Bear Rinehart is used to fronting his rock bandNeedtobreathein large arenas.
I was writing too many songs for the band, Rinehart tellsRolling Stonebackstage.
The band was okay with me doing it.
Needtobreathe’s Bear Rinehart returns to his “Wilder Woods” persona on the new album ‘Curioso,’ which mixes alt-rock with folk to superb results.JM Collective*
[Theyre] like, Go get this out of your system.'
That new thing is Rineharts solo outlet,Wilder Woods.
Both offered an in-depth glimpse into the life of one of modern rocks more mysterious and elusive singer-songwriters.
I think thats the hardest thing about being in a band for a long time, Rinehart says.
People think they know who you are.
His latest album as Wilder Woods blows those preconceived notions to smithereens.
This is a Beck kind of project for me, Rinehart says.
This record turned out more alternative than I thought.
Curiosois much more alternative than the arena-rock approach that Needtobreathe has perfected over its nearly 25-year career.
So much so that theres even a special appearance by My Morning Jackets Jim James.
I emailed around to find somebody who knew him, because Id never met him.
The next day, to Rineharts surprise, a reply from James was sitting in his inbox.
Hes like, Im in.
I love this song, Rinehart says.
And that [track] is one of my favorites on the record.
While curioso means curious or inquisitive in Italian, for Rinehart, theres a little more to it.
Its a word that connects him to his upbringing.
My grandmother had a curio cabinet, where you put all your keepsakes, Rinehart says.
Bear in Spanish, Rinehart grins.
He notes that bands from that era like Violent Femmes and the Breeders still resonate within him today.
Thats what I listened to on the way to high school, Rinehart says.
So, [music] is an outlet for me for all those things.
It helps me communicate better what Im thinking, what Im feeling.
Rinehart pauses for a moment and smiles, slowly shaking his head.
But it also is the silliest place I am in life, he adds.
When Im actually sitting down to make music, I find myself laughing when something new happens.
Thats a sweet spot.
