In 2006, Atlantic Records’ band needtobreathe released one of the most critically acclaimed records from a new artist in our industry with their debut, Daylight. This August 28th the band brings The Heat, their greatly anticipated sophomore project.

With hit singles and non-stop touring in 2006, needtobreathe finally slowed down to record “The Heat” in early 2007. Co-produced entirely by the band, the new project also features the stellar production work of Rick Beato (Shinedown, Jump Little Children) and Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland.

In regard to the new record and their new venture with Word, lead singer Bear Rinehart commented, “I think everybody wants to mature on their second record, and we certainly have. You can’t help but learn when you’re able to tour with great acts like Train, Edwin McCain, Collective Soul, Will Hoge, Sanctus Real, and Jars of Clay, but oddly enough I think the thing we gained most from the experience was the confidence to be ourselves. I remember approaching the release of our first record with a certain level of trepidation and a sense that we needed to prove something. This time around we just wish we could invite everyone over for a listening party and a barbecue. The Heat is far and away the best thing we have ever done and we’re thrilled to have the folks at Word Records working with us to reach as many ears as possible.”

Word plans to follow up needtobreathe’S Christian radio successes (Shine On, You Are Here) with the debut single Signature of Divine (Yahweh) this June 15th at CHR and AC radio. To hear the new song, click here.

“needtobreathe embraces both an increasing mainstream and CBA industry appeal,” says Rod Riley, Sr. V.P. of Marketing, Word Label Group. “It’s exceptional for a band to be successful in each market without having to alter its performance and cater to specific audiences. Word is looking forward to working with Atlantic and needtobreathe to further the appeal.”

needtobreathe kicked off 2006 with rave reviews and a CCM cover story for their greatly-anticipated debut CD Daylight, and closed out the year with the project being one of Billboard magazine’s Critic’s picks, a CCM magazine edtior’s pick and as one of ChristianMusicToday.com’s Top New Artists of 2006. In between the accolades the band toured non-stop as they opened for superstar bands TRAIN and Collective Soul, among others, a Canadian tour with Jars Of Clay, and partnered with label mates Big City Rock on the Love and Heat tour. Along with You Are Here receiving both mainstream and Christian radio airplay, and Shine On becoming a multi-format Christian radio hit, needtobreathe’S music could also be heard on the ABC show “The Evidence,” the motion picture “Employee of the Month,” MTV’s “Laguna Beach,” and during the World Series.

Daylight is currently availble at your local Canadian Christian retailer. To find out more about the band, visit their YMZ artist page.