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Musician of the Month
(Johnson City News and Neighbor front page in March, 2010)
Article By: Josh Mancuso
Cochran
released his first album, “Travelin’ Light,” last November, and is
already planning a second album release for July 3. The CD release will
take place during Jonesborough Days, which Cochran will be headlining.
This talented young musician is more than 10 years younger than all of
his band members – the High Road Band. Currently known as T.C. and the
High Road Band, in July, Cochran will simply use his name as the band
’s title. 
Cochran’s
band is: Troy Whitson – lead guitarist and producer, Travis Padgett –
bass guitar, and Mark Bennett – drums. Whitson also owns Galaxy Studios
where Cochran records his albums. The country music sensation started
playing guitar three years ago, with the help of James Storie, an
extremely talented guitarist, according to Cochran.
“James
told me if he was going to teach me, then I would have to love it,”
said Cochran. “A year and a half later I started writing some songs and
playing in the talent shows at Crockett. My first gig was for a teacher
’s banquet at the Johnson City Country Club.”
Since then, the up-and-coming country music sensation has played many shows
throughout the area, including Jonesborough Days and the Rhythm
& Roots Festival in Bristol. He was also invited to the White House for a Country
Music Writer
’s Workshop hosted by country music superstars Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss, and
Dan Tyminski.
Of
course, friends and family have played a major part in Cochran’s
success. Road trips are filled with parents, aunts and uncles, and
grandparents driving three Nissan Titan trucks donning Cochran
’s name on the back windshield.
“Lots of people have had faith in me,” he said. “Nancy Colburn at the Cranberry Thistle has a lot of contacts and has helped me
along the way, too.
”
Cochran’s
musical influences include Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson,
and George Strait. When this young performer begins belting country
notes from his mouth, his sound is reminiscent of all four
predecessors. However, Cochran
’s voice is unique and well beyond his years, offering the listener a
deep and smooth country melody that reveals his passion for music and
writing and his love for life. Two songs on his upcoming album are sure
to be fan favorites: “Nobody Gets Out Alive” and “I Didn’t Like That,
But I Loved Her.” When asked about where he gets his inspiration for
writing songs, Cochran replied with one word.
“Women,” he said with a smile. “My first album was just about what was going on in my life at that time.”
Cochran has decided there is no other feeling in the world like getting up in
front of a crowd for the first time and playing a brand new song.
“It’s
great to hear people respond with, ‘I really love that song,’” Cochran
said. “Without people, it’s not really worth anything. At my first CD
release show in Clintwood, Virginia, I was on stage thanking everyone
for coming, and a couple who had driven all the way from Florida stood
up and said, ‘No, thank you.’ That was a really special moment.”
After graduation Cochran plans to hit the road and officially begin his journey
into the professional music industry.
“I
want to go as far as I can take it,” said the 17-year old Cochran. “I
believe everyone has a purpose and I think this is my purpose.
Everything has happened so fast and worked out really well. I think
when you find what you
’re meant to do in life, you should grab hold of it. I’ve come too far
to quit now.”
Visit Taylor Cochran’s band on the web at www.tcandthehighroadband.com
