In the context of software development, a release-first approach to managing the software supply chain (SSC) emphasizes the critical role of the software release stage, which serves as the pivotal link between Development and Operations in the DevOps infinity loop. This approach ensures that the entire release journey is meticulously managed, from coding and dependencies to runtime, thereby safeguarding the quality and security of software while maintaining alignment across Development, Operations, and Security teams. By adopting a release-first strategy, organizations can benefit from accelerated and uniform product deliveries, robust auditing and change tracking, streamlined release automation, and stress-free release processes. The importance of this approach is underscored by past challenges such as the Log4j vulnerability, highlighting the need for clear visibility into the release process to identify and mitigate potential impacts. The article also promotes the upcoming swampUP 2023 event in San Jose, where attendees can explore more about adopting this approach and engage with industry professionals.