Cochren & Co.

Cochren & Co. is an American contemporary Christian music group led by singer, songwriter and worship leader Michael Cochren. Originating from Indiana, the group is known for its warm blend of contemporary Christian music, American pop and rock, soul, blues and piano-driven songwriting. With hopeful lyrics and accessible melodies, Cochren & Co. has built a reputation for creating music that connects personal faith with everyday experiences.

The group began as a touring project built around Michael Cochren and a band of friends, with his wife Leah Cochren later becoming part of the group. What started as a regional musical venture gradually developed into a national Christian music career. Cochren & Co. eventually signed with Gotee Records and gained wider attention with songs including “Church (Take Me Back),” “One Day,” “Who Can” and “Running Home.”

Quick Facts

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Michael Cochren was born and raised in a small town in Indiana, where music became an important part of his life from an early age. He eventually began writing and performing his own songs and, after completing school, started traveling around the United States with a band of friends.

Cochren’s musical influences extend beyond contemporary Christian music. His songwriting and vocal approach draw from American pop, soul and blues, while his piano playing remains an important part of his musical identity. Artists such as Billy Joel and Ray Charles have been cited among his influences, alongside Christian artists such as NEEDTOBREATHE.

The project eventually took the name Cochren & Co., pronounced “Cochren and Company.” His wife, Leah Cochren, later joined the touring group, contributing to the collaborative character associated with the band’s early years.

Rise to National Recognition

Cochren & Co. developed its audience through years of live performances before making its major recording breakthrough. The group began touring nationally and opened shows for established Christian artists, helping introduce Michael Cochren’s songwriting to audiences across the United States.

The group’s major label breakthrough came after signing with Gotee Records, the Christian music label founded by TobyMac and other partners. In 2018, Cochren & Co. released “Church (Take Me Back),” a song that became the group’s breakthrough single. Its nostalgic look at church community and Christian faith resonated with listeners and established Cochren & Co. as an emerging name in contemporary Christian music.

The song eventually received RIAA Gold certification and became one of the group’s signature recordings. It was followed by songs including “One Day” and “Who Can,” both of which also became significant Christian radio successes.

Don’t Lose Hope

Cochren & Co.’s debut full-length album, Don’t Lose Hope, was released by Gotee Records in 2021. The album expanded on the group’s combination of contemporary Christian songwriting and American pop and soul influences.

The project included several of the group’s most recognized songs, including “Church (Take Me Back),” “One Day,” “Who Can,” “Good Memories” and the title track “Don’t Lose Hope.” The album produced multiple Billboard Top 10 Christian radio hits and helped establish Cochren & Co. beyond the group’s earlier singles.

The title song also received wider exposure when it was featured in an episode of the television series MacGyver. The success of the album contributed to Cochren & Co.’s growing profile within Christian radio and touring.

Running Home

Cochren & Co. followed Don’t Lose Hope with their second full-length album, Running Home, released in 2023. The album continued the group’s focus on faith, family, hope and the realities of everyday life while expanding its musical palette.

The title track, “Running Home,” became one of the group’s biggest successes. It reached No. 1 on Christian radio, giving Cochren & Co. its first No. 1 radio single. The song’s message centers on the idea of returning home and finding security, grace and belonging, themes that became central to the album’s identity.

Another notable song from this period was “Thank God for Sunday Morning,” which had already gained attention as a single in 2022. The song was recognized by K-LOVE as one of its “22 Songs that Defined 2022” and became another important Christian radio recording for the group.

The success of Running Home further expanded the group’s touring career. Cochren & Co. performed with established Christian acts such as MercyMe and Crowder while also developing its own headlining tours. The group made its Grand Ole Opry debut on June 13, 2023, another significant milestone in its career.

Music, Worship and Collaborations

Cochren & Co.’s music occupies a space between contemporary Christian radio and roots-oriented American pop. Michael Cochren’s piano-based songwriting is often combined with rock, soul and blues influences, giving the group a sound that is recognizable without moving too far from the conventions of Christian music.

The group’s songs frequently deal with subjects such as faith, family, gratitude, perseverance, community and God’s presence in ordinary life. Rather than relying exclusively on traditional worship songwriting, Cochren often approaches Christian themes through personal stories and everyday experiences.

The group has also worked with a range of Christian artists and songwriters. Collaborations and appearances have included work with TobyMac, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa, Matt Boswell and We Are Messengers. Cochren & Co. also participated in live and hymnal projects that brought contemporary Christian songwriting together with historic Christian hymnody.

Michael Cochren has also developed a career as a songwriter beyond his work with the group. In 2025, he earned another No. 1 as a songwriter with “Somebody Prayed,” a song he co-wrote with Crowder. He has additionally contributed modern hymns to projects associated with Keith and Kristyn Getty and Crossway’s Sing! hymnal.

Touring and Live Career

Live performance has remained an important part of Cochren & Co.’s identity. The group has toured extensively across the United States, appearing at Christian festivals, theaters, churches and large concert venues.

In 2025, Cochren & Co. launched the Running Home Tour with Megan Woods and Mackenzie Phillips. The tour was followed by the Good Memories Tour with Riley Clemmons. The group has also maintained its annual Christmas touring tradition through its Company Christmas Party shows.

Cochren & Co. has performed at notable venues and events including the Grand Ole Opry and Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The group has also appeared on Fox & Friends and at major Christian music events, further expanding its audience beyond traditional church settings.

Runs in the Blood and Recent Work

Cochren & Co. entered a new phase of its career in 2026 with the release of its third full-length album, Runs in the Blood. Released on May 29, 2026 through Gotee Records, the 12-song album continues the group’s mixture of Christian themes, pop songwriting and roots-oriented musical influences.

The album was preceded by singles including “What Grace Can Do” and “Stand My Ground.” “What Grace Can Do” was released in January 2026, while “Stand My Ground” followed in March. The group also released “How Great Is The Greatness Of God” in August 2026, continuing its output after the album’s release.

The release of Runs in the Blood was accompanied by a national headlining tour of the same name in spring 2026. The project reflects Cochren & Co.’s continued development while retaining the hopeful, accessible songwriting and live-centered approach that have characterized the group since its emergence.

Legacy and Continuing Career

Cochren & Co. has developed from Michael Cochren’s small-town Indiana songwriting project into a nationally touring contemporary Christian act. The group’s career has been shaped by a combination of radio success, extensive touring, worship ministry and songwriting, allowing its music to reach both Christian music audiences and listeners drawn to its broader American pop and soul influences.

From “Church (Take Me Back)” and Don’t Lose Hope to the No. 1 success of “Running Home” and the 2026 album Runs in the Blood, Cochren & Co. has built its identity around songs of faith and hope delivered through an accessible, roots-influenced sound. With Michael Cochren continuing to write, perform and lead the group, Cochren & Co. remains an active presence in contemporary Christian music.