On February 5th, Sparrow Records' award-winning band Sanctus Real will release Run, their much-anticipated sixth studio album. Produced by Chris Stevens (TobyMac), Jason Ingram (Brandon Heath), and Seth Mosley (Newsboys), Run is the follow-up to their 2010 GRAMMY® nominated Pieces of A Real Heart, which featured their career-breaking hit "Lead Me."
Already the media has been touting the new project, as upcoming coverage is slated withCCM Magazine, CBA Retailers + Resources, FCA's Sharing the Victory and more.CMAddict.com already posted an early review, sharing: "This album was nothing short of encouraging listeners to keep the pace in our faith. In all of the catchy hooks and choruses that grab the ear’s attention, there were the consistent reminders of our need for Jesus, and our need for dependence on Him, because He is the only One who sustains. All of these things were said in a way that is simply, as the artist’s name says, real."
Run's first single, “Promises,” which reassures the listener to reach to God even when it gets difficult to believe in what you cannot see, is currently climbing the charts on both AC and Hot AC. Currently the single has jumped to No. 4 at Hot AC and No. 16 on National Audience, is No. 20 at AC Monitored and at No. 17 for AC Indicator.
Since joining 16 years ago, Sanctus Real still enjoys collaborating as a band and communicating about life and faith through their music. Frontman Matt Hammit has stated, "We've devoted the better part of our lives writing songs that we pray will matter." With Run, there is no question that the band delivers this very message through each and every song.
Sanctus Real has also announced they will kick off their headlining nationwide tour on February 14th for "The Promises Tour," which will run through May 19th. The tour will offer a VIP Experience with Sanctus Real, which includes a VIP pre-show entrance and priority check in, an exclusive autograph and Q&A with the band, as well as collector's edition merchandise. Be sure to visit SanctusReal.com for the most updated tour information.
Many of you may have heard the news that the tour bus of Sanctus Real was involved in a fire early yesterday morning, destroying the entire bus and losing all of their personal belongings. Thankfully, everyone that was on the bus got out safely and no one was injured.
At approximately 4 a.m. Sunday morning, the band members and a few of their family members, including four children, were all on the bus departing from their performance in Mitchellville, Maryland, on their way to return home to Ohio and Tennessee. While on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, their bus driver saw flames via the side view mirror, quickly stopping to get everyone off the bus. Everyone left their belongings behind, not knowing how severe the fire was encapsulating the bus. As a result, everything was destroyed in the fire, from clothing to laptops, cell phones and wallets. The trailer behind the bus remained in tact, receiving the least amount of damage, yet the band will find out later this week if any of their equipment did suffer any damage.
Thankfully, many of the band members were able to return to their homes later in the day, while band member Dan Gartley is still in Pennsylvania going through the wreckage along with the crew. The band will continue to perform their scheduled shows, beginning this weekend in Atlanta with The FISH Radio and at a performance at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, just outside of Atlanta.
Many of you have expressed interest to help support the band. To find out how you can help by giving a donation to the band, please visit here: http://store.sanctusreal.com/store/bus-relief-donations-49
For more information about Sanctus Real and to connect with the band, please visit:
SanctusReal.com
Multiple GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award winning Sanctus Real lead vocalist Matt Hammitt celebrates his son Bowen’s first birthday today as his first solo album, Every Falling Tear, releases on Sparrow Records Tuesday, Sept. 13, which is coincidentally the year anniversary of Bowen’s first open heart surgery. Bowen, “small victorious one,” was born with a severe congenital heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and has now gone through two heart surgeries, an infection and other complications since being born.
After his first surgery, five-day-old Bowen Hammitt’s heart stopped beating shortly after midnight Sept. 14, 2010. Bowen’s body seemed to resist the open-heart surgery that he endured the previous day. Forty minutes after nurse Sarah Bealman at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI, started performing resuscitation on Bowen’s exposed heart, a faint pulse and improved vital signs restored hope for Matt and his wife, Sarah.
The couple first learned of Bowen’s condition less than one month after Matt’s band, Sanctus Real, released their album, Pieces of A Real Heart, which features songs like “Dear Heart,” “Keep My Heart Alive,” and “The Redeemer” with the chorus lyric, “‘cause you can make a weak heart stay alive forever.” All these songs were written before they knew of Bowen’s condition.
Organically sparked by the rich joy and pain of life over the last year that strengthened Matt Hammitt’s faith and solidified his resolve to lead his family well, these new songs are his most deeply personal to date. Born out of the heart of a father, Hammitt's main impetus for writing the songs on Every Falling Tear was to play them at Bowen’s bedside in the hospital, with the hope that they would be a source of comfort for his family, as well as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the midst of their uncertainty.
Encouraged by his Sanctus Real band mates to release these songs, Hammitt enlisted Jason Ingram to produce, as well as to co-write six of the songs on Every Falling Tear. Hammitt also co-wrote “Let Go” with Joy Williams (The Civil Wars), “This Is Grace” with Leeland Mooring and Ingram, and “All of Me” with Bernie Herms. Sanctus Real band mate Pete Prevost co-wrote “Holding You” with Hammitt and Ingram. The song “Without You” was co-written with Audrey Assad, who also wrote and sings “Little Light” on the album.
Here is what the critics are saying about the resulting album:
“Every Falling Tear is a lyrical masterpiece, and by far some of Matt Hammitt’s strongest songwriting to date...This is hands down one of the top 10 Christian albums of the year and one longtime fans of the band and beyond will NOT want to miss.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com (5-star review)
“Every Falling Tear works from a specific valley to arrive at a mountain of hope we should all aspire to scale, regardless of any earthly circumstance…It’s a deep yet undeniably uplifting listen…compelling music and a great cause.” – Crosswalk.com
“A cathartic songwriting release after Hammitt’s son Bowen was diagnosed with a heart defect. The range of emotions are conveyed ever so appropriately throughout tender acoustics and piano ballads, and the vulnerable storytelling will inspire those in similar situations.” – ChristianityToday.com
“Every Falling Tear will help listeners express the deep emotions in their own hearts, as each song more than adequately paints accurate pictures of pain and suffering while remaining in hope and in relationship to a perfectly loving Father.” – Foursquare Leader
“Although Every Falling Tear was birthed out of adverse circumstances, a recurring theme of hope is the thread that is woven throughout each song on the album…the beauty of Every Falling Tear is the quality of the songwriting.” – Breathecast.com
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Every Falling Tear benefits the Whole Hearts Foundation, a new non-profit Matt and Sarah Hammitt set up to help families going through similar challenges as themselves; providing assistance for families of children affected by congenital heart defects.
“More than 40,000 babies a year in the United States alone are born with congenital heart defects,” says Hammitt. “More kids die from heart defects than all cancers combined. The Whole Hearts Foundation seeks to be a resource for families who are suffering in much the same way as my family.”
Music fans have already donated to the foundation through buying songs from Every Falling Tear that were released, one track per month beginning in May, through digital retailers such as iTunes and Amazon.com. The first track released, “All of Me,” was initially heard on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoeGKOXeO-s. Bowen heard his dad sing this song for the first time in concert at a sold out Sanctus Real event last month at Bowling Green State University's new Stroh Center. “He has undergone two life saving surgeries and he’s not even a year old yet, but he got to kick up his heels a bit this past weekend as he watched his rock star dad on stage for the very first time!” reported WTVG-TV’s (ABC) Lissa Guyton in a three-part feature story following the event. Matt will continue to sing the song “All of Me” with Sanctus Real on the major market tour this fall with Casting Crowns.
Matt and Sarah started the blog, www.bowensheart.com, to chronicle their journey of highs and lows since finding out about Bowen’s condition. Recently nominated for a 2011 Parents Best Special Needs Blog, the website gathered more than 220,000 people the day of Bowen’s first surgery. The site has been viewed millions of times since as people connect with the Hammitt’s courageous story.
For all the latest information on Bowen and Every Falling Tear, go to www.bowensheart.com. For the latest Sanctus Real news and tour dates, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.
Multiple GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award winning Sanctus Real lead vocalist Matt Hammitt announces the release of his first solo album, Every Falling Tear, on Sparrow Records Sept. 13. Organically sparked by the rich joy and pain of life over the last year that strengthened Hammitt’s faith and solidified his resolve to lead his family well, these new songs are his most deeply personal to date.
Encouraged by his Sanctus Real band mates to release these songs and to share his story through the songs that are meant to provide hope for people that are in crisis, Hammitt’s journey to the new album started with the current, critically acclaimed and best-selling Sanctus Real album, Pieces of a Real Heart.
“The bridge lyric in ‘Redeemer’ says, I don’t have every answer in life / But I’m trusting You one day at a time / ‘Cause You can make a weak heart stay alive forever,” reflects Hammitt regarding the current hit radio single from Pieces of a Real Heart that is Top 15 and continuing to ascend the Billboard radio charts. “Those lyrics, along with songs like ‘Keep My Heart Alive,’ ‘Dear Heart,’ and then the album with a broken heart on the cover, came out on March 9 of 2010. One month later on April 12 my wife, Sarah, and I found out that our son, Bowen, was going to be born with a severe congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.”
