Chance Cochran on Songwriting, 'Guitar Strings,' and His Texas Americana Debut

In the crowded world of modern Country and Americana, where formulas often rule the charts, Chance Cochran is leaning into something more dangerous: honesty. His music doesn’t follow a blueprint. It reflects his roots, his relationships, and the way music has shaped his identity.

“As a songwriter in a world where a large faction of music is filled with the same general ideas and topics,” Cochran says, “I try to always bring something unique to the table.” That instinct is all over his recent single, “Guitar Strings” - a bold, blues-driven meditation on the power of music and its ability to transform, connect, and even save. “In the case of ‘Guitar Strings,’ I wanted to express the way I feel about music and what it does for me in the most extreme way that I could think of.”

A Song Born in Real Time

The track came together during a visit from close friend and fellow songwriter Randy Hoyet. The two had already spent countless hours writing together, often in informal, unplanned sessions.

“At the time of writing, Randy and I were already well acquainted,” Cochran explains. “In fact, he would often show up to my house unannounced to write or just hang out.”

One afternoon, Cochran played Hoyet a blues-rock track he’d been developing, but it wasn’t quite finished. “I told him about a tune I had been working on that needed one more verse,” he recalls. “I played it for him, and when I got to the part that needed work, he began to spit out lyrics almost as if he had rehearsed them. It was effortless, natural, and honest.”

The Making of “Who I Am”

“Guitar Strings,” along with the lead single “Fast Cars”, will appear on Cochran’s forthcoming debut album, Who I Am - a title that speaks directly to his mission as an artist. Since November of last year, he’s been recording the project with producer Ben Hussey at New Usual Records in Stephenville, Texas. Known for his work with a number of respected Texas artists, Hussey brings a grounded, organic sensibility to the sessions that fits Cochran’s vision.

“This whole project has been about being true to myself,” Cochran says. “Ben’s been great at helping me chase that sound without overthinking it.”

What Comes Next

The next single, “Bad Influence,” is already in the pipeline and promises to lean even further into Cochran’s signature mix of rock edge and songwriter precision. “I’m currently working on getting the dice rolling for the release,” he shares, “and it’ll be followed by the remaining seven songs - hopefully around the start of the new year.”

For Cochran, the album isn’t just a debut - it’s a statement. A chance to introduce himself on his own terms, with songs that speak to where he’s from and where he’s headed. It’s not about chasing trends or making a radio-friendly record. It’s about building something that lasts.

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