Needtobreathe is a Contemporary Christian rock band from Seneca, South Carolina. The band formed in 1999, is composed of brothers Bear Rinehart and Bo Rinehart along with childhood friends,Seth Bolt and Joe Stillwell. Bear and Bo are preacher's kids. Their father is an Assembly of God pastor. Their mother is a piano teacher. God's Word and music have played a very important and constant part of both Bear and Bo's lives.
Needtobreathe – Small Town Beginnings
The band first began playing in coffee houses and for audiences at Furman University in 2000. Bear was a student there and played on the football team. After graduation, the band began releasing independent albums that were recorded in Seth Bolt's own studio.
Needtobreathe may have small town beginnings, but they had an impressive following those first few years. For the next three or four years, they enjoyed touring throughout the Southeast and sold over 15,000 copies of their independent albums. Their sound leans more toward secular Rock and less toward traditional Christian rock or Contemporary Christian music. Their sound style is strongly influenced by some of their favorite secular rock groups including U2, Tom Petty and Pearl Jam. However, it's the lyrics and not the sounds that draws people to their songs.
In 2006, the band signed on with both Atlantic Records and Sparrow Records and recorded their first studio album, Daylight. It was well received and CCM Magazine featured the band on one of its covers as one of the new artists of 2006. They released a second album, The Heat, in 2007. Again, this album was well received, and they were gaining more attention and publicity.
Washed By The Water – Song Of The Year
2008, proved to be a to be a turning point year for Needtobreathe. They were nominated for two Dove Awards. They received one nomination for Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year for the song Signature of Divine (Yahweh), from their 2007 album, The Heat. The second nomination was for The Heat as Rock/Contemporary Album.
With new momentum and motivation, Needtobreathe sailed into 2009. That next year, another release, Washed by the Water, from the same album, The Heat, was nominated and won the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year. Needtobreathe had arrived. From small town beginnings to #1 on the Billboard Christian Songs Chart with Washed by the Water, Needtobreathe continues to inspire listeners to come to Jesus.
The Outsiders – Lay 'Em Down
On August 25, 2009, Needtobreathe released their third and most popular album yet, The Outsiders. So far three sings from the album have been released to the radio . All three have climbed or are presently climbing the charts.This new album has a soulful and southern sound to it. Perhaps it's the soulful sound that makes it so popular. The first song release from this album was Lay 'Em Down. It carries with it the soulful sounds of the deep south. Reminiscent of African American, black history, Negro spirituals. The lyrics encourage listeners to lay their burdens down at Jesus feet and He will provide. Lay 'Em Down peeked at #8 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart on September 12, 2009.
Something Beautiful was the second song to be released off this album in 2009. It is currently #8 on the Billboard Christian Songs Chart. The southern sound to this one is similar to the Country & Western sounds of the 70's and early 80's. Reminiscent of the band Alabama, heavy on the soul and guitar. Heart felt lyrics express a desire to wait and see what God has for each of His children.
Tour Dates
Needtobreathe released their third single from The Outsiders on January 13, 2010. This one is called Hurricane. Keep an eye on the charts for this one. The band has tour dates booked through June so far. They're no longer just a southeast rock band. This new album and these three released singles are giving the band the attention they need to begin touring across the USA. Check the Needtobreathe website out. Sign up for their mailing list. They can also be found through MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and PureVolume.
Amy Wingfield - Amy, a freelance writer since 1999, has combined her passion for writing and for Christian music.There's always a story behind the ...