The whole album became a prophetic glimpse into what the Hammitt’s were about to go through, and proved to be a source of hope as Matt and his wife, Sarah, take care of Bowen “small victorious one,” who was born Sept. 9, 2010 and has now gone through two heart surgeries, an infection and other complications since being born.
“I will never forget the night of his first open heart surgery - we got a call in the middle of the night that Bowen’s heart had stopped beating,” says Hammitt on a SanctusReal.com video blog encouraging people to share their stories of redemptions. “The redemption that was for me, in probably this most broken time of my life, was that all the treasure in this world, everything I put my hope in here in this life, was burned away in that moment. I could clearly see that the only real treasure I have is the hope that I have in Jesus Christ. Bowen’s doing great now, he’s making an incredible recovery and the fact that we still have him; we thank God for that every day. We’re eager to see what God continues to do through his life.”
Born out of the heart of a father, wrestling with his pain, but buoyed by his faith and love for his family, Hammitt's main impetus for writing the songs on Every Falling Tear was to play them at Bowen’s bedside in the hospital, with the hope that they would be a source of comfort for his family, as well as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the midst of their uncertainty.
“A lot of what we went through with Bowen was really hard on my wife and I emotionally, and I felt and understood the pain of others going through similar circumstances as us. We also met families at the hospital [C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI] whose children had either just died or were on the verge of dying, and it felt like they were losing hope. One of the main reasons for recording these songs was to go back to the hospital and hand out the music to help lift these families out of despair.”
Having already recorded and handed out demos of songs in the hospital, Hammitt also sang “All of Me” on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoeGKOXeO-s. The studio recording of this song is now available for the first time through digital retailers, including iTunes (http://is.gd/S6vnni) and Amazon.com (http://is.gd/ef9NcL). “All of Me” will be the first of four tracks from Every Falling Tear to be released each month leading up to the full album release in September.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Every Falling Tear and its singles will go to benefit the Whole Hearts Foundation, a new foundation Hammitt has set up to help families going through similar challenges as himself. Providing assistance for families of children affected by congenital heart defects, additional details on the foundation will be announced soon.
As his solo project’s first single is released today, Sanctus Real’s fastest-selling GRAMMY and Dove-nominated, fifth studio album Pieces Of A Real Heart continues to sell over 130% ahead of the band’s last GRAMMY-nominated album. The album has also sparked two No. 1 songs, “Forgiven” and “Lead Me,” the latter having been heard by well over 100,000,000 people at radio and receiving the first-ever song endorsements from Focus on the Family and FamilyLife, as well as gathering two “Song of the Year” Dove nominations. The success of the singles helped pave the way for the band to become Billboard’s No. 4 most played Christian band of 2010 at radio. In all, Sanctus Real has gathered 14 No. 1 and Top 5 radio hits so far.
Sanctus Real creates compelling, authentic music that lives up to the meaning of its name: to be Holy (Latin meaning of “Sanctus”), and its members are about living out their lives as “real” Christians, not only on the stage and as they interact with fans, but also in the quieter moments of their lives as husbands and fathers. Matt Hammitt’s solo album carries this idea forward.
For all the latest on Matt Hammitt and his family, see www.bowensheart.com.
For all the latest Sanctus Real news, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com
GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning Sanctus Real wrapped up 2010 as its most successful year as a band. The successes not only stemmed from the March 9, 2010 release of its fastest selling album to date, the GRAMMY-nominated and critically acclaimed fifth studio album, Pieces Of A Real Heart, but extended to the personal and spiritual lives of the band members themselves.
Pieces Of A Real Heart garnered the band its second GRAMMY nomination with the awards ceremony to be held on CBS at 8PM ET/PT, Feb. 13. The album also sparked the No. 1 song, “Forgiven,” the band’s eighth No. 1 radio single and first-ever Billboard Adult Contemporary (AC) No. 1, “Lead Me,” and the current top 10 and climbing Rock single, “Take Over Me. The combined multi-format radio single success led Billboard to name Sanctus Real as the No. 4 most played Christian band of 2010. “Lead Me” also spent nine full weeks at No. 1 and became 2010’s No. 7 most downloaded Christian song and No. 8 most played song at Christian radio according to Billboard. The video for “Lead Me” made its debut on iTunes Sept. 7, as the song further received the first-ever song endorsements from Focus on the Family and FamilyLife.
“Lead Me” was written as a personal confession and prayer by Sanctus Real lead vocalist Matt Hammitt, and is proving to be a source of hope even as he and his wife, Sarah, take care of their baby boy, Bowen Matthew Hammitt. Parents to Emmy and Claire, the couple’s first son was born Sept. 9 and came home from the hospital Nov. 18. This extraordinary story was covered by ABC World News With Diane Sawyer, who called the homecoming their “favorite Thanksgiving story” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoeGKOXeO-s). Bowen, whose name means “small victorious one,” was born with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), and has gone through heart surgery, an infection and other complications since being born. Bowen’s next surgery is scheduled for March 2 at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. To find out all the latest news on Bowen, plus a wealth of photos and other blogs written by his parents, see http://bowensheart.com/. In three month’s time, more than three million people have visited the blog.
“This has been a year of awakening. Walking through this struggle with my family has sparked a growing desire to live out a deeper faith and purpose,” reflects Matt Hammitt in his Dec. 29, 2010 blog at http://bowensheart.com/. “The past few months have been the most spiritually rich season of my short life, and I pray that it continues to get better. I also know that the emotions that come with new experiences fade, but when I come down off this mountain to enter another valley, I’ll be walking with greater trust and a stronger, more rooted faith.”
In addition to Bowen, band guitarists Chris Rohman and Pete Prevost are embracing their new roles as first-time fathers. With children born on the exact same day, Chris and Dominique Rohman welcomed Penelope Jane Rohman, and Pete and Melissa Prevost welcomed Bennett Elise Prevost, into their respective families Aug. 11.
Taking appropriate time off to spend with their families, the band members also hit the road in 2010. Headlining a Mocha Club (www.mochaclub.org) sponsored spring tour with special guests Addison Road, Above the Golden State, Me In Motion and Speaker Sammy Adebiyi, the summer found the band playing during headlining slots on the major Christian festivals, including Crossover Festival, Atlanta Fest, Ichthus, Sonshine, Revelation Generation, and more. The fall tour included closing nightly on the 22-city “Hungry for Love” tour sponsored by Food for the Hungry (www.fh.org) and featuring Leeland, The Afters and Speaker Palmer Chinchen.
Popularly known for its captivating recordings and live performances, Toledo, OH-based Sanctus Real will continue to tour in 2011, as well as release this spring its new radio single “The Redeemer” from Pieces Of A Real Heart.
“It can be a struggle to remain hopeful when there is so much injustice in this world…to find the courage to dig for goodness amidst the wreckage we’ve created with the human condition,” notes Hammitt. “To soften the blow, we become guarded. We protect ourselves by building up walls of cynicism and hesitation. We seldom believe in dreams. We stop expecting to find anything good, anything new. ‘The Redeemer’ is encouragement for us to let down these defenses. It’s better to dig with hope and have our hearts be tattered than to lose hope completely.”
With 13 No. 1 and Top 5 radio hits, Sanctus Real is all about living out their lives as “real” Christians, not only on the stage and as they interact with fans, but as husbands, fathers and fellow believers. The band creates compelling, authentic music that lives up to the meaning of their name: to be Holy (Latin meaning of “Sanctus”). The band’s 2006 breakthrough album, The Face of Love, landed at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart while We Need Each Other (2008) garnered the band its first GRAMMY nomination. For all the latest Sanctus Real news, including tour dates, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.
BOWEN MATTHEW HAMMITT GOES HOME FOR FIRST TIME:
Sanctus Real lead vocalist Matt Hammitt and his wife, Sarah, took their 10-week old baby boy, Bowen Matthew, home Nov. 18 from the hospital for the first time since he was born Sept. 9. Bowen, whose name means “small victorious one,” was born with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), and has gone through heart surgery, an infection and other complications since being born. His parents write in their blog at http://bowensheart.com/, “We thank God for the gift of waking up at home this morning with baby Bowen at our bedside. We’ve been praying so long for these moments. Taking care of Bowen at home will take include a lot of work and lack of sleep, but having all five of us together is worth it.” To find out all the latest news on Bowen, plus a wealth of photos and other blogs written by his parents, see http://bowensheart.com/.
ABC WORLD NEWS WITH DIANE SAWYER FEATURES BOWEN’S HOMECOMING TODAY!
An ABC News camera crew covered the moments before Bowen and his family left C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI, where Bowen was carefully cared for since his birth. The camera crew then followed the Hammitt family home, taping a joyous homecoming that was months in the making and was rife with challenges along the way. Barring any late breaking news, you can tune into the story today on ABC World News With Diane Sawyer at 6:30 pm ET / 5:30 pm CT. (http://abcnews.go.com/WN/DianeSawyer/)
BOWEN MATTHEW HAMMITT IS BORN:
Sanctus Real lead vocalist Matt Hammitt and his wife, Sarah, have come through a difficult pregnancy. Parents to Emmy and Claire, the couple announces the birth of their first baby boy, Bowen Matthew Hammitt, whose name means “small victorious one.” Bowen has been diagnosed with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), and is being closely monitored by doctors. Here is what his parents wrote on their blog at http://bowensheart.com/ last night:
Our baby boy has finally arrived! We are so excited to announce that Bowen Matthew Hammitt was delivered tonight, September 9, 2010 at 7:59 pm at the University of Michigan Women’s Hospital. He weighs 7 lbs, 7 oz and is far more handsome than we had ever imagined!
