For those uninitiated, NEEDTOBREATHE are one of America’s finest modern rock exports after hitting #3 on the Billboard Albums Charts with their new album and they are heading down under for the very first time this February.
With performances on US TV including Letterman, Conan and Fallon as well as standout sets at major festivals Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits, followed by a successful tour of the United Kingdom and Europe (where they opened for Sting in France!), the band are taking the world one continent at a time. Next on their hit-list is Australia, where they’ll not only release their US hit album “Rivers In the Wasteland” on December 5 through Atlantic/Warner, but follow it up with a massive national tour. Supporting the charity World Vision, NEEDTOBREATHE will be taking on huge venues including Sydney’s Hordern Pavillion, Melbourne’s Festival Hall and Brisbane’s Riverstage.
To celebrate their visit down under, the band’s keyboard player Josh Lovelace has put together a list of the six records that changed hi life.
The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St.
1972, Rolling Stones Records
‘Tumbling Dice’ is one of my favourite rock songs featuring my favourite piano player of all time, Mr. Billy Preston. The whole record bleeds rock and roll from start to finish.
This was one of the first Stones records I ever heard. I bought a used copy of it on vinyl and listened to it all the time when I was in high school, I listen to it before almost every show we play. It’s full of swagger and has a loose, almost messy, edge to it. It feels as good today as it did back in 1972.
Coldplay – X&Y
2005, Capitol/ Parlophone
Probably the most underrated Coldplay album in my opinion. With beautiful melodies and instrumentation, this was the record that made me a Coldplay fan for life. bought the record the day it came out in 2005. I’ll never forget sitting in my car and hearing “Fix You” for the first time. Changed the way I listen to music.
I often listen to it on the bus as I’m going to sleep or reading. Also great to run to. I have loved everything that Coldplay has put out. Chris Martin’s sense of melody on this record is perfect. Even though some of their other records have been more successful, this is the one that was a game changer for me.
Bruce Springsteen- Born to Run
1975, Columbia
I feel like this record discovered me. It’s as if Phil Spector had a musical love child with Bob Dylan. Springsteen knocked it out of the park with this one. I also can’t get enough of Clarence Clemmons’ sax playing.
I give it a spin anytime I want to feel inspired or when I need a ‘Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out’ fix. Bruce is the epitome of what rock and roll is and should be made of. Born to Run is a classic and should be on everyone’s top album lists.
Foy Vance- Joy of Nothing
2013, Glassnote
I love that Foy can tip his hat to soul music of yesterday but still give his songs a fresh feel that doesn’t sound throwback. The record is a modern classic in my opinion.
It’s one of the most played records in my music library. I probably give it a spin almost everyday.
Foy is one of my favorite artists. We toured together last year and I loved watching his show every night. This record showcases a great songwriter and one of the greatest voices in music today.
Bon Iver- Bon Iver
Jagjaguwar/ 4AD
This album is a masterpiece. The whole thing is angelic and full of melodic genius.
I had For Emma, Forever Ago so I was a big Bon Iver fan already when this record came out.
I still listen to this record all the time. The instrumentation is gorgeous and the melodies are haunting. Although a little more beefed up than their first record, it’s intentionality and ambient goodness make this record one of the best records I’ve ever heard.
The Black Crowes – The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion
1992, Def American
The piano break in “Thorn in My Pride” is one of the reasons I became a keyboard player. For that reason alone, it is at the top of my list. I was asked to play piano in a Black Crowes cover band in college. I had heard a few songs before but wasn’t really too familiar with them. It wasn’t long before the Crowes were the only thing I was listening to and they became one of my favourite bands.
I listen to it in the dressing room, on the bus, and whenever I want to get the party started. The Black Crowes changed everything for me and are a big reason why I wanted to play live music for a living. This record is gritty and bluesy with a taste of gospel. It is the best companion for all your rock and roll needs.
NEEDTOBREATHE’s Australian Tour
February 11: Hordern Pavillion, Sydney NSW
February 12: Royal Theatre, Canberra ACT
February 13: Festival Hall, Melbourne VIC
February 14: Adelaide Entertainment Centre SA
February 18: Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart TAS
February 20: Brisbane Riverstage, Brisbane QLD
February 21: Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle NSW
February 16: HBF Stadium, Perth WA
For tickets and info visit www.needtobreathe.com
