When Bear Rinehart (NEEDTOBREATHE) initially conceived solo project Wilder Woods, its scale was unclear. “I definitely didn’t have a major label in mind...I didn’t have a tour in mind.” Instead, it started purely as “exploration,” as “scratching the itch.”

Here, we explore in great detail how those initial desires grew into both a thrilling, self-titled debut album, along with new sonic ground for the celebrated songwriter. We hit on Rinehart’s relationship with producer Gabe Simon, we discover how the song “Sure Ain’t” helped establish the Wilder Wood sound, and we unveil all the most critical creative moments for the LP, as told by those intimately involved.

After the episode, listen to Wilder Woods’ debut album.

Interviews: Bear Rinehart, Gabe Simon (Producer), David Leonard.

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