Life & Work with Noah Weaver of Overland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Noah Weaver.

Hi Noah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Noah Weaver. I began writing poetry in 2016. Writing started as a way to move through the heartache from a recent breakup. Despite the sadness in my heart, I felt drawn to write with a positive voice. Through that experience, I realized positivity is what I desired to put into the world.

My first performance was at Oh Snap! Poetry at The Lake of the Ozarks, hosted by Gemma Campanini. Getting up on stage was a terrifying and life-changing experience. I was so inspired by the night that as soon as I returned to Kansas City, Missouri, I searched the area for any open mics I could. I found one. It soon became a home away from home. Back then, you could find me on stage every Wednesday night at The Uptown Arts Bar off-Broadway. In 2018 I branched out and started writing rap verses along with poetry. I enjoyed the puzzle of figuring out syllabic placement and creating more and more complex rhyme schemes. I wrote nine songs that year and headed down to The Lake of the Ozarks, where my good friend Shawn Campanini and I produced my first album, Never Lose Wonder, over three days. The album was released the following year. Shawn has an excellent music ear and can play about every instrument under the sun. To this day, I continue to record my music in his studio. It’s been an incredible experience to make music together and see us grow as artists over the years. I couldn’t ask for a better producer and recording partner.

During that same period, around 2018, I started my job at a moving company. I loved it. It was challenging and rewarding work. However, in September 2021, I decided it was time for a change. I left the 9-to-5 world to create the freedom I needed to pursue my passion as a writer fully. Now I drive for a ride-sharing company, which is the ideal side gig to accommodate my artistic pursuits. My newfound freedom gives me more time to go after my dream. An enormous benefit to ride-sharing is the opportunity to, upon request, perform my art with my passengers right there in my little Prius. I am thoroughly excited and surprised by the outpouring of love and support I receive performing from the driver’s seat. I love being able to connect with people through my art.

I know I said it once, but I need to repeat it: I am so thankful to everyone in my life. I am very grateful for the love and support of my parents, two brothers, and many amazing and talented friends. Admirable and inspiring people surround me. I would dare say I have the perfect circle for chasing my passion. A good example, I am now creating new music with my girlfriend, Arianna Neal, who recently surprised me by designing and painting the artwork for my latest single, “Galaxy.” She is quite a multi-talented artist with a fabulous singing voice. Having you all around me, realizing your dreams and your passions, is a constant, wonderful reminder that any dream, any dream at all, is worth chasing.

If you told me as a kid, I would grow up to be a writer, and I would have spit out all the water I just so happened to be drinking. Now, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Sometimes it feels as if this path was destined to be. I hope that through hearing and reading my works, I, in turn, can inspire others to follow their dreams and bring their passions to life. I know I’ll be the next mine with every step. Moving forward, I will be performing every chance I get, writing every rhyme I can, and sharing my voice with the world one car ride at a time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest obstacle has been my mind. It has taken me years to fully believe in myself – to look in the mirror and say affirmingly, “I am a great writer. I am worthy of pursuing this as my life.” I still struggle at times to believe in myself. Self-doubt has been the biggest hurdle for me to overcome. Well, self-doubt and stage fright.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been writing since 2016. I am a rapper and poet. I am known for my positive writing style and playful, animated delivery while performing poetry.
These are some of the pieces I am most proud of:

1. “Galaxy” by Noah Weaver feat. Shawn Campanini (Song)
2. “The Fear of Failure” by Noah Weaver (Poem)
3. “Diamonds are a Guy’s Best Friend” by Noah Weaver (Poem)
4. “Pressure” by N.L.W. (Song)
5. N.L.W. is the name I previously released my music under
6. “Overcoming the notion that failure means you have lost,
   You are finished, you’re done,
   Is the first step to overcoming every new obstacle you come across,
   Mistakes making with finesse until you’ve won.”
   – Excerpt from “The Fear of Failure” by Noah Weaver

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice to anyone would be to say that like attracts like. Go out! Chase what makes your heart beat faster! You’ll find the people to walk that path with. That meant going to open mics and performing, getting on stage in front of crowds I’ve never seen before, and doing what I love. That’s how I met so many people who inspired me to keep going. I would not be chasing this wild dream without all the incredible voices I Heard along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ko-fi.com/noahweaverthepoet
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahweaverthepoet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoahWeaverthePoet
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmpJyd6feG5PeyitH2M6WBQ
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5nUZNze95pmNx40mVKAFME?si=wOUP20maQ9WX9e3xTmIQtw

Image Credits
Photo credits to dubreedigital for both of the photos of my performance at The Combine in Kansas City, MO. Artwork credits go to Arianna Neal for the cover photo of Galaxy.