Conversations with Brian Ochab

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Ochab.

Hi Brian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Warren, Michigan and was interested in music and making films. As luck would have it, one of the film industry’s best stop-motion animators, a man by the name of Larry Larson, lived about five minutes from my parents’ house. I mean, what are the odds? I was introduced to Larry through a friend of my mom’s. I think he saw in me a teen about ready to burst if I didn’t find an outlet for my creativity. Besides being a renowned sculptor, Larry was also and celebrated guitar player, so I basically got a graduate-level education in art and music at an early age. Being encouraged to discover my artistic voice so young was truly a gift.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I experienced the typical kaleidoscope of struggles along the way especially at the beginning of my music career with rejection being one of the standouts. When you’re an unknown without connections or resources it can feel daunting. Even when you start to succeed and have “proven yourself” so to speak, the challenges don’t suddenly stop. There is the pressure to top the last success both in terms of quality and speed of output. Sometimes you find out people you trusted don’t have your best interests in mind. But we need challenges to grow, and if you view them as opportunities to look within and discover who you really are then some of the most wondrous things can be uncovered.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Prior to creating music I was fortunate to have had some wonderful success as a professional magician. I competed in several international competitions and achieved the title of International Magic Champion. I was (and still am) primarily known for my close-up magic work specifically with cards and coins. At the end of 2019 I found myself in a rut, of sorts, both professionally and personally. I needed to pivot and really wanted to get back to my first love which was music. However, I didn’t know how to get that engine started again. With auspicious timing just a few months before Covid, I was gifted with a beautiful Stieff baby grand piano by the late, great movie poster artist, Drew Struzan (<i>Star Wars, Back to the Future, The Thing</i>) and Drew’s wife Dylan.

When the pandemic essentially stopped the world, I redirected my focus with my new girl Josephine (the name I gave my piano). Taking full advantage of the stay-at-home orders, I began a writing frenzy of original material that continues to this day. My demos caught the attention of some label insiders who recommended I start recording. So I was on my way. My new single “Two Strangers on a Train” and accompanying
music video just dropped and is available for your viewing and listening pleasure here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBo6nw9QTG0

I get asked about my musical style quite often. I tend to wander between genres so my style depends on the song I’m writing. Someone recently described my vibe as early Billy Joel cross pollinated with a distinct county sound. I rather enjoyed that description. Last week an audience member came up to me and said if Bruce Hornsby and Don Henley had a baby I would be the result. That was a new one but I’ll take the compliment! It goes without saying that most of what I do is clearly piano driven. I grew up listening to Elton John and Billy Joel who were as inescapable as gravity for piano players then. I’m sure they are in there somewhere when I write. Of course, there are other influences – Leon Russell, Rick Wakeman, Jim Steinman to name a few. My follow up single <i>West Coast Wave, </i>which is my love letter to Southern California (and a subtle tribute to Elton), is getting its release early next year. I’m in the studio now getting my debut album in shape for a spring / summer release in 2026.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I recently had the chance to play with the Marshall Tucker Band and the experience was incredible. Besides being top-shelf musicians they are amazing to hang with….just an empowering group of guys. They were very gracious and complimentary about my music and gave me some great advice about up spiraling my live show and taking things to the next level.

Again it was perfect timing as I’m currently forming a new iteration of my band to do exactly that. We have some great musicians and we’re currently scouting the Los Angeles area for more great players.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brianochab.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianochab/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.ochab
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brianochab88

Image Credits
Eli Jarra, Marlies Hartmann, Dantino Scarfo