Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE on 'The Long Surrender,' acoustic tours, and more t

Recorded live at the historic Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor, James sits down with Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE for an honest and reflective conversation ahead of the band’s acoustic tour stop.Bear opens up about why the acoustic shows hit differently, how sitting down on stage changes the energy, and why longtime fans are finally getting to hear songs they’ve been waiting on for years. The two also dive deep into the meaning behind the upcoming album The Long Surrender, a record born out of personal loss, frustration in the studio, fatherhood, faith, and the humbling realization that some things in life simply can’t be controlled.From the vulnerability behind writing “The Long Surrender” in a moment of prayer, to the story of recording in Savannah with producer Dave Cobb, Bear shares how this season of the band feels different — more present, more stripped back, and more open to spontaneity on the road.It’s a conversation about surrender, songwriting, and what happens when the music takes on a life of its own in the hands of fans.If you’ve ever had a NEEDTOBREATHE song become part of your story, this one’s for you.