[WhiteRob]

This year’s Modern Rock Song and Album Of The Year Dove Award nominees, Sanctus Real, prepare for their sophomore bow, Fight The Tide, set to release June 15 on Sparrow Records.

Following the release of its record-breaking freshman debut, SAY IT LOUD, Sanctus Real has catapulted to critical acclaim and traversed the nation performing for hundreds-of-thousands of music fans.

“Sanctus Real has poured a substantial foundation with SAY IT LOUD,” says David Sylvester, EMI CMG director of artist development. “Launching in 2002 as Sparrow’s best-selling Rock artist, the band has proven their ability to connect with fans, both on stage and off. Fight The Tide is a really diverse rock album, and will connect with the band’s current fans and also gain new fans.”

“It's been amazing to see the response to SAY IT LOUD over the past year,” adds Chris York, the band’s A & R director. “And we refused to make a sophomore slump record. With Fight The Tide, the guys have succeeded in recording the best music they've ever created. We are thrilled with the new album.”

Produced by Tedd T (Stacie Orrico/Delirious?), the first single from the new album, “Everything About You,” released to CHR and Rock radio last week. The single follows the band’s five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the CHR R & R chart with “Beautiful Day,” from In The Name Of Love: Artists United For Africa, a project lauded by USA Today, Fox News and MSNBC, among others.

In addition to “Beautiful Day,” Sanctus Real found time in their busy touring schedule to record a “silly song” for the recently released Veggie Rocks!, and lead singer Matt Hammitt also contributed to the Dove-award winning !Hero The Rock Opera. The band is further showcased on the See Spot Rock DVD.

Sensing the energy and excitement for the band, the readers of CCM magazine voted Sanctus Real “Best New Artist” and ChristianityToday.com named Sanctus Real a top pick for its “2003 Best New Artist.” “Since the December 2002 release of SAY IT LOUD, they've been a breath of fresh air to the Christian rock scene, offering power pop that is extremely relevant,” says ChristianityToday.com. “The lyrics have a clear Christian slant without sounding trite. But you ain't heard nothing yet if you haven't seen them live—they will rock your face off…the future bodes well for Sanctus Real.”

Fight The Tide releases following this momentum and as the band prepares to continue to take its message to the people on numerous festivals this summer, as well as on tour with Jeremy Camp for a late summer, fall tour. Sanctus Real has become well known for its captivating live performances. Over the last two years, the band has performed hundreds of concerts, including performances as a featured band on the multi-artist Festival Con Dios and See Spot Rock national tours.

More information on Sanctus Real and its touring can be found at www.sanctusreal.com and www.EMICMG.com.