We sat down with head honcho Chris Weaver of the band that carries his namesake, Chris Weaver Band to discuss his latest single, “Circus” with fellow artist, Jacob Bryant.
Released in March 2023, “Circus” was co-written by Chris, Jacob, and Matt Rogers and the Chris Weaver Band are known for their high-energy performances and soulful sound. The band has shared stages with artists such as Earth Wind & Fire, John Mellencamp, Chicago, Chris Young, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Love and Theft, Craig Campbell, John Rich, Kellie Pickler, Fernando e Sorocaba, Marcos & Belutti, and many many more.
“Circus” showcases the strengths of both acts, with Weaver’s energetic vocals and Bryant’s emotional delivery blending together over a driving beat and twangy guitars.
On “Circus”, Chris said,
I’m so excited to collaborate with Jacob on this song. He’s an incredible artist with a unique voice, and together we were able to create something that really captures the spirit of the Chris Weaver Band and what we’re all about.
Jacob added his own praises as well,
Working with Chris and his band was an amazing experience. They’re all such talented musicians, and we had a blast in the studio putting this song together. I think it’s going to be a hit with our fans and country music lovers everywhere.
ATN: For fans who aren’t familiar with Chris Weaver, what 3 words best describe who you are as an artist and your music?
CW: Soulful, passionate, and authentic.
ATN: Who or what inspired you to start writing and playing music?
CW: My father was a significant inspiration to me, as he played music and shared his love for it with me growing up. Additionally, I was inspired by a wide range of iconic artists like Bob Seger, Joe Cocker, The Eagles, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. Their timeless music and profound lyrics deeply impacted me and motivated me to pursue my own musical journey.
ATN: Who or what inspires you now?
CW: I find inspiration in everyday life experiences, the people I meet, and the stories I hear. Moreover, living in Nashville for the past 20 years has granted me the opportunity to be surrounded by incredibly talented musicians and songwriters. The younger songwriters in Nashville currently are some of the most talented I have seen in many years.
ATN: How did you and Matt Rogers come together to write your single, “Circus”?
CW: Matt and I crossed paths in the Nashville music scene and discovered that we shared a similar vision and approach to songwriting. On this particular song, we were trying to think of something to write about when we saw a picture on the wall of a circus poster and started making the connections between a circus performer and a musician on the road, and that’s what eventually led to the creation of “Circus.” Matt just won his first Grammy for Cody Johnson’s hit song “Till you can’t.”
ATN: How did you decide on the vocal arrangement for “Circus”?
CW: As the primary vocalist, I worked on developing a vocal arrangement that would best convey the emotions and message behind the song. I experimented with various melodies and harmonies to create a rich, engaging sound that resonated with the listeners.
Jacob has his own unique sound, so We wanted the song to feel like a true collaboration, so we decided to split the lead vocals and harmonize on certain parts. It came together very organically, and we felt like our voices complemented each other well.
ATN: Did egos ever get in the way and push you and Jacob into butting heads over lyrics or vocals?
CW: Jacob and I have been working together for years. I was really happy when he wanted to be a part of the song, so it was easy to pick our parts and run with it. We are so different in our approach to singing as well as sound, so any way we would have done it would have been a good combination.
ATN: How have fans reacted to “Circus”?
CW: The response to “Circus” has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have expressed their appreciation by streaming the song a lot, over 50k in the first 3 weeks. They’ve connected with the metaphor of a musician’s life being similar to that of a circus performer, which has been very rewarding for me as an artist.
ATN: Does “Circus” indicate there might be new music on the horizon?
CW: Yes, “Circus” is just a glimpse of what’s to come. I’m continuously writing and exploring new musical ideas, so fans can definitely expect more music in the near future.
ATN: What’s in store for Chris Weaver fans for the rest of the year?
CW: I plan to continue performing and connecting with fans through live shows in the US and Brazil. In addition, I’m currently working on a new album that will showcase a mix of new sounds and familiar influences. I’m excited to share this new music with my fans and embark on this next phase of my career.
SAME 3 QUESTIONS WE ALWAYS ASK
ATN: Artist / band that you feel is the most underrated and why?
CW: I feel the most underrated artist or band is Joe Cocker. Despite his incredible voice and dynamic performances, I feel that he is often overlooked when discussing the greatest singers of all time. He brought so much soul and emotion to his music, and his cover of “With a Little Help from My Friends” is an iconic performance that still gives me chills to this day.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to collaborate with and why?
CW: As a music lover, there are so many artists and bands that I would love to collaborate with, but one that comes to mind is the E-Street Band. Their energetic live shows and musical prowess are unparalleled, and I think it would be an incredible experience to work with such a talented group of musicians. Bruce Springsteen is one of the greatest songwriters of all time, so I know I would learn a lot from collaborating with him and the rest of the band.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to tour with and why?
CW: Lastly, I would have to go with Eric Church if I could choose any artist or band to tour with. Although our styles may differ, I think our passion for music and commitment to putting on a great show would make for an amazing tour. Plus, Eric Church has an incredibly dedicated fan base, so I know we would have the opportunity to perform in front of some of the most passionate music fans.
