Conversations with Stephen Cochran

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Cochran.

Hi Stephen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My mother was raised in Waterford and graduated from Mott high school. She met my Dad and moved south where I was born and raised. However, I’ve spent every summer with my grandparents in Waterford since I was four.. Since my grandparents and mothers passing , I took ownership of their home and now bring my children here to love Michigan as I do. After 9/11 I dropped out of College and enlisted in the Marine Corps. Walking away from a country music contract. After being injured in Afghanistan, I thought the dream of music was over. I guess I learned not to tell God what his plans for my life are. I’ve been blessed to have a very successful career in country music. Several of my songs have hit the top marks on Billboard and even receiving a hit status with two here in Michigan with the help of my good friends at WYCD.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Id love to say it’s been easy, but anything worth having is never easy. We have all been given gifts from God and we must find those talents and use them. Being told you may never walk again is never something anyone wants to hear. I know this path would have been so much harder without my faith and guidance of my lord Jesus. I admit , I haven’t always been on this journey and I’ve turned to many substances, therapy and self guidance for help, yet they all fell short. Recently ive tried a different approach and put all the stresses and worries on him. After all God made me he understands I’m hard headed and sometimes I have to go though something to understand the mission.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m honestly nothing special. I’ve been blessed alot in this life. I’ve been a college Athlete, playing lacrosse for Western Kentucky University as their captain before 9/11. I’ve am a United States Marine L.A.R Reconnaissance Scout Team Leader to the Invasion of Iraq and the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. I’ve been a paraplegic without hope of walking again. Im a Country music singer songwriter with three Top 60 Billboard indicators hits. I’ve been the National Spokesman to Veterans Affairs research and development as well as the Co- chair to Hospitalized Veterans and here recently I’ve been blessed to help found two non profits to help Veterans navigate the career of music with Stop22tour and most recently Label22 records. What sets me apart is the deep love and respect for the one who has taken me through all of this and brought me to the other side. Ive been tested by the flames and no doubt have a long party to go.

What’s next?
We have several amazing Veteran and Veteran family members we are working with to help them achieve their dreams. Caleb Montgomery was our first artist release. He has since hit #22 on Billboard, #3 on Itunes and #1 on Apple. Chris Turner a Marine Veteran has also hit some amazing strides with his recent release as well as writing for his future release with some of the top songwriters in Nashville. Kyle Turley a former NFL All star is also on our roster with an exciting Football career in the rear view and an already exciting music career we look forward to see what we can do together. One of the most exciting artists we have is a long time friend of mine Sal Gonzalez, Sal is a US Marine who lost his leg in Iraq and has been seen on America’s Got Talent and most recently the Grand Ole Opry where he made his debut last May. This May he returns to the Opry to announce his debut album on Label22 with Our Grammy Nominated Hit producer Eddie Gore (Airforce), Veteran Production engineers Capt. Michael Hamilton (US Army)and Capt. Anton Harb (US Army) Which we are beside ourselves excited about. As for my music and the direction, of it. We signed a licensing deal with Hallmark a few years back to produce and release a movie based on my life. Sadly that never made it to the actual screen. However new life has been injected into the project and this June we start towards a new deal with a Major motion film company. Also, as most can tell ive redirected my life and with that my music will have a different direction and message. I owe everything I have or will ever have to my lord and Savior. I want my music and message to be that as well. I plan to release a new EP soon titled “Preacher” with Tracks like “JOB” and “Preacher” I hope to use these trials ive been blessed to experience and helps others find their way through this life. Ive truly felt salvation and ive fanned the flames of Hell. I.pray we can save even one person from taking the long way as I have.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.label22records.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Stephen_Cochran_official
• Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/Stephen cochran official
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/stephen_cochran