Needtobreathe’s music moves people and leaves a lasting impression. Their songs mix honest feelings with catchy tunes, creating a sound that sticks with you.
But there’s more to the story behind their melodies and guitar sounds.
The band’s path has had its share of bumps. They’ve dealt with hard times, from family issues to the wear and tear of touring. These tests have molded their music and their lives.
This article examines the factors behind Needtobreathe’s success.
We examine the obstacles they’ve faced and how these moments have shaped their art. You’ll also get to know the folks who make the music you enjoy.
Needtobreathe Band Members
Needtobreathe isn’t just about Bear Rinehart. The band has a talented group of people who make the magic happen.
1. Bear Rinehart: The Voice and Soul of Needtobreathe
Bear Rinehart’s voice is the heart of Needtobreathe. When you hear him sing, you know it’s them. His voice is fierce and full of soul. It can be soft one moment and assertive the next.
Bear does more than sound good. He touches people’s hearts. You feel it deep down when he sings about hard times or joy.
His voice makes you want to join in, whether it’s a slow or fast song.
What sets Bear apart is how he connects with fans. He can sound both strong and open at the same time. This mix in his singing makes Needtobreathe’s music special.
2. Bo Rinehart: The Harmony and Creative Force
Bo Rinehart is a key member of NEEDTOBREATHE. He plays guitar and sings backing vocals. As Bear’s brother, Bo brings a unique family bond to the group.
Bo’s voice blends well with Bear’s lead vocals, creating a rich sound that fans love. Bo’s backing vocals add layers to the band’s music, making it fuller and more interesting.
Bo’s guitar skills and vocals shine in many NEEDTOBREATHE songs. His guitar work sets the mood in “Washed by the Water,” and his backing vocals in “Something Beautiful” add depth to the chorus.
“The Outsiders” is another great example of Bo’s talents, with strong guitar riffs and vocal harmonies.
3. Seth Bolt: The Bass and the Backbone
Seth Bolt plays bass and sings backup in NEEDTOBREATHE. His steady bass lines keep the band’s songs grounded. Seth’s playing style is solid and smooth, giving the music a strong base to build.
Seth does more than play bass. He also helps make the band sound fuller with his backup singing, adding another layer to the group’s harmonies.
Before joining the band, Seth worked on making music for others. This experience helps him understand how to make NEEDTOBREATHE’s songs sound great. He knows how to blend all the parts of a song.
If you watch NEEDTOBREATHE play live, you’ll see how important Seth is. In songs like “Feet, Don’t Fail Me Now,” his bass stands out. During “The Heart,” Seth’s backup vocals shine through.
4. Joe Stillwell: The Rhythm and Heartbeat
Joe Stillwell was the drummer for NEEDTOBREATHE for many years. Although he’s not with the band now, his work helped shape their sound.
Joe’s drumming style was strong and steady. He knew how to keep the beat while adding interesting rhythms.
In songs like “The Outsiders,” Joe’s drumming stands out. He starts the song with a powerful beat that gets people moving. Another great example is “Lay ‘Em Down,” where his rhythm keeps the whole song together.
Even though Joe isn’t with NEEDTOBREATHE anymore, his work helped make the band what it is today. His drumming was a big part of their early sound and success.
The Formation of Needtobreathe
1. The Early Days of the Band
Bear and Bo Rinehart started Needtobreathe in 1998. The brothers began making music in their home state of South Carolina.
Bear’s voice stood out from the start. His singing gave the band its sound. This helped them catch people’s attention quickly.
As they played more shows, Bear’s vocals became known. Fans loved how he could make each song feel special. This drew more people to their music.
2. Development of Their Sound
Over time, Bear’s voice helped Needtobreathe try new things. They moved from simple rock to a mix of styles. Bear could sing soft ballads and loud anthems equally well.
Their 2007 album “The Heat” showed how far they’d come. Songs like “Washed by the Water” let Bear’s voice shine. He could be both gentle and influential.
In 2009, “The Outsiders” pushed them further. Bear’s singing on “Lay ‘Em Down” showed his range. He could sound folksy and soulful at the same time.
By 2014’s “Rivers in the Wasteland,” Bear’s voice was more assertive than ever. The song “Brother” became a fan favorite. It showed how Bear could make a simple song feel big.
Each album allowed Bear to try new ways of singing, which helped keep Needtobreathe’s sound fresh and exciting for fans.
Notable Songs and Vocal Performances
1. Needtobreathe Classics
Bear Rinehart’s voice shines in many Needtobreathe hits. “Brother” shows his ability to make a simple song influential. In “Washed by The Water,” his voice blends softness and strength.
“Multiplied” displays Bear’s range, going from quiet to bold. The upbeat “Happiness” showcases his joyful side, making fans sing along.
2. Wilder Woods Highlights
As Wilder Woods, Bear researches new sounds. “Someday Soon” reveals a smoother, more relaxed voice. “Sure Ain’t” shows off his soulful, lower register.
“Supply & Demand” lets Bear try R&B styles. These solo songs are quieter than Needtobreathe’s work but equally moving. They prove Bear’s growth as a singer.
Needtobreathe: Navigating the Highs and Lows of Rock Stardom
Family Friction: The bond between brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart hit a snag. Their clash led to Bo’s exit in 2020. Family ties in bands can be a double-edged sword, making teamwork richer and tougher.
Faith Meets Mainstream: The band walked a fine line. They had to stay true to their Christian roots while reaching a wider crowd. It’s like cooking a meal that pleases both picky eaters and food lovers.
Tour Life Troubles: Living on the road took its toll. Picture missing your kid’s birthday or sleeping on a moving bus for months. The grind of touring strained their health and personal lives.
These hurdles show that even big names like Needtobreathe face real-life issues. It reminds us that behind every guitar riff and drum solo, there’s a human story of hard work and tough choices.
Conclusion
We’ve examined Needtobreathe’s ups and downs. Family bonds, beliefs, and touring life have all tested the band.
These hard times aren’t just side notes—they add real feelings to their songs.
What’s the takeaway? It shows that even big-name bands face everyday problems. The tunes we enjoy often come from tough spots and personal growth.
Next time a Needtobreathe song plays, think about what’s behind it.
Every sound carries bits of their life story. It reminds us that good music often springs from getting through hard times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wilder Woods?
Wilder Woods is Bear Rinehart’s solo project. It allows him to try new music styles different from Needtobreathe’s sound.
How Long Has Needtobreathe Been Making Music?
Needtobreathe has been making music since 1998. The band started with brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart in South Carolina.
Has Bear Rinehart Won Any Awards?
Bear and Needtobreathe have won several Dove Awards and are up for a Grammy Award.
