A Chat with David Scott Weaver (21.07.26)
Bringing real-life experiences to audiences through emotional music, David Scott Weaver’s saunters through various genres to bring distinctive folk meets country meets bluegrass meets… well, a bunch of other styles. We speak with the US-based Weaver about his album, Songs of Hope and Resistance, music as social commentary, upcoming plans, and much more.
OSR: A rather cliché question, but what drew you to music? Did you always want to be a musician or did this career path just sort of happen?
Weaver: I grew up in a musical family. My mother was a music teacher early in her career, and I remember singing with her and my aunts, uncles and cousins from a very early age. I started out playing the drums, sang in a rock band and then learned guitar in high school. Once I had three chords down, I wrote my first song – and have never stopped writing. Music helps me process what’s going on in the world around me and always connects me to others.
OSR: As an award-winning artist. A bit cheeky, but which is the award you most revere or feel is one of your “favourite awards”?
Weaver: I live in the Washington, D.C. area and there is a very vibrant music scene here, so being recognized by my local peers in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest is very humbling. A couple of years ago I won a Gold Award in this contest for a song I wrote about my father’s passing called ‘Going Home’, and that was meaningful on so many levels.
OSR: You mention that Songs of Hope and Resistance is social commentary on the Trump administration. What inspired you to release these songs, and what do you hope people will take from the EP?
Weaver: As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, our democracy is under serious threat. And in order to help process the cruelty and inhumanity of this Administration’s policies, I began writing these songs. Some were crafted during the first Trump term, but most were written in the past two years. My hope is that people will reflect on what’s happening in our country and around the world, remember the basic teachings of the Golden Rule and get back to a place where we truly can love our neighbors and welcome the stranger.
OSR: Music as social commentary can be powerful, but do you ever feel a little nervous about how the songs will be received?
Weaver: I perform a range of songs – originals and covers – and most of my material is traditional folk, country and Americana music. However, over the past decade, I have felt called to stand up and sing out against the hatred, cruelty and injustice that I see in our nation.
OSR: We asked what you hope people will take from the EP, but what do you take from it? What does Songs of Hope and Resistance mean to you as a musician and an individual?
Weaver: I’m very proud of this record, everything from the production, the musicianship and the songs themselves. It’s an album I needed to make, and I hope that it contributes to the conversation for change in our country.
OSR: Over your career, you’ve performed at various places. What is your most memorable performance to date and why that one?
Weaver: I’ve had a chance to play with some amazing musicians over the years, including with John Jennings, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Louisa Branscomb, Keith Grimes, Gantt Kushner, John Penovich and so many others. The release party for Songs of Hope and Resistance at Hank Dietle’s Tavern was definitely a high point in terms of performances!
OSR: If you had a chance to speak to your younger self, what advice would you give little David?
Weaver: I’d say keep working on those songs you thought weren’t good enough. Save those hooks, re-use those riffs. I’d also say stop listening to that voice in your head holding you back, suggesting that you don’t have what it takes to write a good song.
OSR: Speaking of advice, do you have any message for emerging artists?
Weaver: Just make art. Write the songs you are called to write. Tell your stories, sing your songs, and if no one is listening, sing them again. And again, and again.
OSR: What can we expect from you in the future? Any more music or tours?
Weaver: I have a bunch of original songs that I’m eager to record and release. However, for now, I’m going to focus on sharing Songs of Hope and Resistance and work to protect our democracy.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Weaver: Thanks for supporting independent artists! Enjoy Songs of Hope and Resistance, download it and share it far and wide.
Find out more about David Scott Weaver on his official website, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, SoundCloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
