In Ottawa’s vibrant artistic community, few voices carry the dual weight of creativity and conviction like Bernard Couchman’s. Better known in his musical persona as BJC, Couchman is not only a perennial mayoral candidate but a passionate artist whose latest work pursues both sonic excellence and spiritual purpose. With five songs now live on every major streaming platform, he is staking his claim in the local scene — and beyond. These tracks reflect his ethos: resilient, visionary, rooted in faith, and unafraid to speak boldly.
A Mission-Driven Musician
Bernard Couchman immigrated to Canada from Guyana in 1994, built a community-focused profile in Ottawa, and has long fused civic leadership with creative expression. Music is his next frontier. Through his label, H2OBoy, he is releasing songs with a message: “The kingdom of Heaven has come near you.” With an artist’s heart and a public figure’s passion, Couchman brings a rare blend of social consciousness and musical drive.
Five Songs, Five Stories
Here are the five tracks now available, each significant in its own right.
- “U” – This track places the listener front and center: you. In a world full of noise and distraction, “U” stands out as a personal declaration. It speaks to identity, to purpose, and to the listener’s place in something bigger. Listing high on his “top songs” reveals it already resonates. (iHeart)
2. “CUP” – In “CUP,” BJC uses the imagery of an empty vessel waiting to be filled. It’s vulnerable and open, an anthem for anyone seeking renewal or washing up from the storms of life. That such metaphors appear in his work is no accident — Couchman is purposeful with his spiritual references even as he keeps the beat accessible.
3. Wedding Bells “Wedding Bells” – Released November 11, 2025, this song celebrates union, covenant, and expectation. At its core, “Wedding Bells” marries the personal with the universal: it’s about love, but also about commitment in the larger sense — to community, to values, to vision. (music.amazon.com)
4. “Born to Do” – With title and tone cut from the same cloth, “Born to Do” is a bold assertion of calling. BJC’s voice carries conviction: this is not just a hobby, not just a moment — it’s what he was born to do. The track challenges listeners to consider their own purpose, and in doing so builds a bridge between artist and audience.
5. “Burning” – A tighter, more concise track (just over two minutes) that channels the intensity of breakthrough. “Burning” evokes fire, passion, purification. Released November 8, 2025, it positions Couchman not just as an artist with a message, but as one willing to strip back the extra and just keep the flame. (Amazon Music)
Why This Matters in Ottawa
Ottawa’s music scene is often overshadowed by its larger-Canadian-city peers. Yet here is a homegrown artist who embodies the city’s potential: culturally diverse, socially engaged, spiritually grounded. Couchman’s presence reminds us that artistry doesn’t have to be separate from civic life — it can be civic life.
Moreover, the fact that these songs are available on all major streaming platforms ensures accessibility. Whether you’re commuting into downtown Ottawa, driving across the 417, or tuning in from abroad, the tracks are at your fingertips. That matters for building momentum, for expanding reach, and for ensuring that a local voice can travel global.
Sound, Style & Substance
Musically, the songs lean toward contemporary pop/soul with gospel and R&B inflections. The production is clean yet heartfelt, the lyrics direct and motivational. “Born to Do” and “CUP” lean into melodic hooks; “Burning” employs urgency and brevity; “Wedding Bells” incorporates celebratory instrumentation. One hears ambition and craft — not just a message, but a sound designed for impact.
And the message is not incidental. Couchman’s platform as a community-builder and public servant amplifies his music’s authenticity. The themes of identity, belonging, calling, renewal, union — they align with the values-driven work he does in Ottawa. These songs aren’t just entertainment; they’re extensions of his mission.
What to Listen For
- Listen to the lyrics. Couchman uses direct language: “You,” “Born,” “Wedding,” “Burning.” There’s no ambiguity.
- Notice the hooks. Whether minimal or expansive, each song aims to lodge itself in your ear.
- Feel the purpose. These aren’t casual tracks — they exist for movement: personal, communal, spiritual.
- Track the progression. From the open invitation of “U” to the intense declaration of “Burning,” there’s an arc of rising purpose.
What’s Next
While these five songs set the stage, what comes next will determine how far this momentum can travel. A full EP or album could deepen the narrative; live performance engagements across Ottawa and beyond could amplify the connection; collaborations with other local artists could embed Couchman more fully into the regional scene.
For Ottawa audiences — especially those attuned to the intersection of culture, faith, and social consciousness — Couchman offers something distinct. He invites you in not just to listen, but to engage: to consider the message, to reflect on your own story, to join a movement of renewal.
Final Thoughts
In a city where music often follows trends, Bernard Couchman stands out by setting his own pace and direction. With five songs now streaming globally, he’s making his mark: as a musician, as a messenger, and as a member of the Ottawa musical and civic community. Whether you’re drawn in by the sound, the story, or the spirit — there’s something here worth tuning into.
If you haven’t already, check out “U,” “CUP,” “Wedding Bells,” “Born to Do,” and “Burning.” Stream them, share them, and reflect: What is your cup waiting to be filled with? What are you born to do? And what flame is you willing to set burning?
On the airwaves of Ottawa and beyond, the message rings out: the kingdom of Heaven has come near — and the rhythm of that message is now playing.
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B.J. Couchman
H2OBoy®