We weren’t sure if we’d be able to hold him tonight, but our OBGYN and the nurses in the PCTU were kind enough to give us a few minutes with him before they sent him to undergo several hours of testing. Once they finish all of his tests, they will give us an update on his heart and overall health.
We will continue to update our blog regularly so our friends and family can pray for baby Bowen and follow his story as it unfolds.
Overwhelmed with joy at the birth of our son,
Matt and Sarah
PIECES OF A REAL HEART IS THE BILLBOARD TOP 200 HIGHEST GAINER:
Billboard reported that Sanctus Real’s highly acclaimed Pieces Of A Real Heart earned the largest positional jump on the Billboard Top 200 chart this week, as the album vaulted 101 slots to No. 76, while also launching back into the Top 5 (at No. 4) on both the Christian and Gospel album charts. Released six months ago (March 9 2010), Pieces Of A Real Heart is selling as fast today as when the album first debuted, tracking 40% ahead of the band’s last, GRAMMY-nominated album, We Need Each Other.
“LEAD ME” CONTINUES AT NO. 1:
The success of the new album is due in part to its radio hits, including the No. 1 song, “Forgiven,” and the band’s eighth No. 1 radio single and first-ever Billboard Adult Contemporary (AC) No. 1, “Lead Me.” The fastest climbing AC radio song ever for the band, “Lead Me” continues its second week at No. 1 and made its video debut on iTunes Sept. 7. The song also received the first-ever song endorsements from Focus on the Family and FamilyLife.
SANCTUS REAL’S FALL TOUR:
Enjoying the time off from touring to spend time with their families, the band members are also gearing up to be the nightly closing band on the 22-city “Hungry for Love” tour sponsored by Food for the Hungry and featuring Leeland, The Afters and Speaker Palmer Chinchen. The tour begins Oct. 8 in Jackson, TN and travels through 13 states before wrapping up Nov. 21 in Rogers, AR.
For all the latest Sanctus Real news, including it tour dates, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.
GRAMMY-nominated bands Leeland and Sanctus Real, along with The Afters, are coming to 23 cities across the U.S. on the Hungry For Love Tour this fall, October 9 through November 21. Sponsored by Food for the Hungry, the Hungry for Love tour will raise awareness for the organization’s goal of bringing relief and aid to twenty-six of the most impoverished countries in the world.
GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning Sanctus Real has sparked 15 Number 1 and Top 5 radio hits and recently released their fifth studio album, Pieces of a Real Heart, on Sparrow Records amidst growing acclaim by critics who have heralded the album as the band’s best yet. Sanctus Real seeks to create compelling, authentic music that lives up to the meaning of their name: to be holy (Latin meaning of “sanctus”). The first radio single from the album, “Forgiven,” went to the top of the charts; becoming one of the most played Christian radio singles this year.
As Sanctus Real gets ready for the Hungry for Love Tour, their second single (“Lead Me”) is currently topping the charts as the #1 AC radio single—giving the band their first ever No. 1 AC single. This week, “Lead Me” is also No. 1 overall on Billboard’s Christian radio national audience chart as it makes its video debut on iTunes Sept. 7. The song is a personal confession and prayer written by lead vocalist Matt Hammitt, and it is proving to be a source of hope as he and his wife, Sarah, walk through a difficult pregnancy this fall.
GRAMMY and Dove-nominated progressive rock act Leeland has been known to deliver songwriting beyond their years with worshipful rock so genuine it disarms the honest cynic. Often quoted as one of Christian music’s most gripping live bands, Leeland has quickly been established as a leader in the worship community and beyond. While the band’s first two albums were GRAMMY nominated and drew a combined eight Dove nominations, Leeland’s measure of success has always been their appeal to their audiences’ hearts. With Leeland’s third album, Love Is On The Move, they have delivered a landmark in the deepest sense—taking their fans to that rare place where innocence and fervor meet depth of soul.
Leeland is excited to join the Hungry for Love Tour and to continuing to raise awareness for Food for the Hungry. Lead singer and guitarist, Leeland Mooring explains, “For awhile, we were just this band from Baytown, Texas, and all we saw was our little church where God had been doing awesome and incredible things. But He’s really been opening our vision to all the hurting people, especially the poor, around the world and making it clear we should help by being a part of spreading His kingdom.” This year, Leeland and keyboardist Jack Mooring were the only musicians invited to the White House for its “Compassion in Action Roundtable” targeting emerging leaders and developing the next generation of America’s social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.
Dove Award- winning band, The Afters, has found incredible success in the television arena and is releasing their third album Light Up the Sky on September 14 with INO Records. Music from the new record, including the single “Light Up the Sky”, has already been picked up by MTV’s “The Hills” for the show’s final season. The Texas-based band was propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean”. “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes ® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award as well. “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” and “Rachael Ray” have also used music from The Afters’ sophomore project, Never Going Back To OK, in promotion for their programming.
For more information please visit:
http://hungryforlovetour.com/
http://www.leelandonline.com/
http://www.sanctusreal.com/
http://theafters.com/
http://www.fh.org
GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning Sanctus Real released on Sparrow Records in March its most critically acclaimed album to date, Pieces Of A Real Heart. The fifth studio offering from the band, the album has since gathered an ever-growing cache of musical milestones, including the No. 1 radio hit, “Forgiven,” and the band’s eighth No. 1 radio single and first-ever Billboard Adult Contemporary (AC) No. 1, “Lead Me.” The fastest climbing AC radio song ever for the band, “Lead Me” is also No. 1 on this week’s overall Billboard Christian radio national audience chart and makes its video debut on iTunes Sept. 7. The song is further gathering acclaim from Casting Crowns, 10th Avenue North and others, as well as the first-ever song endorsements from Focus on the Family and FamilyLife.
“It’s rare to hear a song that penetrates to the depths of the soul, stirs the emotions, reveals the innermost thoughts and seeks help from the only One who has it,” says Dennis Rainey, President and Co-Founder of FamilyLife, a subsidiary of Campus Crusade for Christ International. “‘Lead Me’ does all this and more. It’s a relevant message for marriages and families today. Lead Me is a timeless message that should motivate every married man to stand up and fight for his family by kneeling down to pray.”
“‘Lead Me’ is a prayer song of God’s leadership that every man needs to hear, amazing song!” adds Chris Huffman of Casting Crowns.
“‘Lead Me’ is probably the most intensely convicting and inspiring song I’ve heard on Christian radio in years,” continues Mike Donehey of 10th Avenue North. “I literally wept the first time I heard it. Matt put words to my heart’s cry and for that I’m infinitely grateful.”
Written as a personal confession and prayer by lead vocalist Matt Hammitt, “Lead Me” is proving to be a source of hope even as he and his wife, Sarah, walk through a difficult pregnancy. Parents to Emmy and Claire, the couple is struggling to bring to term their first baby boy, Bowen Matthew Hammitt. Bowen, which means "small victorious one," is due Sept. 3 and has been diagnosed with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).
“Knowing Bowen is sick has brought me face to face with the sobering reality that none of us are promised tomorrow and has pulled that nagging ache, the one to make every moment count, straight to the surface of my daily life,” confesses Matt on a blog he and Sarah created to give updates on Bowen at http://bowensheart.com/.
As the Hammitts patiently wait for Bowen to be born, band guitarists Chris Rohman and Pete Prevost are embracing their new roles as first-time fathers. With children born on the exact same day, Chris and Dominique Rohman welcomed Penelope Jane Rohman, and Pete and Melissa Prevost welcomed Bennett Elise Prevost, into their respective families Aug. 11.
Enjoying the time off from touring to spend time with their families, the band members are also gearing up to be the nightly closing band on the 22-city “Hungry for Love” tour sponsored by Food for the Hungry and featuring Leeland, The Afters and Speaker Palmer Chinchen. The tour begins Oct. 8 in Jackson, TN and travels through 13 states before wrapping up Nov. 21 in Rogers, AR. (See full tour itinerary below)
Popularly known for its captivating recordings and live performances, Toledo, OH-based Sanctus Real is all about living out their lives as “real” Christians, not only on the stage and as they interact with fans, but in the quieter moments of their lives as husbands, fathers and fellow believers. The band creates compelling, authentic music that lives up to the meaning of their name: to be Holy (Latin meaning of “Sanctus”).
With eight No. 1 and six Top 5 radio hits, Sanctus Real’s 2006 breakthrough album, The Face of Love, landed at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart while the band’s most recent release, We Need Each Other, garnered the band a GRAMMY nomination. Pieces Of A Real Heart is the result of the band maturing and growing as songwriters, musicians and individuals, while retaining its aggressive edge and incorporating a more diverse musical palette of instrumentation and themes.
