NEEDTOBREATHE's Unplanned Album Became Frontman's Favorite

The band's latest LP, 'The Long Surrender,' wasn't planned, but it wound up becoming something great.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:55pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering sequins in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, conveying the glitz and glamour of the music industry without depicting any specific people, objects or scenes.NEEDTOBREATHE's unplanned creative process for their latest album resulted in a deeply personal and authentic record that the band believes will resonate strongly with their loyal fanbase.Savannah Today

NEEDTOBREATHE frontman Bear Rinehart didn't set out to make a new record, but the songs just started coming together. The band ended up in the studio with producer Dave Cobb, and the result is their latest album 'The Long Surrender' - an unplanned project that Rinehart says is his favorite of their career so far.

Why it matters

NEEDTOBREATHE has built a loyal fanbase over their two-decade career, and their latest album represents a shift in their creative process. Rather than planning out an album, the songs emerged organically, reflecting the band members' shared experiences and emotions. This authentic, unforced approach resonates with fans seeking a genuine musical connection.

The details

The process started with Rinehart playing a new song called 'Momma Loves Me' for his friend Brandon Coleman of The Red Clay Strays. They decided to record the track with producer Dave Cobb in Savannah. While there, Rinehart showed Cobb more of his new material, and Cobb encouraged him to keep sending songs. Soon, NEEDTOBREATHE found themselves back in the studio, not intentionally making an album, but simply following the music as it developed. The band agreed they wouldn't 'fabricate' anything, and the result is 'The Long Surrender' - an album that Rinehart says feels like 'a gift' and his favorite of their career.

  • Rinehart played 'Momma Loves Me' for Brandon Coleman in early 2026.
  • Rinehart and The Red Clay Strays recorded the song with Dave Cobb in Savannah in early 2026.
  • NEEDTOBREATHE returned to the studio with Cobb and continued recording new songs in early-to-mid 2026.
  • The Long Surrender was officially released on March 27, 2026.

The players

Bear Rinehart

The frontman of the band NEEDTOBREATHE, who spearheaded the unplanned creation of their latest album 'The Long Surrender'.

Dave Cobb

A well-known music producer who encouraged Rinehart to keep sending him new songs, ultimately leading to NEEDTOBREATHE recording their latest album.

Brandon Coleman

The frontman of the band The Red Clay Strays, who recorded a song with Rinehart that kicked off the unplanned recording process for 'The Long Surrender'.

Josh Lovelace

A member of the band NEEDTOBREATHE.

Randall Harris

A member of the band NEEDTOBREATHE.

Tyler Burkum

A member of the band NEEDTOBREATHE.

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What they’re saying

“It's a record that happened to us. I don't know if I could have said that about any album that we made before.”

— Bear Rinehart, Frontman, NEEDTOBREATHE

“This has to be real. This has to feel like natural to us. It has to feel right.”

— Bear Rinehart, Frontman, NEEDTOBREATHE

“I feel positive that it'll be my favorite record that we've ever made, I think because it feels like a gift.”

— Bear Rinehart, Frontman, NEEDTOBREATHE

What’s next

NEEDTOBREATHE will embark on 'The Long Surrender Tour' this summer, with plans to change up their production style to focus more on the live music experience.

The takeaway

NEEDTOBREATHE's unplanned approach to creating their latest album 'The Long Surrender' resulted in a deeply personal and authentic record that the band believes will resonate strongly with their loyal fanbase, marking a creative high point in their two-decade career.