Inspired by blues, bluegrass, country and rock while growing up, fourth-generation Floridan Cody Weaver makes his own mark with a fusion of those genres; a great representation of the sounds of the south along with his own twist.
On December 4th, Weaver released his 5-track EP Southern Noise. The intimate “Dad’s Old Ford” was the EP’s first single recently followed by “Cope.”
We caught up with Weaver to talk about his family history in Florida, songwriting and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
CW: I’m a 4th generation true Florida native, grew up on an orange grove with three younger brothers. I hunt, fish, scuba dive, and write country music. I’m married to my beautiful Britney and I got a dog named Remington who’s my best friend. I spent some time in construction, and as a firefighter before diving head-first into songwriting. I’m 31 years old and I’m just gettin’ started. I have a strong love for waffle house.
CN: With everything that’s going on in the world in regards to COVID-19, we hope everyone in your circle is safe and healthy. How are you holding up?
CW: We are holding up pretty good, a few people in my circle including myself have been sick this year but everyone has recovered and our hopes are high heading into 2021.
CN: You are proud to be a fourth generation Floridian. How has having such a historic family line inspired you as a person?
CW: I think most multi-generation Floridians understand my pride in having old ties here. Our families came here looking for a better future before it was all amusement parks and retirement homes. My family worked in cattle, citrus, and owned a small marina where they would send the citrus off to market. My ancestors endured some hard times and the Florida heat long before air conditioning was a thing. We’re tough and independent people. Perhaps that’s part of my drive as an independent artist.
CN: Growing up you were exposed to the various sounds of Americana including blues, bluegrass, country and rock. In what ways do you take from each of those genres in your own style?
CW: I think you’ll hear it in the music, its country, but it’s more than that. Real percussion, dirty guitar licks, and honest lyrics. I love incorporating things like fiddle, steel guitar, dobro any chance I get while still touching on some more modern approaches in rock music. My style continues to evolve and my musical inspirations will be more and more evident with every song I put out.
CN: Do you have a favorite genre?
CW: COUNTRY. Next question!
CN: What was the first album you ever owned?
CW: Fellow Florida boy John Anderson’s album Seminole Wind. John was the first country concert I ever went to in 1995 and we also do a killer cover of “Seminole Wind” in our set. Big fan.
CN: Which musicians have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
CW: In my teens it was Dierks Bentley’s first few albums that really sparked a desire to do this. Along with my old time heroes like Alan Jackson and Joe Diffie, all the way back to Merle and George Jones. These days I’m really inspired by the stuff Brothers Osborne are putting out, really unique funky stuff. As well as more underground bands like The Steel Woods and Sturgill Simpson.
CN: On December 4th, you released Southern Noise, an EP that fulfilled your desire to revisit old music with a new take. What was your goal in making this album?
CW: My goal was just to do it and be able to release a great list of songs that might be a refreshing change from mainstream pop-country. All independent, no label, no funding. Just musicians who love the hell out of making music. My first EP, done.
CN: Did you accomplish that goal the way you originally expected? Or were there any surprise gifts along the way of production?
CW: Absolutely. The EP turned out better than I could’ve imagined, and the reception has been great so far. My streaming numbers aren’t where I would like them yet, but I’m trusting the process and putting in the work. The best surprises have been interviews and write ups I’ve been getting that are huge platforms. Thanks Country Note for havin’ me!
CN: You wrote and arranged each of the five tacks. Can you take us through your writing process?
CW: I usually get an idea and I write a rough song and bring it to the band and we tear it apart and arrange it together, I love having all of their influences and expertise in on the process. Sometimes we have acoustic writing sessions and sometimes we just jam out and I start throwing lyrics at it. When creative energy flows over here, it’s a special time.
CN: The lead single was “Dad’s Old Ford,” which is a very personal track for you. What is the backstory to this song?
CW: It’s based on my childhood on the orange grove. My dad brought home a Ford pickup and I remember the bond we had over it over the years. The song is also about being content and taking pride in what you’re blessed with.
CN: This project was not just about you as a writer and musician but you also gave your bandmates a chance to shine by giving them opportunities to add their own flare. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
CW: Jarrad (guitar), Joe (guitar), Lucas (bass), Brit (harmonies), Gaucho (drums), Jordon (keys). The best group of musicians I’ve ever met and I’m beyond lucky to have them. Jarrad, Lucas, and Gaucho all come from more of a heavy metal background, and the heaviness that that brings to the songs is really awesome. Joe is bluesy and old school and Jordon has the funk and jazz down. All of these elements are mixtures of all my favorite styles of music. So, we really try to incorporate more than one genre in each song. Making something new and interesting. We are diverse personally, ethnically and musically. I think that will be a great benefit to us as time goes on.
CN: Might not be an easy or fair question to ask, but do you have a favorite track?
CW: I gotta go with the title track, “Southern Noise.” It’s a boot stomper, I love the energy. However, the newer stuff I’ve been working on is even better in my opinion….keep your eyes out for that.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
CW: John Anderson at Centennial Park in 1995
CN: If you were able to collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
CW: I REALLY like the stuff Brothers Osborne are doing. Music wise, video wise. Brilliant stuff. Far out of my league but that’d be incredible to write something with them.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
CW: Determined. I have lofty dreams and I do what I have to do to make it happen. I’ve always been very driven when I get my mind set on something. I don’t stop until I achieve it.
CN: Do you have any upcoming shows or livestreams that fans can check out?
CW: February 13 I’ll be opening for another fellow Florida country artist Easton Corbin at The Ranch Concert Hall in Ft Myers, and February 20th I’ll be headlining the Misty Morning Music Fest in Estero. You can find tickets to both on The Ranch’s website. www.
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you?
CW: We still don’t know how many shows we will be able to play yet but look out for new music and more music videos. I’ve really been getting in the groove with writing lately and this new stuff is killer.
For more information on Cody Weaver, visit his website at www.codyweaverofficial.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.