Behind-the-Scenes Documentary Premieres Exclusively with Rolling Stone
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – No matter what you’ve been through, or even what you’ve done, rest assured that everything is going to turn out all right in the end. That’s the message behind Grammy-nominated multi-platinum arena selling NEEDTOBREATHE’s heartfelt new song, “Momma Loves Me,” featuring acclaimed Southern rock band The Red Clay Strays. Rolling Stone is exclusively premiering a documentary (watch HERE) that takes fans behind the scenes of the song’s creation at Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb’s studio in Savannah, Georgia.
This release is part of a special collaboration with MCA, where the band and label are working together on select music and projects.
Written by NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart, “Momma Loves Me” brings together two generations of Southern musicians. The Red Clay Strays—who cite NEEDTOBREATHE as a major influence on their meteoric rise—join Rinehart in a heartfelt duet. “I just knew Brandon and the band would relate to this song, because they’ve stayed completely true to what they believe, and that is so refreshing to me,” Rinehart says of recruiting the Strays. “I don’t think I have ever seen somebody have the kind of success they’re having and also be exactly who they are all the time.”
The collaboration began backstage in Brooklyn when Rinehart shared the demo with Strays frontman Brandon Coleman. Coleman, who grew up listening to NEEDTOBREATHE with his mother, immediately connected with the track. “As soon as I heard the chorus, I was like, ‘Yes, we’ve got to do this,’” Coleman recalls. “I told him I would definitely love to sing on this song.”
“Momma Loves Me” is a song about reflection, redemption, and reassurance. With lyrics like:
“Take my scars, and take my troubles / spread my ashes in the wind / Momma loves me, I’m still born again,”
Rinehart and Coleman’s voices intertwine over harmonies, keys, slide guitar, and subtle percussion, producing a stripped-down but elegant prayerful track. “When you listen to the song, you can start reflecting on all the bad things that you’ve done, or get caught up in thoughts of how bad of a person you may have been,” Coleman explains. “But take a step back—remember that Momma loves you, you’re still born again—and everything’s going to be okay.”
Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb oversaw the production, ensuring the song’s heartfelt message and authenticity remained intact. “The first thing Dave said to me was, ‘Man, I love this demo. We should make sure we do something close to that,’” Rinehart says.
Dave Cobb adds,“working with NEEDTOBREATHE and The Red Clay Strays on ‘Momma Loves Me’ was incredibly powerful to witness the love and admiration the two bands had for each other while recording. It was a pleasure to hear the raw power and truth delivered in each word that was sung. It’s a record that gives you hope.”
With “Momma Loves Me,” NEEDTOBREATHE and The Red Clay Strays deliver a timeless reminder of hope, resilience, and the power of music to connect generations. The track also offers a tantalizing glimpse of new music to come from NEEDTOBREATHE, showcasing the band’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful songs that resonate deeply with listeners. With more than two decades of chart-topping albums, billions of streams, and sold-out tours worldwide, NEEDTOBREATHE continues to cement their place as a defining force in modern Southern rock and Americana.
For more information please visit www.needtobreathe.com.
About NEEDTOBREATHE
Despite a 20-year history filled with accolades, GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum band NEEDTOBREATHE approached their latest studio album with a renewed mindset — a band still feeling they have something to prove. Over the years, they’ve carved out a distinctive space across multiple genres, blending modern rock, purpose-driven soul, and pop appeal into a rare and impressive track record. With five Number One albums spanning the Billboard Rock, Alternative, and other charts, over three billion career streams, and multi-platinum hits like “Brother” (feat. Gavin DeGraw), “Who Am I,” and “Let’s Stay Home Tonight,” NEEDTOBREATHE has captivated audiences worldwide. Their music reflects two decades of masterful songwriting and musicianship, exploring life’s profound emotions and experiences. Their most recent effort continues this journey, exploring themes of personal struggle, redemption, and resilience.
About THE RED CLAY STRAYS
One of music’s fastest-rising bands, The Red Clay Strays are Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar, keys), Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), John Hall (drums), and Sevans Henderson (keys). Formed in Mobile, AL in 2016, the Strays released their debut album, Moment of Truth, in 2022, featuring the breakout single, “Wondering Why,” which propelled the band into the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Chart and inside the top 20 of the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart.
This past year marked a record high for the group, signing to RCA Records and releasing their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Made by These Moments. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, Made by These Moments is filled with the band’s signature genre-blending sound, as they meld electric rock and roll with southern soul. The record marked the band’s first entry into the Billboard 200 and debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart, helping to earn them the win for ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards, their first CMA nomination for ‘Vocal Group of the Year,’ and their first Billboard Music Award win for ‘Top Country Group.’ Most recently, the band were nominated for ‘Favorite Country Duo or Group’ at the 2025 American Music Awards and took home their first ACM Award for ‘New Duo or Group of the Year.’
With magnetic performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Mornings, and NPR’s Tiny Desk, the band’s electric live show has become a must-see, selling out their 2024 These Moments Tour and their 2025 Get Right Tour. The band also released their first live album, Live At The Ryman, recorded during their three-night stint at the historic Ryman Auditorium.