Jamie Hosmer
THE GIFT OF TIME
A CONVERSATION WITH JAMIE HOSMER
By Joan S. Peck
For many of us in seclusion due to Covid-19, it can be a time to look at things from a different perspective and make changes. So, I was excited to speak with JAMIE HOSMER to discover what he’s been up to during this Covid-19 period of isolation since he is a “glass-half-full” type of guy.
For those of you who haven’t been fortunate enough to hear Jamie perform, you have missed out on a good thing. Jamie is a keyboardist, vocalist, and producer who has been performing for more than 27 years and living here in Las Vegas since 2000. He last played live with Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns here on the strip until the shutdown of the casinos.
So, Jamie, what are you doing now?
“I am looking at the business side of things. I believe entertainment is going to be the last thing to go back to normal, so we have to adapt. I’m learning how to expand my skills and use social media to show my talents. I’ve created a website focused on my social media content, and I’m now live streaming on Facebook. All this is new to me.”
How did you get into live streaming?
“During this period of isolation, I first and foremost felt that people needed to hear music and something other than television. In addition to that, as a singer, I need to continue singing to keep in shape vocally and to keep my playing skills in shape. Singing and playing also makes me feel good.”
Where do you do your live streaming?
“I have a music studio in my home, which I use. I wanted to do more than use my iPhone to record, which meant that I had to learn a whole new skill set to make sure all aspects of producing my performances were the best – lighting, sound, and background. Each time I’m going to live stream my music, it’s like a “gig” day: What songs am I going to play? What requests do I need to include? How does the camera angle look? What video source/sources am I going to use? etc.”
What aspect of live streaming has surprised you the most?
“I was surprised at the level of gratitude I was receiving from listeners. Surprisingly, I’ve also received a few inquiries asking what I was doing technically to have such good sound and to have my video so professional-looking.”
What other things have been keeping you busy?
“Jerry Lopez (Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns) and I have been writing and producing custom music for infomercials for about 15 years or so. That provides a bit of residual income every six months, which has been a real lifesaver since all other sources of income have completed stopped due to Covid-19.
“As a songwriter and performer, I’m in the process of producing my first musical album as a solo artist.
“My services as a singer, keyboard player, and producer are being requested. I will expand those and my songwriting skills through social media marketing and my website.
“I am working with Michael Cavanaugh (Grammy and Tony-nominated artist), who was hand-picked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway show “Movin’ Out.” We are going to do some live streaming together … six feet apart.”
What is the most important thing you have learned business-wise during this Covid-19 isolation period?
“I have learned that marketing content needs to be a steady stream through Facebook, Instagram, and other social media apps.”
In these unique times, I would say to my fellow entertainers to take this time to learn new skills, hone the ones you already have, and, most importantly, keep moving forward so that when entertainment opportunities come back, you’ll be ready!
Listen to a sample of Jamie’s music on YouTube, “Comfortable Shoes.”
Find Jamie online: