Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Cochran.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have been playing music since I was in High School. Myself and some buddies of mine started a band but we needed a singer. I had no idea how to sing, but after weeks of looking for a singer I decided I’d give it a shot. We played all throughout our four years in high school. When school came to an end unfortunately, we had to go our separate ways. I started another band shortly after with current bassist Brad Bentley. Living in San Diego at the time we occasionally got together and practiced, wrote songs, and booked as many gigs as possible. I eventually bounced around L.A. for a bit and played music here and there.
I moved to Santa Barbara and did some solo things there. Was really contemplating whether or not music was what I was supposed to be doing. Music wasn’t really a priority. Or at least I wasn’t treating it like it was. After a year and a half of being in Santa Barbara, I decided to really take my chances a go to the “Live Music Capital of the World” Austin Texas. I asked Brad if he wanted to tag along and he didn’t hesitate. three months into being in Austin, Brad and I found Matt Leslie drumming on the side of the road while we were valeting cars at the South Congress Hotel. Immediately connected and he was in. Phil DeVries, lead guitar, joined the band a couple years later. In 2016, we were runner up for the Best New Band in the Austin Chronicle Awards. This last year while we have been developing our sound as a rock-n-roll group we were honored to be recipients of a Black Fret grant as well as Austin Best Band from the Austin Monthly Magazine. It’s been over a decade long journey and I am now very confident that this is the path for me. I finally got the right guys on my team and its full steam ahead. It’s a huge goal of mine to play at Trees one day, so Dallas be on the lookout for us, Cowboy Diplomacy will be heading your way soon.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a songwriter. I write about my life and the experiences I’ve gone through. Just like Taylor Swift, I write about getting my heart broken just as much as breaking hearts. I write about my struggles with alcohol and coping with anxiousness and depressed feelings. You know, artist minds are always floating around. Can’t keep the ball inflated for too long. I hope people listen to my songs and they feel something. Whether my songs make people feel happy, sad, pissed off, sexy, or offended, I hope they can be relatable to a person’s life. Ideally my songs can get you through anything from being dumped to a gnarly workout to simply finding yourself. The great thing about songwriting is it becomes the chronicle to your life as well as the listener.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Making money
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Follow us on social media and YouTube!
https://www.facebook.com/CowboyDiplomacy/
https://www.instagram.com/cowboydiplomacymusic/
https://twitter.com/C0wb0yDipl0macy
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCApo038czRkAonvF481FDjA
https://gumroad.com/cowboydiplomacy
Find us on Spotify
Contact Info:
- Website: cowboydiplomacy.band
- Email: diplomacyforcowboys@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowboydiplomacymusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowboyDiplomacy/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/C0wb0yDipl0macy
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCApo038czRkAonvF481FDjA
Image Credit:
@Davidlemonphotography
@Zachkrachtphoto
@giebitz_photography
@garymillerphotography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
