NEEDTOBREATHE is an American Americana rock band formed in 2001 in Seneca, South Carolina, by brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart, sons of a pastor. Known for Washed by the Water and the Grammy-nominated song Multiplied, the band released its tenth album, The Long Surrender, in 2026.
NEEDTOBREATHE was born in 2001 in Seneca, South Carolina, when brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart, sons of a pastor who ran a Christian camp, teamed up with other musicians to form the band. After an independent debut album, The Feature (2001), NEEDTOBREATHE signed with Atlantic Records and recorded Daylight (2006) in the United Kingdom. The band built its name on songs marked by faith, before reaching a wider audience while keeping lyrics grounded in spirituality.
Washed by the Water, released in 2007 on the album The Heat, became number one on the American Christian charts. In 2014, Multiplied earned a Grammy Award nomination. The band, now made up of Bear Rinehart, Josh Lovelace, Randall Harris and Tyler Burkum, released The Long Surrender in March 2026, its tenth studio album, produced by Dave Cobb and shaped by themes of forgiveness and grace.
- Origin
- Seneca, South Carolina, USA
- Style
- Americana rock, Christian rock
- Active since
- 2001
- Good to know
- Founding brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart grew up in a home where only Christian music was allowed
- Discography
- Ten studio albums between The Feature (2001) and The Long Surrender (2026)
How did NEEDTOBREATHE get started?
Bear and Bo Rinehart grew up in Possum Kingdom, South Carolina, in the family of a pastor where Christian music held a central place. In 2001, after finishing school, they founded NEEDTOBREATHE in Seneca with other musicians and released an independent debut album, The Feature.
The band then signed with Atlantic Records and recorded Daylight (2006) in the United Kingdom. It was with The Heat (2007) and its single Washed by the Water, number one on the American Christian charts, that NEEDTOBREATHE established itself for good.
What makes NEEDTOBREATHE unique?
NEEDTOBREATHE blends rock, Americana and soul influences, with Bear Rinehart's unmistakable voice at the center. The band built its reputation on heartfelt songs, like Multiplied, nominated for a Grammy Award in 2014, all while resisting being boxed into a single style. Their tenth album, The Long Surrender (2026), produced by Dave Cobb, marks a turning point after the departure of longtime bassist Seth Bolt and explores themes of forgiveness, grace and gratitude.
Where should you start with NEEDTOBREATHE?
Multiplied remains the most natural entry point into the band, before listening to Washed by the Water, their first major Christian hit. From there, you can explore the new tracks on The Long Surrender (2026), like Take Me Dancing or The Door, to get a sense of their recent evolution.
songs
Multiplied
A song nominated for a Grammy Award in 2014, one of NEEDTOBREATHE's most sung songs in English-speaking churches.
The Door
From The Long Surrender (2026), Bear Rinehart opens up about his struggles with anxiety and his reliance on a strength greater than himself to keep going.
Take Me Dancing
A more upbeat track from The Long Surrender (2026), one of the standout songs on the new album.
Discography
- 2026The Long Surrender· produced by Dave Cobb
- 2023Caves
- 2021Into the Mystery
- 2020Out of Body
- 2016Hard Love
- 2014Rivers in the Wasteland· includes Multiplied
- 2011The Reckoning
- 2009The Outsiders
- 2007The Heat· includes Washed by the Water
- 2006Daylight
- 2001The Feature
Read also
Frequently asked questions
Who is NEEDTOBREATHE?
NEEDTOBREATHE is an American Americana rock band formed in 2001 in South Carolina by brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart, sons of a pastor. It is known for songs like Washed by the Water and Multiplied.
Is NEEDTOBREATHE a Christian band?
The band was born in a deeply Christian environment and first broke through on the Christian music charts, before widening its audience while keeping lyrics marked by faith and spirituality.
What is NEEDTOBREATHE's best known song?
Multiplied, released in 2014 on the album Rivers in the Wasteland and nominated for a Grammy Award, is one of the band's most recognized songs, widely sung in English-speaking churches.
What is NEEDTOBREATHE's latest album?
The Long Surrender, the band's tenth studio album, was released on March 27, 2026, produced by Dave Cobb and shaped by themes of forgiveness, grace and gratitude.
Where can you listen to NEEDTOBREATHE?
NEEDTOBREATHE's songs are available on their official YouTube channel and on the usual streaming platforms; their website needtobreathe.com centralizes their news and tour dates.
Where does the name NEEDTOBREATHE come from?
The band's name, which literally means need to breathe, reflects the urgency and authenticity the Rinehart brothers wanted to bring to their music from the very beginning.