NEEDTOBREATHE

Early Life & Origins

NEEDTOBREATHE is a Christian music group from Seneca, South Carolina, formed by brothers Bear Rinehart (lead vocals, guitar, piano) and Bo Rinehart (guitar, backing vocals). The brothers were born and raised in a musical family, with their father being a pastor who also played music. Bear Rinehart was born on March 6, 1980, and Bo Rinehart was born on August 31, 1982. Growing up, they were exposed to various genres, including folk, rock, and gospel, which later influenced their unique sound.

The Rinehart brothers began playing music together at a young age, with Bear starting to play the guitar at 12 years old. They were influenced by artists such as Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan, which can be seen in their eclectic blend of folk, rock, and pop music.

Career Beginnings

NEEDTOBREATHE's music career began in the early 2000s, with the brothers playing gigs in their hometown and surrounding areas. They self-released their debut album, "NEEDTOBREATHE", in 2001, which gained local attention and led to them signing with Atlantic Records in 2005. Their major-label debut, "Daylight", was released in 2006, featuring the hit single "Shine On".

Their early sound was characterized by a mix of folk, rock, and pop elements, with introspective lyrics that explored themes of faith, hope, and redemption. The brothers' harmonious vocals and acoustic-driven instrumentation set them apart from other Christian music groups at the time.

Influences and Evolution

NEEDTOBREATHE's music has been influenced by a wide range of artists, including Ryan Adams, U2, and Bruce Springsteen. As they continued to tour and release new music, they experimented with different sounds and styles, incorporating elements of R&B, soul, and country into their repertoire.

Rise to Fame

NEEDTOBREATHE's breakthrough moment came with the release of their 2009 album, "The Outsiders", which debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured the hit singles "Something Beautiful" and "Lay 'Em Down", which both received significant airplay on Christian and mainstream radio stations.

Their subsequent albums, "The Reckoning" (2011) and "Rivers in the Wasteland" (2014), further solidified their position as one of the leading Christian music groups. The album "H A R D L O V E" (2016) marked a new direction for the band, with a more experimental and pop-oriented sound.

Musical Style & Impact

NEEDTOBREATHE's music is a unique blend of folk, rock, pop, and R&B elements, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and lyrical depth. Their songs often explore themes of faith, hope, and redemption, with a focus on the human experience. The band's music has been praised for its emotional honesty, musical craftsmanship, and vocal harmonies.

Their music has had a significant impact on the Christian music scene, with many of their songs being used in worship services and inspirational events. NEEDTOBREATHE has also been credited with helping to bridge the gap between Christian and mainstream music, with their songs being played on both Christian and secular radio stations.

Discography Highlights

Some of NEEDTOBREATHE's most notable albums include "Daylight" (2006), "The Outsiders" (2009), "The Reckoning" (2011), "Rivers in the Wasteland" (2014), and "H A R D L O V E" (2016). Their most popular songs include "Shine On", "Something Beautiful", "Lay 'Em Down", "Brother" (feat. Gavin DeGraw), and "Hard Love" (feat. Andra Day).

Awards & Recognition

NEEDTOBREATHE has received numerous awards and nominations throughout their career, including multiple Dove Awards, Grammy nominations, and Billboard Music Awards. They have also been named one of the "Best Christian Bands" by Rolling Stone magazine.

Recent Work & Legacy

NEEDTOBREATHE's most recent album, "Out of Body", was released in 2020, featuring the hit singles "Who Am I" and "Survival". The band has continued to tour and perform, with a focus on creating a unique and immersive live experience for their fans.

NEEDTOBREATHE's legacy extends beyond their music, with the band being involved in various charitable initiatives and philanthropic efforts. They have supported organizations such as OneWorld Health and Compassion International, using their platform to raise awareness and funds for social justice causes.