For all the latest Sanctus Real news, including it tour dates, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.
Sanctus Real “Hungry for Love” tour dates follow:
10/08/10 Jackson, TN Union University www.wigh.afr.net
10/09/10 Poplar Bluff, MO Black River Coliseum www.blackrivercoliseum.com
10/10/10 Parkersburg WV Parkersburg High School Field House
10/14/10 Quincy, IL Morrison Theater
10/15/10 Hoffman Estates, IL Life Changers International Church
10/16/10 Harrison, AR North Arkansas College www.ehbcharrison.org
10/22/10 Macon, GA Harvest Cathedral www.harvestcathedral.com
10/23/10 Pikeville, KY Eastern Kentucky Expo Center www.ichthus.org
10/24/10 Ashland, KY Paramount Arts Center
10/28/10 Pace, FL Immanuel Baptist Church www.wowradio.org
10/29/10 Tallahassee, FL Christian Heritage Church
10/30/10 Panama City, FL Marina Civic Center
11/04/10 Lewiston, ME Vineyard Church www.thelighthouseevents.com
11/05/10 Rochester, NY Roberts Wesleyan College www.kingdombound.org
11/07/10 Trucksville, PA Cross Creek Community Church www.crosscreekcc.org
11/12/10 Willoughby Hills, OH Willoughby Hills Friends Church
11/13/10 Cincinnati, OH The Underground www.theug.com
11/14/10 Collierville, TN Collierville United Methodist Church
11/18/10 Paris TX Calvary Chapel of Paris
11/19/10 Colleyville, TX Compass Christian Church www.trinitytickets.net
11/20/10 tba
11/21/10 Rogers, AR Rogers First Baptist Church
GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award winning Sanctus Real released its fifth studio album, Pieces Of A Real Heart, on Sparrow Records in March amidst growing critical acclaim. As the first radio single from the album, “Forgiven,” went to the top of the charts becoming one of the most played Christian radio singles this year, the second single, “Lead Me,” was released last week to AC radio and becomes the most added new song ever for the band this week, launching into the top 20 of the overall Billboard Christian radio national audience chart. Already a Billboard Top 30 AC Monitored and Top 5 CHR hit, the song is a personal confession and prayer written by lead vocalist Matt Hammitt, and is proving to be a source of hope as he and his wife, Sarah, walk through a difficult pregnancy.
“My wife and I aren’t shy about sharing that we’ve had some pretty major struggles,” admits Matt after his wife implored him to be a better spiritual leader in the family. “I think the challenge for me in the song, and hopefully for other men as well, is every time I hear it, every time I sing it, I ask myself, ‘what kind of man am I?’ Not yesterday, not tomorrow, what kind of man am I today? Have I invested in my family emotionally, spiritually the way that God has called me to reach out to them and to lead them.”
To lead them with strong hands / To stand up when they can’t /
Don’t want to leave them hungry for love / Chasing things that I could give up /
I’ll show them I’m willing to fight / And give them the best of my life /
So we can call this a home / Lead me, ‘cause I can’t do this alone /
Father, lead me, ‘cause I can’t do this alone
Implementing this shift in daily priorities, Matt is now walking together with Sarah through one the most difficult points yet in their marriage. Parents to Emmy and Claire, the couple is struggling to bring to term their first baby boy, Bowen Matthew Hammitt. Bowen, which means "small victorious one," is 26-weeks-old and has been diagnosed with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart (HLHS).
“On April 12th of this year, Sarah and I walked into our nineteen week ultrasound excited to find out whether we were having a boy or a girl. Since we’ve already been blessed with two beautiful girls, we were excited to find out it was little boy! However, shortly after the ultrasound, our OB [obstetrician] entered the room and said she had some bad news.
“Knowing Bowen is sick has brought me face to face with the sobering reality that none of us are promised tomorrow and has pulled that nagging ache, the one to make every moment count, straight to the surface of my daily life,” confesses Matt on a blog he and Sarah created to give updates on Bowen at http://bowensheart.com/.
Again finding encouragement and strength in the song “Lead Me,” Matt and Sarah share the story of the song on video at www.sanctusreal.com. Hoping to help other couples struggling in their marriage, Sanctus Real also leads corporate prayers that can be found on the website.
As the song “Lead Me” continues to gather radio airplay, here is what media have been saying about the song and Pieces Of A Real Heart:
“‘Lead Me’ is a surefire hit…This song is a ‘must own’ for all husbands, fathers and young men looking for an honest portrayal of the prayer of a Christian man asking God to lead their lives.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com (“A+” album review.)
“We put every track to the test and can say that the superb production quality and heartfelt lyrics go a long way toward making this their best album yet.” – Napster.com
“This album is more mainstream in its pop/rock appeal… the album is nearly perfect.” – The Album Project
“With honest lyrical prose and heightened musical charm, Sanctus Real re-energizes their stay as one of Christian music’s favorite bands.” – CCM
“Pieces Of A Real Heart is an album that finds strength in brokenness, navigating the tension between humility and confidence, joy and pain…a solid album and a great addition to the latest chapter in Sanctus Real’s career.” – JesusFreakHideout.com
“On their fifth studio album, Sanctus Real reached a place very few rock bands ever ascend to…Hammitt knows what to say and how to say it, offering his own experiences and ponderings as counsel without coming across as trite or even the least bit holier-than-thou.” – All Music Guide
“Pieces Of A Real Heart offers pop-rock songs of worship even while addressing real-life issues and questions. Listeners will also appreciate Sanctus Real’s transparency and honesty.” – Charisma
“Sanctus Real continues to grow in their craft. This is their best album to date!” - CMSpin.com
“They’ve developed a more refined and mature pop/rock sound.” – ChristianityToday.com
“There are many amazing songs on this new project… it does not disappoint.” – StereoTruth.com
“The American rockers have gone from strength to strength down the years and in Matt Hammitt have one of the best vocalists on the current CCM scene.” – Christian Marketplace
“The Sanctus Real library is a must for every Christian’s music collection. This current album will not disappoint. Five stars for Pieces Of A Real Heart.” – Everyday Christian
“Pieces Of A Real Heart is by far the band’s best record to date…” – thebridgelive.net
“The songs on this album are…excellent, with insightful lyrics and memorable hooks…” – Cross Rhythms
“With Pieces Of A Real Heart, Sanctus Real remains a cut above similar popular Christian pop-rockers with superior lyrics, and clear, sharp production.” – The Phantom Tollbooth
“Singer Matt Hammitt’s voice is very distinct and crisp as he sings with heart and emotion…Sanctus Real still packs a powerful musical touch.” – TitleTrakk.com
“…Pieces Of A Real Heart, is really really good…I encourage you to go beyond the music and allow yourself to really hear the lyrics.” – The Gospel Blog
Popularly known for its captivating recordings and live performances, Toledo, OH-based Sanctus Real is all about living out their lives as “real” Christians, not only on the stage and as they interact with fans, but in the quieter moments of their lives as husbands, fathers and fellow believers. The band creates compelling, authentic music that lives up to the meaning of their name: to be Holy (Latin meaning of “Sanctus”).
With 14 No. 1 and Top 5 radio hits, Sanctus Real’s 2006 breakthrough album, The Face of Love, landed at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heetseekers chart while the band’s most recent release, We Need Each Other, garnered the band a GRAMMY nomination. Pieces Of A Real Heart is the result of the band maturing and growing as songwriters, musicians and individuals, while retaining its aggressive edge and incorporating a more diverse musical palette of instrumentation and themes.
Holt International Children’s Services, the 54-year old Christian ministry reaching vulnerable and orphaned children around the world and the chief sponsor of Winter Jam, Christian music’s most successful annual tour; announced today their sponsorship of the much-anticipated UNITED Spring 2010 Tour featuring GRAMMY®-nominated, Dove Award-winning Sanctus Real with visionary speaker David Nasser and, not one but, two of this year’s Dove-nominated artists—MIKESCHAIR (for Song and Album of the Year) and Jonny Diaz (for New Artist of the Year).
Starting April 23 in Denver, CO the UNITED Spring 2010 Tour (www.unitedtour2010.com) will be traveling to cities across America playing in markets as diverse as Louisville, Tulsa, San Antonio, and Lubbock. Tickets in select markets went on sale this week, and fans are already responding positively. Specially priced VIP tickets available in most markets—admitting holders to a separate worship time with the tour’s artists—are being purchased quickly.
With Sanctus Real’s March 9 release of their fifth studio album, Pieces of a Real Heart, on Sparrow Records; radio programmers around the country have already made the first single from the project, “Forgiven,” a smash radio hit and the song continues to climb the charts. Interestingly, listeners are responding overwhelmingly to the song’s message of hope. In fact, when the band began streaming “Forgiven” from their website (www.sanctusreal.com) and asking listeners to share their own stories of forgiveness, literally hundreds of stories flowed in from all over the world. Sanctus Real’s lead vocalist Matt Hammitt explained, “I underestimated the power of forgiveness. I was expecting people to write ‘God is good, I am forgiven,’ which is a true statement of faith; but instead people began confessing their deepest, darkest secrets on the site, sending letters to others they needed forgiveness from or whom they needed to forgive. It’s amazing to see how God is using my own insignificant insecurities, failures, and fears to spark a song that is ministering to so many people needing forgiveness.”
