Meet Harry Hochman | Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Harry Hochman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Harry, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’m not sure I had a choice in the matter. After decades of lawyering in the field of corporate insolvency, I hit the proverbial wall. Maybe it was the years of dismal politics, maybe some pandemic-induced solipsism, maybe something closer to home, but whatever, I just couldn’t muster the will to lift the pen. Music had always been an outlet, but not in a serious way. But writing is in my blood and once I turned it to music the energy returned, and with it my sense of purpose and enjoyment of life. It just wants to come out. And if what I’m creating resonates with people, fantastic!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I spent literally decades mining the power of words to explain complex legal issues and persuade decision-makers of the merits of our position, logically and equitably. Yet by the end I was more than a little jaded and skeptical of the power of words to convince anybody of anything they don’t already want to believe. That level of cynicism seemed like a downer, but I see it now that was the challenge: sinking to that depth was what I needed to truly appreciate that everything begins and ends with feeling and emotion. And what better way to access that than through music? I still want to educate and persuade, convince and cajole, but through songs that are simple and lyrics that do not try to hide the ball, and hit subjects everyone can relate to.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve lived on the Westside a long long time now. I think virtually every morning would have to start at Gjusta Bakery in Venice. I’m a bread guy and everything they do is fantastic. Honorable mention to Lodge Bread in Culver City, especially for some reason their hummus which is hands-down the best anywhere. It’s funny how the best part of LA to me is less the cultural highlights (though for offbeat museums nothing beats the Museum of Jurassic Technology) and more the natural beauty. I’d take them biking on what’s now called the Marvin Braude Bike Path down the coast from the Palisades to Redondo, stopping of course at the Boardwalk and the Venice Ale House. Up to Topanga where I once lived, stopping at Hidden Treasures for some Burning Man preparations. Motorcycling around the Santa Monica Mountains, stopping at the Rock Store. I’d definitely take them to Metro Cafe, which by morning is the diner for the Travelodge in Culver City, but which by evening turns into the best Serbian food in LA. And to Shikibu, a 6 seat brown-rice sushi gem, also in Culver City. Lunch at least once would be Persian sandwiches from Attari Grill in Westwood. And I’d check the McCabe’s Guitar Shop concert schedule for fantastic, intimate, affordable shows. That’s for starters.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutouts for sure go to Chris Murphy, a local musician extraordinaire who took me under his wing and vowed to turn me, in his words, from a lawyer who does some music on the side to a musician who does some law on the side. He’s performing constantly but takes time and pride in mentoring and teaching students up to a musician-grade level, if you’re willing and able to take the cure. A big shoutout as well to my wife Sam Hutman for supporting my career transition every step of the way.

Website: harryhochmanmusic.com

Instagram: @harryhochmanmusic

Facebook: harryhochmanmusic

Youtube: harry hochman music

Other: Spotify: harryhochmanmusic

Image Credits
Photos by Harmony Gerber