For nearly two decades in Nashville, Chris Weaver has mixed southern rock, blues, country, and pop for a living on stage while writing original material with some of the city’s top writers. Not a typical Nashville artist, his band’s sound is sometimes augmented by horns and percussion that support a soulful voice that draws from a lifetime of different influences. Weaver has written with numerous co-writers over the years, some of whom are hit country songwriters such as Harley Allen (Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson), Stephony Smith (Tim McGraw, Dixie Chicks), Matt Rogers (Justin Moore, Dustin Lynch, Cody Johnson, Randy Howser).
Chris, thank you for agreeing to speak with Occhi Magazine. Please tell us what drew you to a career in the music industry.
I grew up in West Virginia, and initially, my focus was mainly on state politics. However, music had always interested me, mostly because my father had a band; something musical was always happening. I attended Fairmont State University, where I pursued business and political science for my undergraduate degree. Later, I earned a Master’s degree in public administration. My first job after grad school was selling for a radio station while still pursuing music on the side. A friend suggested that we attend a music conference in Nashville called Two NMC in 2003, and I loved it so much that I decided to move to Nashville. I quit my job in West Virginia. From there, I tried everything musicians typically do in Nashville, such as writing music, playing in front of audiences, and networking with labels, managers, and booking agents. Twenty years later, I’m still here pursuing my passion for music.
Who were your early influences, and how did they impact your career?
My biggest influences while growing up were my dad and the late seventies and eighties music. Bands like The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Steely Dan, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Seger, and Joe Cocker influenced my singing style. However, in the early nineties, I started to be influenced by my music and bands like Counting Crows and Toad the Wet Sprocket.
I also sincerely appreciate the music of the Stax and Motown eras. Groups like Sam and Dave, Sly and the Family Stone, and Wilson Pickett have impacted me. As my band has horns, I often play these songs today.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many writers, artists, managers, and publicists. Through good and bad experiences, I’ve learned what mistakes to avoid and how to improve my craft. One of the most significant collaborations of my career happened in 2015 when a Brazilian artist named Sorcaba saw us play in Nashville and invited us to perform with him in Brazil. We even translated some of his songs from Portuguese to English and vice versa. Although COVID has slowed our progress, we continue to work together.
My work with Westgate Resorts in Orlando, Florida, is also a significant part of my career. We’ve been doing a Nashville songwriter series for them and playing at their other events. With 29 properties nationwide, we’re bringing music to more people than ever. No matter the challenges, I’ve learned the importance of looking forward and being present in the moment.
Which three traits define you?
Straightforwardness, Determination, and Personality
Please tell us about your latest project
My latest song and collaboration is titled “Circus,” which I co-wrote with recently Grammy-winning songwriter Matt Rogers. For this project, I teamed up with an up-and-coming artist named Jacob Bryant, based out of Georgia and working in the Outlaw country genre. The song was produced and released under American Roots Records.
What other projects are in the pipeline?
I’m working in the studio to release a new song every few months over the next year. However, the project that I’m particularly excited about is my first Nashville singer-songwriter festival at Westgate River Ranch in September. The event is scheduled for the weekend of the 28th, and I’m thrilled about it because it truly captures the essence of the work I’ve been doing with Westgate Resort over the past two years. Songwriter rounds have always been one of my favorite ways to perform music for people, and I can’t wait for this event.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
Chris weaverband.com is a great place to link to our socials videos and music.
Images:
Performing and recording our Live from Brazil record. (Credited to FS Productions)
Performing on the infield of the Kentucky Derby for Vinyard Vines. (Credited to Chris Weaver Band)
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