David Nasser was only 9 years old when he escaped the bitter Iranian revolution with his family to begin a new life in the U.S. In the years that followed, David felt isolated and sought acceptance from his peers; turning to everything imaginable to fit in. Nothing worked. He still felt like an outsider. Finally, at the age of 18, Nasser found true acceptance, salvation, and purpose in a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, as one of the nation's leading speakers, David Nasser is blessed with the talent to reach America’s high tech, attention-lacking Generation Next culture. Involved in revivals, citywide rallies, camps, and school assemblies; he speaks to over 700,000 people each year. David is excited to be joining Sanctus Real in sharing God’s message of forgiveness during the UNITED Spring 2010 Tour.
MIKESCHAIR began in a freshman dorm room at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. where several guys began playing and writing songs together. Mike Grayson, the only one of the group of writers not living on the same floor, was given a special chair to signify his place in the group. He later named it ”Mike’s chair.” Thus the group, MIKESCHAIR, was born. Now as honorary “chair-man,” Grayson is lead singer, guitarist, and shares the name with fellow “chair-men;” Sam Tinnesz, lead guitar; Jesse Hale, violin and keyboards and Jon Haire, bass guitar. MIKESCHAIR received critical acclaim with their first recording on Curb Records and have been nominated for four Dove awards.
Being a musician wasn’t Jonny Diaz’ first choice professionally, especially growing up in the Diaz family. Jonny, like three of his brothers, was awarded a college baseball scholarship. After high school he headed off to Florida State University to play baseball, but soon felt led to put down his bat and glove and focus on his music. After several successful independent recordings, Jonny signed with INO Records and released More Beautiful You, his first major label project in 2009. Since then the album’s powerful first single, “More Beautiful You,” has taken off, and quickly become one of the most played and requested songs on Christian radio. With this success Jonny has had the opportunity to open in concert for some of Christian music’s biggest artists such as MercyMe and Steven Curtis Chapman.
Don’t miss the UNITED Spring 2010 Tour, presented by Holt International, with multi-talented Sanctus Real, David Nasser, MIKESCHAIR, and Jonny Diaz in a city near you. For more information go online at www.unitedtour2010.com, or visit www.itickets.com.
GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award winning Sanctus Real releases its fifth studio album, Pieces Of A Real Heart, on Sparrow Records today amidst wide critical acclaim. The album is the result of the band maturing and growing as songwriters, musicians and individuals, while retaining its aggressive edge and incorporating a more diverse musical palette of instrumentation and themes.
Embracing the updated sound, radio has already launched the first single from Pieces Of A Real Heart, “Forgiven,” to the top of the charts and gathered enough spins across multiple Christian radio formats to make it the No. 5 most played song this week on Billboard’s National Audience Monitored chart. As the single continues to gain momentum, the song has also become the first video from Pieces Of A Real Heart. Yahoo!, the No. 3 most trafficked US site on the internet, debuts the “Forgiven” video this week at (http://new.music.yahoo.com/sanctus-real). Following the Yahoo! debut, the video, which is directed by Nathan Corrona, will run on numerous other outlets nationwide.
Sanctus Real further recorded an acoustic version of “Forgiven” and four more acoustic songs from Pieces Of A Real Heart for its Digital Deluxe edition. This Deluxe edition features all the studio recordings, the five acoustic versions and a digital booklet, all available exclusively through digital retailers for $12.99, including iTunes (http://bit.ly/d7h5OM).
Sanctus Real is also offering music fans the opportunity to download a FREE song from the new album. Anyone can immediately receive the brand new song, “These Things Take Time,” by re-tweeting or posting the link http://www.tweematic.com/sanctusreal/ on their facebook pages. Sanctus Real guitarist Chris Rohman has called this song one of his “absolute favorites off the new record.”
Music fans can also listen to the full album that is available to stream now from http://www.rhapsody.com/sanctus-real/pieces-of-a-real-heart.
As the album hits physical and digital retail outlets everywhere today, here is what media critics are already saying about Pieces Of A Real Heart:
“With honest lyrical prose and heightened musical charm, Sanctus Real re-energizes their stay as one of Christian music’s favorite bands. Leading with their bona fide hit, ‘Forgiven,’ the pop/rock [band] charters through the vulnerable sway between faith and doubt with such ease, listening to Pieces Of A Real Heart feels more like eavesdropping into a Christian pilgrim’s personal spiritual journey, full of perpetual questions and surrender.” – CCM
“Best overall album by one of the premier bands in Christian music… I expect multiple hit songs to emerge from this album. Sanctus Real has really hit the mark with Pieces Of A Real Heart.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com (Album rated A+)
“They’ve developed a more refined and mature pop/rock sound. They still pack plenty of energy and overflow with sunny harmonies, but now with swelling keyboards and the occasional string accompaniment.” – ChristianityToday.com
Popularly known for its captivating recordings and live performances, Toledo, Ohio-based Sanctus Real is playing “Forgiven,” “Lead Me” and other new songs from Pieces Of A Real Heart, as well as fan favorites spanning 13 No. 1 and Top 5 radio hits, on its headline spring tour with special guests Addison Road, Above the Golden State, Me In Motion and Speaker Sammy Adebiyi. The tour launched March 3 in Albuquerque and travels coast to coast through April 18. This leg of its 2010 tour is sponsored by the charity, Mocha Club (www.mochaclub.org), an online community of people giving up the cost of two mochas a month ($7) to fund relief and development projects in Africa. (See below for upcoming Spring tour dates.)
Sanctus Real is all about living out their lives as “real” Christians, not only on the stage and as they interact with fans, but in the quieter moments of their lives as husbands, fathers and fellow believers. The band creates compelling, authentic music that lives up to the meaning of their name: to be Holy (Latin meaning of “Sanctus”).
Sanctus Real’s 2006 breakthrough album, The Face of Love, landed at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heetseekers chart and amassed a string of radio hits, including the No. 1 songs “I’m Not Alright” and “Don’t Give Up.” The band’s most recent release, We Need Each Other, garnered the band a GRAMMY nomination, and the album’s title track became the band’s sixth No. 1 radio single.
For all the latest Sanctus Real news, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.
Upcoming Sanctus Real spring concerts follow:
2010-03-09 Bakersfield, CA Jesus Shack
2010-03-11 Clackamas, OR Sunnyside Foursquare Church
2010-03-12 Kennewick, WA Calvary Chapel
2010-03-13 Lake Stevens, WA Calvary Chapel Lake Stevens
2010-03-15 Moorcroft, WY Moorcroft H.S. Auditorium
2010-03-17 Kalona, IA IMS
2010-03-19 Minneapolis, MN Club 3 Degrees
2010-03-20 Waukesha, WI Fox River Christian Church
2010-03-26 Springfield, MO Evangel University
2010-03-27 Shawnee Mission, KS Cross Points Church
2010-03-28 Oak Brook, IL Oak Brook Community Church
2010-04-03 Toowoomba, QLD, Australia Queens Park
2010-04-08 Waverly, OH New Covenant Church
2010-04-09 Lancaster, PA Lancaster Bible College
2010-04-10 Zanesville, OH Secrest Auditorium
2010-04-13 Mansfield, OH Mansfield Christian School
2010-04-14 Greenville, SC The Channel
2010-04-15 Rome, GA The Church at Northside
2010-04-16 Springfield, GA First Baptist Church
2010-04-17 Boca Raton, FL Mizner Park Amphitheater
2010-04-18 Melbourne, FL Palm Bay Christian Church
Centricity Music’s powerhouse band, Me In Motion, will join Sanctus Real on its 2010 Tour that launches March 3rd and ends May 7th. The tour also features Above the Golden State and Addison Road. This marks the third major tour for the newcomer band in the last twelve months, as they were featured on the Newsboys fall tour in 2009 and the RED/Pillar tour in January and February 2010.
"Next week marks the beginning of an exciting new tour as we'll be hitting the road with one of our longtime favorite Christian bands, Sanctus Real,” says Seth Mosley, lead singer, Me In Motion. “We love their message, their music, their hearts and are extremely excited to share the stage with them. We'll be playing a new song, ‘Seek Justice, Love Mercy,’ from our upcoming self-titled CD and it’s our first time to play the tune live. We are extremely excited to share it with the fans and we believe that now is a critical time for this message to be heard loud and clear. We feel quite certain that no audience will leave unchanged, but called to live out their faith in a radical new way. Me in Motion is thrilled to be a part of this with Sanctus Real, Above The Golden State and Addison Road.”
“It is a joy to work with a band that is as dedicated as Me In Motion is with their ministry,” states Steve Ford, Vice President of Marketing, Centricity Music. “Success in this business takes aggressive touring, along with strong radio, and Me In Motion has both. It has been such a great time for our team to partner with a group that works as hard as we do.”
