Sarah Mitchell
Sanctus Real is a Christian rock band from Toledo, Ohio, that formed in the 1990s. The band's name comes from the Latin word sanctus, meaning holy, and real, reflecting their desire to be honest and real about performing on stage by God's grace. They have released several albums and are known for their faith-focused lyrics and melodic, guitar-driven sound. With multiple Grammy nominations and GMA Dove Awards, they are considered an established name in Christian music.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Christian rock, alternative rock, power pop, CCM |
| Awards | GMA Dove Award, Grammy Award nomination |
| Albums | Say It Loud, Fight the Tide, The Face of Love, We Need Each Other, Pieces of a Real Heart, Message for the Masses, Nothing to Lose, Changed |
| Singles | "I'm Not Alright", "We Need Each Other", "Lead Me", "Forgiven", "Beautiful Day" |
| Members | Dustin Lolli, Mark Graalman, Chris Rohman, Matt Hammitt, Matt Kollar, Steve Goodrum, Dan Gartley, Pete Prevost |
| Origin | Toledo, Ohio, United States |
| Formed | Early 1990s |
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What You'll Learn
Sanctus Real's origins
Sanctus Real is an American Christian rock band that was formed in Toledo, Ohio, in 1996. The band is composed of Chris Rohman (lead guitar), Mark Graalman (drums), and Dustin Lolli (lead vocals). The band's original lineup included drummer Mark Graalman and bassist Matt Kollar, who performed their first concert for several friends in the back of a warehouse in December 1996. They released a six-track demo tape in August 1997 and a five-track EP titled "All This Talk of Aliens" in January 1998.
Sanctus Real's first full-length studio album, "Message for the Masses," was released on June 18, 1999. Shortly after, bassist Matt Kollar was replaced by Steve Goodrum. To fund the recording of their next album in a major studio, Hammitt and Goodrum took up telemarketing jobs, which they described as "the most dreadful [jobs] ever."
In 2000, Sanctus Real recorded an independent album titled "Nothing to Lose" with producer Skidd Mills in Memphis, Tennessee. They distributed copies of the project at Gospel Music Week in Nashville in 2001. From 1996 to 2001, the band toured the United States and sent demos to various Christian and mainstream record labels. In 2001, they received multiple recording contract offers and ultimately decided to sign with Sparrow Records.
Sanctus Real's major-label debut, "Say It Loud," was released at the end of 2002 through Sparrow Records. The album was produced by former Grammatrain lead vocalist Pete Stewart. In February 2003, the band resumed touring as a guest band on the See Spot Rock Tour, alongside Relient K, the O.C. Supertones, Pillar, and John Reuben. Sanctus Real's third album, "The Face of Love," was released in April 2006, and its single "I'm Not Alright" received a GMA Dove Award nomination in 2007.
Over time, Sanctus Real's music has evolved from power pop to a more melodic and guitar-driven sound. The band has released several chart-topping singles and received multiple award nominations, including Grammy Award nominations for their fourth and fifth studio albums, "We Need Each Other" and "Pieces of a Real Heart."
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The band's musical style
Sanctus Real is an American Christian rock band, formed in 1996 in Ohio. The band's name is derived from the Latin phrase "Sanctus Reale," which translates to "Holy Royal." While the band incorporates religious themes and messages into their music, their style is not specifically tied to any particular denomination, including Catholicism. Their sound has been described as a blend of alternative rock, pop-punk, and contemporary worship, with a focus on uplifting and inspirational lyrics.
Musically, Sanctus Real has been known for their energetic and passionate style. The band's early works were characterized by a blend of gritty guitar-driven rock and pop-punk influences. Their songs often feature driving rhythms, catchy melodies, and anthemic choruses that lend themselves well to live performances and audience engagement. Over time, their sound has evolved to incorporate more melodic and acoustic elements, showcasing a versatile approach to their songwriting and performance.
The band's lyrics are a key aspect of their musical style and appeal. They focus on themes of faith, hope, and personal struggles, often drawing from personal experiences and stories of lead singer Matt Hammitt. These lyrics aim to encourage and uplift listeners going through difficult times or seeking spiritual guidance. The band has also been known to incorporate Scripture into their lyrics, providing a direct connection to Christian teachings and beliefs.
In terms of vocal style, Matt Hammitt's delivery ranges from passionate and emotive to intimate and reflective. His ability to convey a wide range of emotions and connect with listeners on a personal level has been a defining characteristic of the band's sound. The band also often features harmonious vocal arrangements, adding a layer of richness and depth to their music.
Overall, Sanctus Real's musical style can be described as a blend of alternative rock, pop-punk, and worship, with a strong focus on meaningful lyrics and passionate performances. Their sound has evolved and matured over their career, demonstrating a commitment to artistic growth and a desire to connect with listeners on a deeper level. Through their music, Sanctus Real seeks to inspire, encourage, and share their faith with a wide audience.
