play for a small group of guests in Jerome. The relaxed setting offered a close-up look at the band’s music, chemistry, and individual personalities.

From the first note, the connection between the musicians was impossible to miss. Each member brought a different personality and musical background to the performance, yet they came together with an energy that felt completely natural.

The Evolution of Prima Materia

Prima Materia began in 2020 as a trio called Tria Prima. In those early days, the group rehearsed in a small room inside Donovan’s home. It was a humble beginning built around friendship, experimentation, and a shared desire to create music.

As the group evolved, Tria Prima became Prima Materia. The new name marked the next chapter in the band’s creative journey while honoring the foundation that brought the musicians together.

Today, the band rehearses in a studio at the historic Old Jerome High School, a building that has become home to artists, musicians, and other creative voices. It is a fitting space for a band shaped by individuality, collaboration, and the artistic character of the Verde Valley.

Meet Franco

Born in Clearwater, Florida, Franco discovered music through his father, who was a drummer. Watching and listening to his father sparked Franco’s early interest in music and encouraged him to begin exploring instruments for himself.

At six years old, Franco was introduced to the piano. He continued playing on and off throughout his childhood and teenage years, becoming more serious about the instrument over time.

Around the age of 17, he shifted his attention to guitar. For approximately five years, guitar became his primary instrument and added another dimension to his musical background.

After moving to Jerome, Franco found his way back to the piano. That return eventually gave him the opportunity to help form Tria Prima, which later evolved into Prima Materia. His experience with both piano and guitar brings versatility and depth to the group.

Meet Donovan

Growing up in Southern Arizona, Donovan studied music theory and performed with school jazz bands. His passion for music soon extended beyond the classroom. On weekends, he played at pubs in Bisbee and performed at venues in downtown Phoenix.

Over the years, Donovan has played in bands representing a wide range of genres, from hardcore punk to psychedelic pop. Those different experiences helped shape him into a versatile musician who brings both energy and adaptability to Prima Materia.

Donovan plays guitar and drums and was one of the three original founders of the band in 2020. The group’s first rehearsals took place in a small room in his home before eventually moving to their studio at the Old Jerome High School.

Outside the band, Donovan works full-time as a paramedic. He also shares his love of music by teaching guitar and drums to people throughout the Verde Valley. His dedication to both music and the community is an important part of who he is.

Meet Cheyenne “Shiny” Goodman

Cheyenne Goodman, known affectionately as Shiny, is the vocalist of Prima Materia and has deep roots in Jerome.

To Shiny, Jerome is unlike anywhere else. It is a place where friendships grow into family and where the community thrives through creativity and human connection. Music is at the center of that experience, bringing people together across generations and backgrounds.

Shiny’s voice carries warmth, emotion, and joy. Her performances have a way of reaching people on a deeply personal level, creating moments that can be felt as much as heard.

Her radiant spirit and ability to bring light to those around her are why she is called Shiny. That same warmth shines through in her presence, her photographs, and every Prima Materia performance.

Capturing the Personalities Behind the Music

My goal during the photoshoot was to capture the people behind Prima Materia, not just the band’s public image. The strongest portraits often happen when musicians are comfortable enough to be themselves, and this group made that easy.

Each member brought something different to the session. Their individual personalities came through in their expressions and interactions, while their closeness as a band gave the photographs a sense of unity.

The session was energetic, relaxed, and full of laughter. That atmosphere allowed us to create images that feel honest rather than overly staged. The photographs reflect the same qualities I witnessed during their performance: creativity, connection, and a genuine love of making music together.

Music and Community in the Verde Valley

Prima Materia is part of the vibrant creative community connecting Jerome, Cottonwood, Sedona, and the surrounding Verde Valley. Their story reflects the character of this region, where musicians and artists inspire one another and build meaningful relationships through their work.

From rehearsing in a small room to creating music at the Old Jerome High School, Prima Materia has continued to grow while remaining connected to the community around them. Each member brings a unique history to the group, but together they have created something that is entirely their own.

Being invited to experience their private performance was an honor. Photographing them made the evening even more meaningful because I was able to preserve not only how they looked, but also how the experience felt.

Prima Materia is a band with personality, heart, and a strong creative connection. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to hear their music, photograph their individuality, and document this chapter of their journey.

Live Music Across the Verde Valley

Prima Materia performs throughout the Verde Valley, bringing their music to audiences in Jerome, Cottonwood, Sedona, and surrounding communities. Their live shows give locals and visitors an opportunity to experience the band’s chemistry, diverse musical influences, and connection to Northern Arizona’s creative community.