On the tour, Me In Motion will perform additional songs from their new debut project that releases March 23, 2010. The first single from the new album, “Losers,” is currently number 18 and climbing on the CHR chart. The video for “Losers” debuted on the Air1 website and is being played on various video outlets, including the Gospel Music Channel.
Me In Motion, which is comprised of Seth Mosley, Tim Wilson (bass/background vocals) and Brian Dexter (drums/background vocals), was formed by Mosley after working two years in a recording studio following high school graduation. After realizing he didn’t want to “sit in one place all the time,” was when he brought Wilson and Dexter on board to begin the musical journey as Me In Motion. The talent of the group immediately brought them attention which led to 140 tour dates in 2008 and Me In Motion reached 165-dates in 2009. But more than playing Brit-influenced rock, it’s the message that Me In Motion wants to impact with their audiences.
GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award winning Sanctus Real releases its fifth studio album, Pieces Of A Real Heart, on Sparrow Records March 9, 2010. Working with acclaimed producers Chris Stevens (tobyMac, Matthew West), Jason Ingram (Bebo Norman, Tenth Avenue North) and Rusty Varenkamp (Leeland, David Crowder Band, Mute Math), Pieces of a Real Heart is the result of a band maturing and growing as songwriters, musicians and individuals. The album retains the band’s aggressive edge, while incorporating a more diverse musical palette of instrumentation and themes.
Embracing the band’s updated sound, radio programmers across the country have already made the lead single from Pieces Of A Real Heart, “Forgiven,” a R&R No. 1 CHR, Top 10 AC Monitored and Top 5 AC Indicator radio hit as the song continues to climb the AC charts. Listeners are also responding to the message and hope of the song. When the band began streaming “Forgiven” from its website (www.SanctusReal.com) and asking listeners to share their own stories of forgiveness, literally hundreds of profound stories from all around the world began flowing through the site.
“I underestimated the power of forgiveness,” explains Sanctus Real lead vocalist Matt Hammitt. “I was expecting people to write ‘God is good, I am forgiven,’ which is a true statement of faith, but people began confessing their deepest, darkest secrets on the site, sending letters to people they need forgiveness from or need to forgive. It’s amazing to see how God can use my own insignificant insecurities, failures and fears to spark a song that ministers to so many others needing forgiveness. Praise God that we are forgiven, from the seemingly insignificant things to the biggest of failures.”
Sharing his own need for forgiveness, Hammitt explains that the song “Lead Me,” another standout track on Pieces of a Real Heart, was a musical response following his wife Sarah’s imploring him to be a better spiritual leader in their marriage and for their two young children.
“There’s an epidemic of broken homes today. This is the first generation statistically that really believes that divorce and separation are just a normal part of family life,” says Hammitt. “I want to do whatever I can to strengthen families and help them raise kids that have positive role models in moms and dads. And it starts with me. While I am committed to ‘death do us part,’ Sarah made me realize that I was coasting in our marriage. As God is doing great things in my own marriage, I hope that ‘Lead Me’ can be a tool to open a dialog for struggling families, to help strengthen them in their relationships and enabling them to grow together spiritually.”
Popularly known for its captivating recordings and live performances, Toledo, Ohio-based Sanctus Real is playing “Lead Me,” “Forgiven” and other new songs from Pieces of a Real Heart, as well as fan favorites spanning 13 No. 1 and Top 5 radio hits, on its headline spring tour with special guests Addison Road, Above the Golden State, Me In Motion and Speaker Sammy Adebiyi. The tour launches March 3 in Phoenix and travels coast to coast through April 18. This leg of its 2010 tour is sponsored by the charity, Mocha Club (www.mochaclub.org), an online community of people giving up the cost of two mochas a month ($7) to fund relief and development projects in Africa. (See below for the Spring tour dates.)
Sanctus Real has also already been booked to play the major Christian festivals this summer, including Crossover Festival, Atlanta Fest, Ichthus, Sonshine, Revelation Generation, and more.
Sanctus Real is all about living out their lives as “real” Christians, not only on the stage and as they interact with fans, but in the quieter moments of their lives as husbands, fathers and fellow believers. The band creates compelling, authentic music that lives up to the meaning of their name: to be Holy (Latin meaning of “Sanctus”).
Sanctus Real’s 2006 breakthrough album, The Face of Love, landed at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heetseekers chart and amassed a string of radio hits, including the No. 1 songs “I’m Not Alright” and “Don’t Give Up.” The band’s most recent release, We Need Each Other, garnered the band a GRAMMY nomination, and the album’s title track became the band’s sixth No. 1 radio single.
For all the latest Sanctus Real news, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.
Upcoming Sanctus Real tour dates follow:
02/12/2010 Orion, MI
02/14/2010 Indianapolis, IN
03/04/2010 Phoenix, AZ *
03/05/2010 Las Vegas, NV *
03/07/2010 Paso Robles, CA *
03/09/2010 Bakersfield, CA *
03/12/2010 Kennewick, WA *
03/13/2010 Lake Stevens, WA *
03/19/2010 Minneapolis, MN *
03/20/2010 Waukesha, WI *
03/26/2010 Springfield, MO *
03/27/2010 Shawnee, KS *
03/28/2010 Naperville, IL *
04/2/2010 Australia - Easter Fest
04/8/2010 Waverly, OH *
04/9/2010 Lancaster, PA *
04/10/2010 Zanesville, OH *
04/13/2010 Mansfield, OH *
04/15/2010 Rome, GA *
04/16/2010 Springfield, GA *
04/17/2010 Boca Raton, FL *
04/18/2010 Melbourne, FL *
Tour dates subject to change.
* Concerts with Addison Road, Above the Golden State, Me In Motion and Speaker Sammy Adebiyi
Nashville, Tenn., October 23, 2009 – Award-winning band Sanctus Real gives fans an early preview of its upcoming, fifth studio album with its brand new song, “Forgiven,” which is already a Top 20 hit at radio. While the full album is releasing on Sparrow Records March 9, 2010, “Forgiven” is available now as a digital download wherever you buy digital music, including Amazon MP3 and iTunes, where the song became a No. 6 best-seller yesterday on the Christian and Gospel chart.
“The working-out of forgiveness is so key to our growth and maturity as followers of Jesus,” says Sanctus Real’s Matt Hammitt. “The very idea that we have been forgiven for so much wrong moves, reforms, transforms and heals us. As we were framing ‘Forgiven’ around this concept, we realized that this was such a fundamental aim for all of us – to forgive and be forgiven.”
“Sometimes, we need to be reminded of how awesome God’s forgiveness truly is and who we are in Him,” adds Joe Buchanan, New Life Media Network music director. “Sanctus Real has done a phenomenal job doing just that with their great new song, ‘Forgiven.’ It’s already impacting our listeners in a huge way!”
That impact is also being felt on the band’s website, www.SanctusReal.com. Sanctus Real is streaming the song on its site and asking listeners to share their own stories of forgiveness. Numerous responses from all around the world have already poured in as people share stories of forgiveness, hope and redemption:
“I mustered the courage to go talk to my wonderful husband of 14 years and have a very difficult conversation after which I was sure he would tell me he was leaving me,” responded a wife on Oct. 7. “I got in the car and the first word out of the radio was ‘Forgiven!’ from your song. It was the first time I had heard it and the thought flooded me that God had forgiven me as soon as I had asked. My husband ended up forgiving me as well and we’re going to make it. Thank you for this song, it’s been a blessing to me over the past several days.”
“After eight years, four married, I found out my husband was a meth addict,” writes another wife on the site Oct. 9. “It was extremely hard to forgive him and accept him back into my life. But God has helped me to forgive and now my marriage is better than ever. My husband, through his addiction and rehab, has found God and the forgiveness He has for him.”
“I have come to a point in my life where I have had to forgive and let go,” writes Sunshine, who dealt with a father that abused her. “It wasn’t an easy life at all… I just couldn’t forgive him. God dealt with me, telling me that He had brought me from that difficult situation… I had to forgive him for everything and let him go…Hopefully one day my dad will see this and know that I forgive him!”
“I’ve been in Christian ministry (radio) for about 6 years now and can assure you I’ve talked about forgiveness or ‘preached’ it a lot,” says Ken, who shares about the healing power of forgiveness in his marriage. “My wife of 17 years now [and I] are slowly getting back together as we about blew up our marriage because we have both failed to forgive each other properly. We said the words but we really never acted it out…don’t just say the words – live it.”
Much like Ken implores, Sanctus Real is all about living out their lives as “real” Christians, not only on the stage and as they interact with fans, but in the quieter moments of their lives as husbands, fathers and fellow believers. The band creates compelling, authentic music that lives up to the meaning of their name: to be Holy (Latin meaning of “Sanctus”).
Taking that life attitude on the road, Sanctus Real recently played the song “Forgiven” and fan favorites spanning four acclaimed national recordings on the “Something Heavenly Tour.” The 21-city tour launched Sept. 10 in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada and saw packed venues as it worked its way through five Ontario cities and 12 States in the U.S. before wrapping up last week. Joining Sanctus Real on its tour in select cities were Addison Road, Jason Gray and Phil Wickham.
