It’s vaguely possible that you haven’t yet heard of Needtobreathe, but don’t expect things to continue that way much longer. They’ve already had a couple of hits on Christian and adult rock radio, and have been nominated for two Dove Awards; their single “More Time” was featured in the soundtrack of the hit film P.S. I Love You; besides all that, they’re just a talented and hard-working group that will play Cain’s Ballroom Monday evening.
After four years of touring and releasing independent records, the four-piece band debuted on Atlantic with Daylight; they only waited a year before following that one up with their excellent sophomore album The Heat.
A quick listen reveals a band that’s serious about crafting introspective pop gems with real teeth: audacious percussion, funky bass, sparkling guitars and passionate vocals—even an occasional jazzy piano—all combine into a style of music that recalls everything from the 1930’s the 1970’s but sounds altogether modern. The group’s press notes point out that they’ve has toured with Collective Soul, Jars of Clay and Train, and that’s not a bad picture of their music: pop sensibilities, unapologetic gospel roots, and a deep appreciation for rock history.
“Some people call us southern rock,” drummer Joe Stillwell told me over the phone, “but like a friend once told me, saying ‘southern rock’ is really just saying ‘rock-rock’ since rock is a style that originated in the south to begin with. But we are fans of southern music like Ryan Adams, Tom Petty, etc.”
Needtobreathe should prove to be the perfect complement to the east coast piano and guitar pop of Gavin DeGraw when they open for him at Cain’s Ballroom the night of October 20th. It’ll be their first show in Tulsa, and their first show with DeGraw, but the group is embarking on an extended tour with him later this year. “We also just finished renovating a house in Charleston,” Stillwell added, “to use as our personal recording studio.” In other words, Needtobreathe has been around nearly a decade, but they’re just getting started.
Needtobreathe will be opening for Gavin DeGraw at Cain’s Ballroom 10/20. Tickets are $23 in advance or $26 at the door. Doors open at 7 pm; show is at 8 pm.
About the author:
A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Luke Harrington currently resides in Tulsa and works in the aerospace industry–but, at any given moment, would probably rather be reviewing movies and music. In his spare time, he’s off playing blues piano, pretending to be Assistant Editor for MovieZeal.com, or reviewing the many musical events in Northeastern Oklahoma for Tulsa Today.
About the author:
A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Luke Harrington currently resides in Tulsa and works in the aerospace industry–but, at any given moment, would probably rather be reviewing movies and music. In his spare time, he’s off playing blues piano, pretending to be Assistant Editor for MovieZeal.com, or reviewing the many musical events in Northeastern Oklahoma for Tulsa Today.