The Regulars: Chad Cochran AKA CowtownChad, Music Photographer and Visual Artist

BioChad CochranOhio based music and potrait photographer.Chad's WebsiteChad on YouTube@cowtownchad on InstagramChad's Facebook pageSummaryChad Cochran, better known as CowtownChad, takes us on a laid-back journey through the vibrant world of independent music in this episode of Dive Bar Music Club. We dive into his experiences as a live music and portrait photographer, where he seamlessly transitions between capturing electrifying live performances and intimate backstage moments. Chad's love for Americana music runs deep, and he shares tales from his time at iconic venues like the Ryman Auditorium and the Beachland Ballroom, where the magic of music truly comes alive. Throughout our chat, we explore the evolution of his artistic journey, from a punk rock kid to a sought-after photographer, and how those gritty dive bars laid the foundation for honing his craft. So, grab your favorite drink and join us for a candid conversation that’s sure to resonate with music lovers and aspiring artists alike!Show NotesWelcome back to another laid-back session of Dive Bar Music Club, the low key, high taste happy hour for music nerds. This week, we’re pulling up a stool with someone who's seen it all from behind the lens: music photographer and filmmaker Chad Cochran, aka CowtownChad.Here’s what went down:Meet Chad Cochran: portrait photographer, music video filmmaker, and the guy behind the camera at some of your favorite Americana shows.Chad’s journey from punk metal kid to the Americana scene (thanks to a cowboy hat and a certain host).He’s worked with big names and captured quiet moments, both live on stage and backstage at festivals.This summer’s lineup included:Nelsonville Music FestivalPickin’ in the BackwoodsHealing AppalachiaWoody Guthrie Folk Festival, where Chad was also a guest speaker on mental health in music.Trivia Night:Fun fact: Chad didn’t pick up a camera until he was 40. Now at 53, he's built a career shooting festivals, portraits, and raw emotional moments in music.His first band? A “horrible” high school group called Stonehenge. But it laid the foundation for a creative path back to music decades later.Favorite venues? The iconic Ryman Auditorium tops the list, but the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland is where he honed his chops in tricky, low-light dives.Why small venues matter for music photographers: they’re gritty, they’re real, and they’re the perfect training ground before the big stages.Where to find him online:Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and TikTokUsername: @CowtownChadYes, he's talking about music on TikTok (because his kids made him download it and a PR friend told him to find a niche).Thanks again to Chad for joining our crew of rotating regulars, and yes, you’re definitely going to want to hear more from him in future episodes.Last Call ReminderLike the vibe? Follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who stays till the very last note. See you next time at Dive Bar Music Club, where the love of music always takes center stage.LinksChad CochranGet to know the rest of the Regulars on Dive Bar Music ClubYou might also like Sloane Spencer's Gen X sleep podcast, Sleep with Rock StarsChapters00:19 - Introducing Cowtown Chad00:45 - Exploring the World of Music Photography03:35 - Exploring Musical Venues05:19 - The Journey of Cowtown Chad06:14 - Introduction to Dive Bar Music ClubTakeawaysChad Cochran, aka Cowtown Chad, shares his journey from a rural landscape photographer to a sought-after music photographer, highlighting his passion for Americana music.The significance of small venues like Beachland Ballroom in honing photography skills is emphasized, showcasing their unique charm in the music scene.Our podcast revolves around true music fans and their stories, creating an intimate space for sharing the magic of live music experiences.Chad's eclectic background in various music genres, from punk to Americana, adds depth to his photography and feeds his creative spirit.The discussion touches on mental health in the music industry, showcasing a thoughtful approach to the challenges artists face in this field.Listeners are encouraged to engage with the show, emphasizing the community aspect of music appreciation and sharing favorite episodes with friends.indie music podcast, music nerd podcast, underground music podcast, music roundtable podcast, best new indie bands, independent music podcast, music discovery podcast, alternative music podcast, podcast for music lovers, dive bar music podcast, low key music podcast, deep cut music discussion, music tastemakers podcast, music festival discoveries, music zine culture, DIY music scene, touring musician stories, hidden gem bands, vinyl collector podcast, music conversations podcast, dive bar music club, independent music podcast, music photography, Chad Cochran, Cowtown Chad, live concert photography, music festivals, backstage portraits, Americana music, portrait photographer, music venues, Ryman auditorium, Beachland Ballroom, concert photography tips, music industry insights, mental health and music, music nerds, local music scenes, music podcast recommendations, low key happy hourMentioned in this EpisodeDive Bar Music ClubUncle TupeloWilcoBottle RocketsSun VoltNelsonville Music FestivalPicking in the BackwoodsHealing AppalachiaWoody Guthrie Folk FestivalRyman AuditoriumBeachland BallroomTranscriptSpeaker A00:00:01.040 - 00:00:06.960Hello, this is Chad Cochran, also known as Cowtown Chad. And this is Dive Bar Music Club.Speaker B00:00:08.000 - 00:00:49.930Welcome to Dive Bar Music Club, the low key, high taste happy hour for music nerds. Each week we're joined by a rotating cast of true music fans, people who live and breathe independent music.I'll introduce you to one