Sponsored by World Vision, the “Something Heavenly Tour” became the vehicle through which fans offered 402 children life-giving hope. “For every child that is sponsored, five others in the community are directly affected, so that’s essentially 2,010 people whose lives will be changed for the better!” said Taya Gray, World Vision representative. “We are so grateful for Sanctus Real and their heart for those around the world that need our help.”
Popularly known for its captivating recordings and live performances, Toledo, Ohio-based Sanctus Real’s breakthrough album, The Face of Love, released in April 2006, landing at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heetseekers chart and amassing a string of radio hits including the No. 1 songs “I’m Not Alright” and “Don’t Give Up.” While The Face of Love was inspired by real-life heartache and rediscovered joy, the band’s fourth studio release, We Need Each Other, marks a completion of that healing process and is a call for unity. The album’s title track became the band’s sixth No. 1 radio single.
Nashville, TN (September 10, 2009) ----- Centricity Music’s, Jason Gray, took to the road in support of his new project, Everything Sad Is Coming UnTrue, for a radio and retail tour. The trip took him to seven states that started August 21 and included stops in Kentucky, Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Indiana, and concluded September 3 in Gray’s home state of Minnesota.
While on the road, Gray paid visits to local radio stations and retail outlets while performing shows in the area that featured acoustic performances of songs from Everything Sad Is Coming UnTrue. The performances also spotlighted Gray’s new single, “For The First Time Again,” that went for adds at radio, July 24. Stations already on the song include: WPOZ. KXOJ, XM/Sirius, WDJC, WBHY, WAYR, WCVK, WGNZ, WPER, KYTT, WXHL, WJTL, WCTL, WGRC, KZKZ, WQME, KJIL, WCSG, WJQK, WMUZ, KCVO, KSLT and others. For Gray’s final performances in the Minneapolis area he invited Joel Hanson, formerly of the group PFR, onstage as his opening act.
Gray won’t have a chance to unpack his bags after the events of street week, as he has been invited to be the featured guest on Sanctus Real’s Something Heavenly Tour 2009. The tour launches September 10th in Canada and ends October 17th in Ohio. Gray will also join Phil Wickham and Addison Road on the tour.
Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue released September 1st and this week debuted in the Top 30 on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Christian chart. At the same time, media is once again giving Gray rave reviews for the project.
JesusFreakHideout.com - Everything Sad… is a gem.
ChristianMusicToday.com - Lyrically conjuring up memories of the late Rich Mullins, Jason Gray is a Ragamuffin with a pop veneer.
NewReleaseTuesday.com - I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of the new album from Jason Gray, “Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue”, which hits stores September 1, 2009. Gray’s previous project, “All The Lovely Losers”, dealt with brokenness and now he takes the subject a step further, dealing with brokenness that begins with confession.
Soul-Audio.com - Jason Gray has crafted another album full of worthy, occasionally quirky tunes. It’s well worth a listen.
Gray was also featured with interviews on Examiner.com and AlphaOmegaNews.com. He will soon have features with JesusFreakHideout.com, CCM Magazine, Christian Radio Weekly and All Access.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Jan. 26, 2009 – Award-winning Sparrow Records acts Matthew West and Sanctus Real will join WAY-FM and World Vision for the organizations’ first-ever national tour. Designed to bring World Vision’s ministry to the local station level, “The WAY-FM/World Vision ’09 Tour,” also featuring special guest Jason Gray, will kick off Jan. 28, 2009 in Charleston, SC, and visit 12 WAY-FM radio markets through Feb. 20, 2009.
“I’m ready to hit the road this spring with Sanctus Real,” says Matthew West. “WAY-FM has some of the greatest listeners in the world, and it’s going to be a blast visiting all these WAY-FM cities. Of course, the chance to team up with an outreach like World Vision is an honor, and we hope these concerts will be more than just music but a chance to change the world by teaming up with such an amazing ministry.”
“As we’re getting ready for the ‘WAY-FM/World Vision ’09 Tour,’ we see this as a unique opportunity for us to reach a whole new audience with our music,” says Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt. “We’re great friends with Matthew West and so appreciate the ministry of both WAY-FM and World Vision. To be partnered with such great people is an honor and a pleasure. We know this will be a great tour on all levels and hope a ton of people come out and join us!”
“As the World Vision - WAY-FM partnership came together, we realized a national tour would be a great way to bring the story of the ministries of both organizations directly to our audience,” says Lloyd Parker, WAY-FM Chief Operating Officer. “Because both Matthew West and Sanctus have a heart for what we do, and they also receive a lot of airplay on WAY-FM, having them co-headline the tour made sense.”
“The World Vision Artist Associates Department has hoped for a tour with WAY-FM for many years,” says Jenny Lockwald, World Vision channel/product executive director, artist associates & volunteer programs. “This year along with the World Vision radio department we have produced a tour specific to the WAY-FM markets in conjunction with Maxx Live. The tour features Matthew West and Sanctus Real and introduces Jason Gray. We felt that the combination of these artists in concert would be attractive to the WAY-FM audience, as well as share World Vision ministry and need in serving the vulnerable and needy in over 100 countries on a daily basis.”
The WAY-FM/World Vision Tour ’09 itinerary:
January 28 Charleston, SC
January 30 Tallahassee, FL
January 31 Huntsville, AL
February 5 Panama City, FL
February 6 Ft Myers, FL
February 8 West Palm Beach, FL
February 10 Rome, GA
February 12 Bowling Green, KY
February 13 Clarksville, TN
February 14 Louisville, KY
February 19 Wichita, KS
February 20 Denver, CO
MATTHEW WEST: West catapulted onto the Christian music scene in 2003 with his debut single, “More,” which was the most played Christian AC song of 2003. The multi-Dove Award nominee and sought-after songwriter released two critically-acclaimed recordings, Happy (2003) and History (2005); has been a mainstay at Christian radio with memorable hits like “Only Grace,” “History” and “Next Thing You Know”; and has toured with such artists as tobyMac and Jeremy Camp on the wildly popular 2008 “Boomin’ Beyond Measure” tour. In addition, West has penned songs for Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Natalie Grant and Mandisa, among others. West’s third studio recording, Something To Say, released January 15, 2008 and debuted on Nielsen SoundScan’s Christian Retail Chart at #10, while West was the best-selling Christian artist on iTunes the week of its release. The album’s debut single “You Are Everything” additionally peaked at No. 1 on Christian AC radio and was the most played Christian song of 2008, while “Something to Say” climbed to No. 7 at AC radio. Most recently, West wrapped the 27-city “Something to Say” fall tour featuring label mate Josh Wilson. For more information on Matthew West, visit www.matthewwest.com or www.myspace.com/matthewwest.
SANCTUS REAL: One of the top Christian rock bands today, five-member Sanctus Real’s breakthrough album, The Face of Love, released in April 2006, landing at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and amassing a string of radio hits including No. 1 songs “I’m Not Alright” and “Don’t Give Up.” While The Face of Love was inspired by real-life heartache and rediscovered joy, the band’s fourth studio release, We Need Each Other, marks a completion of that healing process and is a call for unity. Described by multiple media outlets as Sanctus Real’s best project to date, the record’s title track was a No. 1 hit on Christian Hit Radio. We Need Each Other also received a 2009 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album. Popularly known for its captivating live performance, the group toured with Third Day last spring and headlined the “We Need Each Other” tour with special music guests Tenth Avenue North and VOTA in fall 2008. For all the latest Sanctus Real news, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.
WAY-FM MEDIA GROUP: WAY-FM Media Group was founded in 1987 by Bob Augsburg and his wife Felice as a single station, WAYJ, in Fort Myers, FL. Today WMG, including CHRSN, has over 100 signals in 26 states. Markets served by WMG include Denver, CO; Nashville, TN; West Palm Beach, FL; Louisville, KY and Charleston, SC. For more information visit www.wayfm.com.
WORLD VISION: World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. For more information visit http://www.worldvision.org/.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Oct. 10, 2008—Sparrow Records’ Sanctus Real connected with award-winning ABC reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to host a benefit concert in the band’s native Toledo, Ohio. The more than $50,000 raised will be given to the Frisch family, also from Toledo, whose house was selected for an “extreme makeover.”
Held last month at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania, Ohio, the ticket-only show drew more than 5,000 people who rallied in support of the building project to take place that week. Among those in attendance was the cast of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” who joined Sanctus Real on-stage during the band’s more than hour-long set.
“The beautiful thing about being a part of the ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ benefit concert was that we saw OUR community, OUR town, OUR home brought together like never before,” says Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt. “There’s power when people are unified, and there’s a righteousness that’s unbridled when that force is molded to serve, love and sacrifice for the ‘greater good.’”
The Toledo episode is scheduled to air in November. For more information and show times, visit http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=index
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is entering its 6th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA,
a division of Endemol Holding. Anthony Dominici is the executive producer, and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.
