Sanctus Real is an American Christian rock band formed in Toledo, Ohio, in 1996. The group is composed of Matt Hammitt (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Rohman (lead guitar), Dan Gartley (bass), Pete Prevost (guitar), and Mark Graalman (drums). The band is best known for their number 1 singles "Beautiful Day" (a U2 cover), "Everything About You", "The Fight Song", "I'm Not Alright", "Don't Give Up" and "We Need Each Other". They have released a total of four albums through Sparrow Records.
Sanctus Real formed in 1996, and the band released three independent albums over five years. After signing with Sparrow Records in 2002, the group released their major label debut, Say It Loud, at the end of the year. In June 2004 it was followed by Fight the Tide, which garnered a GMA Dove Award win in 2005, and two singles that charted at number 1 on Christian radio, according to R&R magazine. The band's third album, The Face of Love, was released in April 2006. The single "I'm Not Alright" received a GMA Dove Award nomination in 2007.
Their fourth album, We Need Each Other (2008), was recorded in late 2007 and released in February. It received a Grammy Award nomination and spawned the single "We Need Each Other". Sanctus Real is scheduled to release a fifth studio album in 2010. The band's music incorporates a modern alternative rock style, and has evolved from power pop to a more melodic and guitar-driven sound.
In the midst of her life’s most hectic chapter, JJ Heller likes to remind herself that being an independent musician who is intensely busy is a good thing. Since the spring of 2003, when she decided to make a living as a full-time musician, Heller has managed to keep herself quite active.
In that time, JJ developed a faithful fan-base, performed an average of 80 dates a year, and added three full-length records and a Christmas EP to her discography. In the fall of 2009, because of one person’s decision, Heller found herself in the public eye, with a music career moving forward at a rate she never expected.
Two minutes in to Beautiful Things, the new CD by Gungor, the listener realizes, “Wow. This is really different. And it’s really good.”
A lot has changed in the past few years for Michael Gungor and his bandmates: new band name, new location, new church, a stellar new sound, and most importantly a new understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
“The story of God has gotten bigger to me,” relates Gungor, who is perhaps best known for co-writing distinguished songs like “Friend of God” and the Dove Award-winning “Say So.” “We had become ‘professional’ Christians. We got to the point where we needed to figure out how to be the church in a more honest way for us.”
This bigger story of God shows up on Beautiful Things in songs born of an honest journey of faith and a struggle with what should result from worship.
the broken
We are a bunch of imperfect people that the Lord has decided to use to make His name known. We have come from opposite ends of the US together to form this band. From LA, Atlanta, & NYC......we each have an unreal story of how the Lord has brought us out of the ashes & into an incredible journey with Him. We are all best friends and are loving writing music & worshiping together. Our life goal is to see people come to know Jesus in a real way, just like we have.
introducing: Rebekah Dennis
Hailing from a small town in southern Alabama, Rebekah has been singing, performing, and writing songs from a young age. With her ukulele in hand, Rebekah's songwriting style has been described as very unique and honest. A few of her biggest influences include NEEDTOBREATHE, Norah Jones, Brett Dennen, Colbie Caillat, Sara Watkins, and Patty Griffin. She just recently completed an EP, which was produced, recorded, and co-written by Seth Bolt from NEEDTOBREATHE. This was an experience that really helped her grow as an artist, and to become completely comfortable with herself and her style.
On the EP, Rebekah is extremely proud to have the southern vibe of banjo, mandolin, and organ, along with the laid-back sound of her ukulele. With the intimate lyrics, soft vocals, harmonies, and simplicity, Rebekah hopes to have created something that people will truly be able to relate to.
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