Needtobreathe

NEEDTOBREATHE is an American rock band originating from Seneca, South Carolina. Widely celebrated for their massive stadium sound, soul-stirring lyricism, and distinct blend of southern rock, alternative folk, and contemporary Christian music, they have established themselves as one of the most enduring and captivating live acts in modern American rock.

Driven by soaring vocals, rich instrumentation, and a deep sense of community, the band has built a devoted global following, accumulated billions of streams, and earned multiple GRAMMY nominations over a career spanning two decades.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

The foundation of NEEDTOBREATHE was built in the small town of Possum Kingdom, South Carolina, where brothers William Stanley “Bear” Rinehart III and Nathaniel “Bo” Rinehart grew up.Raised by a mother who taught piano and a father who spent years touring as a professional musician, the brothers were immersed in music, classic soul, and southern gospel from childhood.

During his college years at Clemson University, Bear Rinehart teamed up with longtime friend and drummer Joe Stillwell to form the earliest iterations of the band.They were soon joined by Bo Rinehart on guitar and friend Seth Bolt on bass, locking in the core creative nucleus that would drive the group forward.

How Their Music Career Started

Before landing a major record deal, the band grinded independently, recording and self-releasing a series of EPs (Soulrock Review, Turnaround, and Fire) out of Plantation Studios, a recording space built by Seth Bolt.These self-funded projects sold thousands of copies at regional gigs across the American Southeast, catching the attention of Lava Records and Atlantic Records.

In 2006, NEEDTOBREATHE released their major-label debut studio album, Daylight, which introduced listeners to their signature roots-rock textures and sweeping, emotional storytelling.

Career and Breakthrough

The band steadily expanded their reach with subsequent albums like The Heat (2007), but their commercial and critical breakthrough arrived with their third studio album, The Outsiders (2009). Propelled by powerful singles like the title track and “Lay ‘Em Down,” the record solidified their status as a premier rock outfit.

They followed this with a string of chart-topping records, including The Reckoning (2011), the Billboard-topping Rivers in the Wasteland (2014) (which earned them their first GRAMMY nomination for the hit single “Multiplied”), and Hard Love (2016), which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.Even as founding member Bo Rinehart departed in 2020, the band continued its trajectory seamlessly, releasing acclaimed projects like Out of Body (2020), Into the Mystery (2021), and Caves (2023).

Musical Style and Influences

NEEDTOBREATHE’s sound is characterized by a rich tapestry of acoustic guitars, driving percussion, ambient keyboards, and Bear Rinehart’s gritty, soul-inflected lead vocals. Drawing heavy inspiration from southern heritage, classic rock, and blues, their music bridges the gap between secular alternative rock and faith-driven lyricism. Their songs frequently explore themes of redemption, human brokenness, resilience, and hope.

Notable Songs and Albums

• “Brother” (featuring Gavin DeGraw)
• “Multiplied”
• “Washed by the Water”
• “Hard Love”
• “Keep Your Eyes Open”
• Album:The Outsiders (2009)
• Album:The Reckoning (2011)
• Album:Rivers in the Wasteland (2014)
• Album:Hard Love (2016)

Personal Life

The members of NEEDTOBREATHE maintain deep ties to their southern roots while managing rigorous international touring schedules. Frontman Bear Rinehart also releases separate indie-folk and Americana music under the moniker Wilder Woods, named after his sons. Despite evolving line-ups and decades on the road, the core members emphasize family, close-knit community, and a shared dedication to authentic songwriting.

Current Career / Recent Activities

NEEDTOBREATHE remains an absolute powerhouse on the modern road, regularly headlining major amphitheaters and arenas. Transitioning into new creative eras with releases like Caves and subsequent collaborative projects, they continue to reinvent their sonic footprint—proving themselves to be a rare rock band that grows richer, more vulnerable, and more vital with every passing decade.