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![Best Of Sanctus Real [CD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wZSboRH1L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Awards and nominations
Sanctus Real has been nominated for and won several awards throughout their career. The band has earned two Grammy Award nominations, one GMA Dove Award win, and six GMA Dove Award nominations.
Their first GMA Dove Award nomination was for their 2004 cover of U2's "Beautiful Day" for Modern Rock Song of the Year. In 2005, the band won the GMA Dove Award for Modern Rock Album of the Year with their second album, "Fight the Tide". The album also spawned two singles that charted at number 1 on Christian radio.
In 2007, Sanctus Real received two GMA Dove Award nominations for their third album, "The Face of Love": Rock Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for "I'm Not Alright" and Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. "I'm Not Alright" became a number 1 song on Christian contemporary hit radio (CHR) and was the third most-played song of 2006 on Christian radio formats.
Sanctus Real's fourth album, "We Need Each Other", received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Gospel Album in 2009. The album spawned the single "We Need Each Other". Their fifth studio album, "Pieces of a Real Heart", released in 2010, also received a Grammy nomination and included Christian Billboard chart-topping hits "Lead Me" and "Forgiven".
With a pair of Grammy nominations, a GMA Dove Award, and massive streaming numbers, Sanctus Real has carved out a name for themselves in the Christian music industry.
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Touring and performances
Sanctus Real is a popular Christian rock band known for their straight-ahead rock and unique vocals. The band was formed in 1996 when lead singer Matt Hammitt met guitarist Chris Rohman at Toledo Christian School in Ohio. Drummer Mark Graalman and bassist Matt Kollar soon joined, completing the band's original lineup.
From 1996 to 2001, Sanctus Real toured various parts of the United States, including Ohio and Nashville. In 2001, they attended Gospel Music Week in Nashville to distribute copies of their independent album, "Nothing to Lose". In December 2002, Sanctus Real performed as an opening act on the Festival Con Dios tour and joined Bleach on their headlining We Are Tomorrow tour.
In February 2003, Sanctus Real resumed touring as a guest band on the See Spot Rock Tour, alongside Relient K, the O.C. Supertones, Pillar, and John Reuben. In 2004, they released a cover of U2's "Beautiful Day", which topped the R&R magazine Christian rock chart and received a GMA Dove Award nomination.
Sanctus Real launched their first headlining tour in September 2004, the Fight the Tide Tour, featuring guest bands and travelling through over 25 cities. In 2007, they embarked on another headlining tour, The Face of Love Tour, with Needtobreathe and This Beautiful Republic.
In 2008, Sanctus Real guest-starred on Third Day's headlining tour and appeared on the TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They also launched their own two-month We Need Each Other Tour in the United States, with performances in 16 states and over 30 cities.
Sanctus Real has continued to tour and perform over the years, solidifying their place as a trusted brand in Christian music. They have played at various festivals, including Easterfest, Pulse Festival, and Glory at the Gardens. In 2024, they performed in Perrysburg, Ohio, and continue to announce tour dates and concert information for fans.
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Line-up changes
Sanctus Real, a Christian rock band, has had several lineup changes since its formation in 1996. The band's original lineup consisted of lead singer and guitarist Matt Hammitt, guitarist Chris Rohman, drummer Mark Graalman, and bassist Matt Kollar.
In 1999, shortly after the release of their first full-length studio album, "Message for the Masses," Matt Kollar was replaced by bassist Steve Goodrum. This lineup remained stable for several years, with the band releasing multiple albums and touring extensively.
However, in 2016, Sanctus Real underwent significant changes. Matt Hammitt, the longtime lead singer, parted ways with the band to spend more time with his family. This departure marked a turning point for the group, as they also parted ways with their longtime label partner and booking agent.
Following Hammitt's departure, Sanctus Real welcomed Dustin Lolli as their new lead singer and creative influence. Lolli, who was working as a full-time worship leader in Michigan at the time, brought a new sound to the band with his soulful vocals and approach to songwriting. The band embraced this transition as a rebirth of their original vision for making music together.
With Lolli as the new frontman, Sanctus Real released their first album with him, "Changed," in 2018. The album received positive reviews, and the band continued to evolve their sound while staying true to their Christian rock roots.
While Sanctus Real has experienced changes in their lineup and record labels, they have maintained their focus on creating music that resonates with their faith and connects with their audience.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Sanctus Real is a Christian rock band.
Sanctus Real is from Toledo, Ohio, United States.
Sanctus Real has released many popular songs, including "Everything About You", "Lay It Down", "I'm Not Alright", "We Need Each Other", "Lead Me", and "Forgiven".