One of the top Christian rock bands today, five-member Sanctus Real’s breakthrough album, The Face of Love, released in April 2006, landing at No 2 on the Billboard Top Heetseekers chart and amassing a string of radio hits including No. 1 songs “I’m Not Alright” and “Don’t Give Up.” While The Face of Love was inspired by real-life heartache and rediscovered joy, the band’s fourth studio release, We Need Each Other, marks a completion of that healing process and is a call for unity. Described by multiple media outlets as Sanctus Real’s best project to date, the record’s title track was a No. 1 hit on Christian Hit Radio. Popularly known for its captivating live performance, the group toured with Third Day last spring and is currently headlining the “We Need Each Other” tour with special music guests Tenth Avenue North and VOTA. For a complete tour itinerary and all the latest Sanctus Real news, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.
Is Sanctus Real coming to an area near you?!?! If so, we'd love your help. We have most of the tour dates covered but could use your help at the dates below for the Mocha Club table. Sanctus has partnered with Mocha Club to build water wells in Sudan Africa. To find out more about Mocha Club go to www.mochaclub.org.
We need 2-4 people to work the Mocha Club table at each show. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are available! It will be a fun night sharing about Mocha Club and you get to hear a band you love!
**A fun bonus is that Mocha Club table staff get free admission to the show.
There's a *special guest* who will be speaking about Mocha Club on the tour! Check out Sammy's video on myspace.com/sanctusreal. Sammy, who grew up in Nigeria, has an amazing story and will be sharing his heart and concern for those in suffering in Africa.
TOUR DATES
9/25 Wausau, WI
10/9 Mabank, TX
10/12 Odessa, TX
10/16 Wildomar, CA
10/18 Highland, CA
10/19 Las Vegas, NV
10/28 Billings, MT
We're looking for people who are...
* Friendly, passionate, responsible, & organized
* Able to take initiative in introducing Mocha Club to people
* At least 18 years old
If you'd like to help out, please send an email ASAP to tourhelp@mochaclub.org with the following info:
* First & last name
* Phone number & best time to call you
* Which concert date you're applying for
* Why you would like to work the Mocha Club table and if you have previous experience working artist/exhibit tables
What Mocha Club table staff will need to do at the concert:
* Arrive approximately 1-1.5 hours before the show begins to set up the Mocha Club table (instructions will be provided).
* Explain Mocha Club to people who approach the table before, during, and after the event.
* Be responsible for Mocha Club table items throughout the show (do not leave table unattended).
* After concert, answer questions and help people fill out Mocha Club signup forms.
* Safely pack up all items at the end of the show and make sure completed signup forms are shipped to us no later than 2 days after the event.
Sanctus Real claims its 4th No. 1 RADIO SINGLE with “I’m Not Alright”! The song, from the band’s critically acclaimed, fastest selling album ever, The Face of Love, hits #1 this week on the R&R CHR chart and is No. 4 and climbing on the R&R Rock chart. The band’s past #1 radio hits include “Everything About You,” “The Fight song” and “Beautiful Day.”
Sanctus Real already claims to have the best fans in the world, but sometimes there are fans that go above and beyond the call. Check out the music video for “The Fight Song” that was done by Jerry from Wyoming at www.SanctusReal.com.
If you just can't get enough of Sanctus Real, check out the new Sanctus Real ringtunes available to download to your cellphone. For more information on where to download these songs, visit: www.SanctusReal.com.
Be sure to check out the Sanctus Real feature in this month’s issue of CCM Magazine available now. Last month Sanctus Real was featured on the cover of both Today’s Pentecostal Evangel and Young Salvationist magazines. The Today’s Pentecostal Evangel feature can be found here.
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 New hearitfirst.com podcast featuring Sanctus Real |
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 Sanctus Real recorded an exclusive podcast for hearitfirst.
Chris, Matt, and Mark sat down to talk about their 10 years together as a band, the recent loss and gains in their lives, recording the new album The Face Of Love, and working with producer Chris Stevens.
Download the hearitfirst.com podcast featuring Sanctus Real for:
iTunes or Windows Media Player
(right click and "save target as")
If you would rather stream the file than download it, you can stream it in Windows Media Player or RealPlayer.
You can also listen to a sneak peek track, "Don't Give Up" from the upcoming SR album.
Keep up with Sanctus Real through their hearitfirst.com blog.
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Critical Acclaim continues to precede the April 4 launch of Sanctus Real’s The Face of Love:
“This may be the band's best record yet.” – JesusFreakHideout.com says in a “JFH Certified Preorder Worthy” review
“With their last album, Fight The Tide, Sanctus Real proved themselves to be just about everything a progressive band should be: lyrics that cut into the heart of faith with quick wit and passionate tones and an honest sound every bit as driving and distinguished as the mainstream offerings in their genre (Foo Fighters, Everclear, Jimmy Eat World). And with The Face of Love, their third release, we now receive that extra addition of maturity.” – Worship Leader (May issue)
“The Face Of Love is a big step forward for this emerging band…If you liked their previous albums, you will love The Face Of Love hands down.” – Radiant Rock
“The Face of Love is an amazing album! It is by far one of the best albums I’ve ever heard…If you’ve liked Sanctus Real’s past albums you’re sure to love this one.” – MusicandFaith.com
Ø Sanctus Real's "I'm Not Alright" from The Face of Love continues to climb the radio charts posting another week as an R&R CHR most added single and already breaking into the CRW CHR/Pop chart’s Top 10. Check out a special behind the scenes look at the "I'm Not Alright" video shoot at:
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Ø Matt Hammitt and his wife Sarah welcomed the birth of his firstborn, Emmerson Mae Hammitt. “Emmy Mae” came into the world about two weeks early on Feb. 23 at 6:48 p.m. and weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. “She’s healthy, wide eyed and beautiful,” says the proud father. “What a blessing that God has given us through her.”
While Matt flew home from Albuquerque, NM during the first leg of Sanctus Real’s headline tour for this joyous occasion, the rest of the band carried on. Not able to perform the concert without their lead singer, the band instead offered their fans an intimate “Q & A” session from stage and played songs from their upcoming CD, The Face of Love. Special guests The Afters and Mainstay also graciously extended their sets.
Ø Fans can also play new music from The Face of Love, as well as see the band’s tour itinerary, recent photos, journals and more at the newly re-launched website, www.SanctusReal.com.
Ø With only weeks leading up to the release of The Face of Love, you can also keep up with the band through the Featured Artist Blog on www.hearitfirst.com, where Sanctus Real will be blogging some thoughts throughout the month of March!
R & R’s most played Christian Rock band of 2004 and recipient of 2005’s Modern Rock Album of the Year GMA Award, Sanctus Real, releases their third studio album, The Face of Love, April 4. Here is what the critics are already saying about the album:
“With strong writing, excellent performances and flawless execution, The Face of Love is the sound of a good band growing up, and is by far the most satisfying work of Sanctus Real’s career.” -- CCM Magazine (April)
“The Face of Love is another winner for Sanctus Real.” -- www.almenconi.com
“Sanctus Real makes great rock albums and this is no different, it worships, it explores a range of human circumstances, and makes a great addition to your 2006 CCM collection.” -- www.SoulShine.ca
The Face of Love’s opening confessional and first radio single, “I’m Not Alright,” is already garnering acclaim as one of this week’s Most Added songs at R&R CHR radio. The song will also become the band’s third video. Shot on location in Lancaster, CA, it was directed by Scott Speer, best known for directing Switchfoot’s “Stars” as well as the video for Teddy Geiger's "For You I Will," which was #5 last week on MTV's Total Request Live. The “I’m Not Alright” video is slated to hit a TV screen near you in March.
Sanctus Real is looking for an additional band member, and it could be you!
Mark from Sanctus Real posted the following on the band's message board:
This is Mark from Sanctus Real. We are looking for a 5th guy to tour with us. The commitment would be to do our Spring tour
which basically is all of Feb. and then all of April. There is the possibility
that this would turn into a permanent position assuming the Spring tour goes
well. What we are looking for is a guy between the ages of 18 to 30 and who is a
solid guitar player, vocalist, and is at least decent at piano and knows how to
work with a keyboard well in a live concert setting. Obviously we also take very
seriously the spiritual condition of a person's heart. We are a very ministry
focused band so we definitely want someone who is a solid believer in Christ and
who sees this as an opportunity to worship Christ and to honor Him with your
talents (no "rock stars" please).
Due to the amount of people responding to this opportunity, what we would like
to do is a video audition. Basically we need each of you to send us either a VHS
tape or a DVD of yourself playing a song on guitar and singing at the same time
as a well as a song on piano, singing and playing at the same time. Please also
give us a short verbal bio on who you are and what experience you have. After we
go through the videos we will pick out who we think are the best two or three
guys for the job and have them come out and do a practice with us sometime in
January. From there we will make our decision as to who will do the tour with
us. After we narrow it down to the two or three guys we will discuss payment for
the tour, in which I assure you it will be fair.
As far as the videos go, I would suggest learning one of our songs from our
"Fight The Tide" record, the guitar parts and harmonies, and for piano
maybe a Coldplay song or something of that nature. Thanks so much for all the
interest! We can't wait to hear from you!
Please send your audition video to:
Vineyard Toledo
Attn: Sanctus Real
1421B Holloway Rd
Holland OH 43528
Also, if you plan on sending a video, please shoot me an email at: markdadrumma@yahoo.com
