Musically Weaving Their Way
Mike Weaver (center) and Big Daddy Weave Mike Weaver said his band's new music fits hand-in-glove with the artists' renewed outlook."A lot of things were hitting us, but this has been like the Lord saying we've turned the corner," said the lead singer of the inspirational-pop group Big Daddy Weave.
It's been nearly four years since the band issued its last album. But after a stretch of life challenges, their new ballad "Alive" has been released and will be followed by an entire new collection later this year.
"This is a season of rest, even as we're touring," said Weaver, 43, on the phone from Nashville.
Big Daddy Weave comes to Hudsonville for a performance on March 29.
THE STORY OF A SONG
"Alive" was actually co-written by Zach Williams ("Chain Breaker"), an artist-friend whom the band has spent time with on the road.
"He told us how our song 'Redeemed' helped to call him back to faith" (read the story online). "And now he said he had a song for us," Weaver explained of the anthem.
"It kind of brought things full circle because (the song) describes coming alive again. And we realized that we're just thankful to be here and get to share with people every night."
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"The song ("Alive") talks about breathing in and breathing out to come alive and the music video gets that across in a dramatic way," Mike said (watch video online).
A FRESHENED SOUND AND OUTLOOK
This Big Daddy Weave tour features no opening acts – so the band carries the full length concert. They've brought along a couple of string players: violinist Jonathan Chu, who has toured with Skillet; and cellist Becca Bradley, a Michael W. Smith tour veteran.
"It's really added a new element," said Weaver of the string arrangements. "And since we're playing songs from our first record all the way to some new ones, it's freshened up the sound."
The band has resurrected one of the very first tunes it ever wrote: "Neighborhoods." It was the title of the band's 2001 indie release and then placed on their national debut the following year.
"It's a song where we all "pick" a little bit and have the strings playing with us on it," Weaver noted. "It's sort of a 'jam-band-y' sound and it seems fun to play again."
The group is also debuting several of its new songs, although the artist admits some are kind of "works in progress" as the recording is not yet complete.
"There may be more synthesizer on some of the new ones," Weaver revealed. "We're kind of using the audiences as guinea pigs to see how they go."
Big Daddy Weave has a solid track record of top Christian music chart hits such as "Redeemed," "Every Time I Breathe" and "My Story."
MORE REAL LIFE
Mike Weaver has struggles in his own life circumstances. His father passed away in 2017. More recently his mother received a cancer diagnosis.
He's also had a yo-yo battle with his girth, which originally help the band decide on its name.
Ten years ago he lost nearly 90 pounds before slowly putting it back on. Two years ago he lost a similar amount of weight. But after his father died he found himself using food to "medicate."
"But now I recognize that...I tell people (about it) and then make a shift to get out of that spot," he said. "No matter what, God loves you right now. He's not waiting until sometime in the future."
That's another reason why "Alive" encapsulates the band's renewed vigor and determination to press on.
"We've been out there sharing real life and playing songs that hopefully will bring encouragement to people who might be going through a rough season," said the father of three. "I think what connects with people the best is when you share from places of pain and what you're going through. You don't have to put up a spiritual façade."
Concert Details:
Big Daddy Weave and the "Alive Tour" with special guests Jonathan Chu and Becca Bradley
7pm Fri. March 29 (doors open at 6)
Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St. Hudsonville
Tickets: General admission $20; group 4-pack tickets $15 each; Early entry $35;
Premium with reserved seating, pass and post-concert photos, $75. Tickets higher at the door,
lap-sitting kids 3 and under free.
Purchase online https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1816504?utm_medium=459899
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