NEEDTOBREATHE Biography
Who is NEEDTOBREATHE?
NEEDTOBREATHE is an American Christian rock band formed in 1998 in Seneca, South Carolina. The band was founded by brothers Bear Rinehart and Bo Rinehart, along with bassist Seth Bolt and drummer Joe Stillwell. Raised in rural South Carolina, the Rinehart brothers are the sons of a pastor. Their music combines rock, Southern rock, Americana, soul, and gospel influences, with lyrics that frequently address faith, relationships, and personal struggles.
The band released its debut album, Daylight, in 2006, followed by The Heat in 2007. Their third album, The Outsiders, arrived in 2009 and reached No. 20 on the Billboard 200. The band expanded its audience through extensive touring, television appearances, and placements in films, while building a following through live performances.
In September 2011, NEEDTOBREATHE released The Reckoning, which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Rock Albums chart and No. 6 on the Billboard 200. The album explored themes of self-examination, disappointment, perseverance, and personal responsibility. "White Fences" examined expectations surrounding the American dream, while "Slumber" addressed the difficulty of recognizing beauty during periods of discouragement. "Drive All Night" considered the idea that running away cannot resolve personal problems. The album combined classic rock and roll influences with melodic choruses and Southern rock elements.
NEEDTOBREATHE continued releasing albums with Rivers in the Wasteland (2014), H A R D L O V E (2016), Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (2018), Out of Body (2020), Into the Mystery (2021), and CAVES (2023). Rivers in the Wasteland reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and featured "Brother," with Gavin DeGraw, which became one of the band's best-known songs. "Multiplied," also from the album, earned the band a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in 2015. H A R D L O V E debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Current Album Sales chart.
The band's lineup changed in 2020 when Bo Rinehart departed. Seth Bolt left the band in 2025. The current lineup consists of Bear Rinehart on lead vocals and guitar, Josh Lovelace on keyboards and backing vocals, Randall Harris on drums, and Tyler Burkum on guitar and backing vocals.
In 2026, NEEDTOBREATHE released The Long Surrender, produced by Dave Cobb. The album features songs including "The Long Surrender," "Say It Now," "Where You Call Home," and "Momma Loves Me." It continues the band's exploration of personal struggles, relationships, faith, and redemption. The band has also announced The Long Surrender and The Fellow Passengers of Pain, a deluxe edition featuring six additional songs and collaborations with artists including Jonah Kagen, Anne Wilson, Evan Honer, Conner Smith, and Bre Kennedy.
Over more than two decades, NEEDTOBREATHE has received multiple GMA Dove Awards and earned a Grammy Award nomination for "Multiplied" in 2015. The band has performed at venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre, and Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Its catalog spans Christian rock, alternative rock, Southern rock, and Americana, with songs addressing faith, relationships, redemption, perseverance, and everyday challenges.