Graham Hoskins

Gra is “the boss man” AKA “the Hoss”, AKA “G Man”.  Graham is the original owner of the store & opened Concept Music in 1980 and still works in the store full time.

Graham started playing trombone while attending Perth Modern School way back in 1968 and was in the very first class of students in what was then the “new” music programme.  Graham played trombone professionally for some years after leaving school but that all stopped once he opened Concept Music.

1. What is your role in the store?
The boss… to keep everyone happy & to steer the ship - the buck definitely stops here.  ☺  

2. What styles of music are you into?
 Happy to listen to almost anything… classical, jazz, big band and rock. All the classics. 

3. Equipment you currently own?
Several hundred guitars & almost as many basses… (jokes). At home I have a large bore Yamaha Bb/F trombone (in case I ever feels the urge again), a handmade didgeridoo, a Maton Custom Shop 808 guitar with highly flamed Victorian blackwood top, back & sides as well as an old Maton CW80 cutaway signed by Tommy Emmanuel.

4. Piece of gear or instrument you have previously owned… and wish you never sold?
My old Conn 88H trombone and a gorgeous flame maple Guild USA F-50 6 string super jumbo… I was talked into selling it to a good friend who had also fell in love with it. At least one of us is happy! 

5. Favourite guitar?
A Maton Custom Shop 808 with a Florentine cutaway… custom built for me by Andy at Maton.

6. Favourite effects pedal?
I’m a hack… neither of my acoustics has a pickup so I never plug them in so I don’t have any. 

7. Where do you play at the moment?
I don’t… the closest I get to playing now is droning away on my didgeridoo & practising my circular breathing (Note: and it’s a lot harder on didge than the trombone).  

8. Who have you played with?
The Bee Gees, John Farnham, The Supremes,  the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), The Opera Company, WA Ballet, Will Upson Big Band… plus a lot session work with acts like Lovelace Watkins. 

9. What is the best memory or gig you have played?
Definitely The Bee Gees at the WACA. It was huge.  

10. Who would you love to play with one day?  
No illusions, delusions or even real desires now… “Elvis has left the building” I’m afraid. Having good friends who CAN really play come over for a relaxed BBQ at home with a few wines is bliss for me. 

11. When did you start playing? 
Started on piano at 11 years of age but stopped once I started learning trombone in High School…. never should have stopped leaning piano. 

12. Best piece of advice you could give to other musicians?
Listen. Listen. Listen. To yourself as well as others.  And practice… it won’t make you perfect but it will make you better.