Meet Sandra Hogan Cochrane | Bassist / Vocalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Hogan Cochrane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I can remember connecting strongly with music from a very early age. In 5th grade, I started organizing and choreographing dance routines to pop songs to perform with friends at our school’s talent shows. At 11, I started playing acoustic guitar and composing songs. At 13, I went to see my very first concert at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. Alice Cooper was the headliner and the opening act was Suzie Quatro. She came out in a tight leather jumpsuit with a huge bass and proceeded to tear up the stage all by herself. That was powerful stuff for a young girl and it was at that moment that I said, “That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to play bass.” And that’s what I’ve done ever since.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think it’s different to be a female bass player/lead vocalist, however, I see more and more women joining the Atlanta music scene and elevating the experience for us all. Basically it takes work, just as it does in everything. You have to practice and show up ready to play.

I really enjoy the dynamics of being in a 3-piece band, where each position is vital to the overall success of the group. The people I’ve met and the friendships formed have been invaluable and I’ve truly learned something from each and every person I’ve spent time with on stage.

My first band, when I was in high school, was called “PowerGlide”. Mike Boaz and Guy Lenz named the band after the car shifter and we jammed in Mike’s garage, which his parents generously gave up so that we could practice. We played at all the local high school parties, covering the 70’s with the best from Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Pat Benatar, and AC/DC.

My next band right out of high school was “Vixen”, an original power pop project in the vein of Blondie and The Go-Gos. Rick Murphy and Paul Allison wrote the tunes while I penned the lyrics, sang lead, and played bass. We played the iconic 688 on Spring Street, Green’s on Peachtree Industrial, “The Strand” in Marietta, and a few stints in Athens and Nashville.

For the next 20 years, I took a break from music while I worked on my IT career and started a family.
After my kids grew up, it was time to get back to what I love, so I started the band GRAVY, a classic rock cover band out of Johns Creek. For several years, Frak Nuaimy and I played at various Atlanta venues including Joe’s, Rosati’s, Dancing Skulls, Will Henry’s, and Suwanee Fest.

Currently, I am the lead singer and bassist for the Alpharetta-based GRUNGE HOUSE, with Greg Brown on lead guitar and Mike Gio on drums. We play ALT/GRUNGE ROCK from the 90s, covering artists such as Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, The White Stripes, Hole, Radiohead, and more!

You can catch our next show on the Alpharetta Town Green on Friday, August 8th at 7 pm. Bring a lawn chair and come hang with us!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Downtown Alpharetta is the best place to hang out! We would go for a walk on the Alpha Loop, shop at the Avalon, walk back to the Alpharetta Square and grab dinner and an espresso martini at Lapeer Steak and Seafood, and then wrap up our day dancing to the sounds of local live music at Roaring Social!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have three children and a wonderful husband who inspire me every day. They have always supported my dreams and encouraged me to pursue my passions. I have many great friends who have also supported my journey and attend my shows regularly. I could not have done this without their love and support!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grungehouse90srock

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grungehouse90srock/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/JFOIBud5EUo?si=7p5bclOvtvS760kH