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:
real http://media.emicmg.com/spd11574/video/real/sanctusreal_video1.ram
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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
