Archive for December, 2007

2006’s most played artist at CHR radio (R&R), Sanctus Real readies its first album in nearly two years, We Need Each Other, releasing on Sparrow Records Feb. 12.  Playing new songs from the album, as well as fan favorites spanning it’s four acclaimed national studio releases, Sanctus Real launches a 35-city major market tour with Third Day in February.  Modern Rock Album of the Year Dove Award winner Sanctus Real, popularly known for its captivating live performances, also headlines a 16-day tour that begins in January and leads up to the release of the new album.

Working with the band to help manage its ever-growing schedule is Red Light Management (www.redlightmanagement.com), which also manages Third Day and such acclaimed artists as Dave Matthews Band, Alanis Morissette, Switchfoot and Underoath. 

“Red Light Management insists on working with and developing the best of the best – Sanctus Real is a prime example of that,” says Red Light Management’s Shawn McSpadden. “My team and I have been thrilled to walk with them through the recording of this new record and expect this next season with them to be their most successful to-date. With our roster broadening into the Contemporary Christian genre over the past several years, we feel Sanctus Real are the poster band for why this genre continues to be one of the most successful in the changing climate of the music industry.”

We Need Each Other follows Sanctus Real’s most successful album to date, The Face of Love, which gathered numerous accolades and continued 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.  

“There’s a longing for something bigger than oneself, a band, a song or a crowd of concertgoers,” says Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt.  “We need to come together as the body of Christ, unifying to see God’s work done through us.  There’s so much simple truth in the statement, ‘we need each other.’  We can accomplish so much more if we stand together as one.”

With five No. 1 songs at radio, that “simple truth” is resonating with radio listeners as the first single and title track from We Need Each Other has already become Sanctus Real’s 12th Top 5 hit, and is No. 2 and climbing on the R&R Christian CHR chart.  “We Need Each Other” is also the band’s mantra that permeates the new album.

In that spirit, Sanctus Real, for the first time, invited musicians outside of the band to make special appearances on the new album.  With The Face of Love producer, Chris Stevens (tobyMac, Shawn McDonald), back at the production helm, Hammitt is joined by vocalist Katie Herzig on the nostalgic “Half Our Lives,” showing the range and reflection of a band that is maturing as songwriters.  EMI CMG Label Group President Peter York reveals his hidden talents with the screaming bluesy lead guitar licks on the album’s opening track, “Turn On The Lights.”

“Peter ‘tore it up’ in the studio and it turned out great!” exclaims Sanctus Real guitarist Chris Rohman.  “It’s a highlight on the album.”  “We had never heard him play, but had heard that he is this amazing guitar player.  And he is!” echoes Sanctus Real’s newest band member, guitarist Pete Prevost.

Since Toledo, OH-based Sanctus Real broke on the national scene in 2002, the band has also looked for opportunities to partner with charitable organizations.  They have supported Food for the 

Pictured (l-r) at a recording studio in Franklin, TN are: Peter York, EMI CMG Label Group president; Chris Rohman, Sanctus Real; Chris Stevens, producer; Pete Prevost, Sanctus Real; Mike Snider, Third Coast Artist Agency; Matt Hammitt and Dan Gartley, Sanctus Real; Shawn McsSpadden, Red Light Management; Chris York, EMI CMG A&R; and Kat Davis, Red Light Management.
Hungry and Compassion International on tours, and have most recently joined forces with African Leadership after realizing the incredible need in Africa.   

For all the latest Sanctus Real news, including tour updates, go to www.sanctusreal.com, www.myspace.com/sanctusreal, and www.emicmg.com.

INO/ Columbia Record’s innovative singer/songwriter Derek Webb has once again received high honors for his critically acclaimed release The Ringing Bell.  The project was    No. 27 out of 100 on Paste Magazine’s top albums of the year list, and then ChristianityToday.com editors considered Webb’s latest their No. 11 favorite album of the year, his fourth consecutive year on their list.

This week XM Satellite Loft Sessions will run an exclusive interview/performance series with Derek Webb.  This will be one full hour of Webb telling stories and playing different songs from projects past and present.  The Loft Sessions is where XM invites their favorite artists up to the “loft” and asks them to create their ideal intimate musical session. 
This spring Webb will hit the highway with friends and fellow
musicians Caedmon’s Call on a nationwide tour beginning in February and running through the end of April (more details on tour TBA). 

In addition, Webb’s latest Americana radio single “Name” was recently featured on ABC’S hit drama series “Grey’s Anatomy”.  Be sure to tune in during the December 20th episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” to listen for Caedmon’s Call song “Ten Thousand Angels” (check your local listings for more details). 

For all the latest information on Derek Webb, click on www.derekwebb.com <http://www.derekwebb.com> or go to www.myspace.com/derekwebb <http://www.myspace.com/derekwebb