Big Daddy Weave’s Upcoming Album
Mike Weaver, the frontman of Big Daddy Weave, is getting ready to launch his new album after navigating a challenging period marked by personal losses and mental shifts.
“It was quite overwhelming,” Weaver reflected in a recent interview. “This has been the most difficult album production I’ve ever experienced.”
The album, titled Let’s Get Started, features 15 tracks that delve into themes of sorrow, faith, and the joys that emerge from hardship. It marks the band’s first release since the passing of Weaver’s younger brother and longtime bandmate, Jay, who died at 42 from complications related to Covid-19.
Jay faced numerous health challenges, notably becoming a double amputee in 2016. He also dealt with the passing of their mother in 2021 and their father’s death on Christmas morning in 2017.
Weaver remembers, “Jay went through this immense life-altering health situation, yet he still managed to tour. He prayed nightly from his wheelchair, and the Holy Spirit was working miracles in people’s lives, including the healing Jay sought for himself.”
“Jay was my best friend,” he added. “He was central to everything we did—not just as a bassist, but in countless ways.”
Let’s Get Started poignantly captures the pain of that loss. This is particularly evident in the heartfelt tribute song “Jabyrd,” which was co-written by Jeff Pard and Matthew West.
“It was a tough, surprising, and cathartic experience,” Weaver said of the song’s creation. “Matthew and Jeff let me be open for an hour. I cried a lot and just poured everything out.”
While working on the song, Weaver remembered how Bentley suggested the title “Jabyrd.” He replied, “That’s the wrong animal! We called him Jay Dog.” Then he heard a voice in his mind saying, “Yes, but dogs can’t fly.”
He also admitted that performing songs live has posed challenges.
“I had to prepare for some tears during the show,” he confessed. “But one night, something shifted, and I felt a sense of comfort.”
“I’ve navigated sadness alongside others dealing with loss, and that’s really what this album is about—healing.”
He reflected that his late brother would likely have a humorous take on the song made in his honor.
“I think he’d say, ‘Stop overthinking it.’ He’d remind us to focus on Jesus—that was how he lived his life.”
Let’s Get Started is set to be released on May 23rd.
