Former Bassist of The Fray Starts Minneapolis Band “Weather Maps”

Last updated on July 21st, 2023 at 01:07 am

Jimmy Stofer, creator of Weather Maps, is a man of many traits. After seeing his band play at the smaller Minneapolis club 7th Street Entry, the unsuspecting listener would probably assume Jimmy is just like every local artist out there.

But they would be very wrong. As a producer, score composer, and touring bassist (not to mention husband and father to a new daughter), Stofer has managed to make a living solely by creating music.

Earning a full-time income as a musician is the dream of many artists, however, Stofer explains how balancing his work with his hobbies can be difficult at times. “Music is my job,” he answers. It can be easy to lose joy in anything once it becomes your nine-to-five.

Jimmy tells of his first television experience playing bass for the band The Fray on the late-night show Craig Ferguson. “It was super nerve-wracking. I barely remember playing, to be honest.”

Since then, he has been on popular TV shows such as Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brian, Good Morning America Ellen, and more. In our interview, Stofer shares a story of Jay Leno waking him up in the green room while he was taking a nap.

Aside from gigging, Jimmy has also had great success in commercial music. He has written music for various television commercials, films, trailers, and TV shows.

His songs have also been used by Google, Nike, Visa, Coke, Target, AT&T, Toyota, McDonald’s, HBO, ABC, USA, Jaguar, Hershey’s, Wendy’s, Honda, Reebok, Jim Beam, Dairy Queen, Great Clips, Porsche, and many more.

Jimmy got his start when he got off tour with his former band Rosehill Drive. He found himself bored without an upcoming gig.

He knew scoring for tv and movies was something he wanted to do, so he began practicing, writing 30-second songs while watching youtube videos on mute. Creating music that appropriately fit the mood and scene of the videos was something he was very passionate about.

Although you may think Jimmy Stofer is currently at the top of his game, he says he continues to become a better writer, a better musician, and an all-around better person.

This attitude fits just so, as the strive for perfection is known for being present in many musicians’ blood.