Sanctus Real is a Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning Christian rock band hailing from Toledo, OH. Their latest album RUN released on Feb. 5, 2013. 

Sanctus Real is Matt Hammitt (lead vocals), Chris Rohman (guitar), Pete Prevost (guitar), Dan Gartley (bass) and Mark Graalman (drums). 

We would like to thank Mark Graaiman for taking the time to speak with BreatheCast. 

BreatheCast: If you guys could only play one song of your album RUN for the rest of your lives, which song would you choose?

MG: "Probably the title track actually.  It's just a really fun song to play live and the crowd jumps up and down to it every time!"

BreatheCast: What artists have strongly influenced your sound?

MG: "As a band I would say U2, Tom Petty, John Mayer, Coldplay, The Police/Sting, Weezer, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles/Paul McCartney..."

BreatheCast: Tell us the story behind your single "Pray"?

MG: "Pray is a song that Matt, Chris and one of our producers, Chris Stevens, wrote together. They were basically asking themselves what is the cry of the heart when we get to that place of totally desperation in life where it feels like you're at the end of your rope and you've got nothing left to give and there's nothing more you can do? What do we do in those times? We pray. When it seems like all is lost or the situation is hopeless, as Believers we know we can always take our circumstances to our Heavenly Father in prayer. Nothing is hopeless when we pray."

BreatheCast: What are 3 snacks you guys can't tour without? 

MG: "Is coffee a snack? Regardless, coffee is a must! Chips & salsa and yogurt & peanut butter are the popular options on our tour bus usually."

BreatheCast: If you could collaborate with one Secular Artist and one Christian Artist, who would you choose? 

MG: "Probably Tom Petty and John Mark McMillan."

BreatheCast: Do you guys have a favorite scripture as a band or a truth that you guys use a lot? If not, what are some personal favorite verses of yours?

MG: "Well lately we've been talking about prayer a lot with the single being Pray and all so a verse we've been referring to quite frequently in this season is "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7 ESV)"

BreatheCast: If you guys could each play professionally for any sports team for one day, who would you guys pick?

MG: "Chris would pick the Cleveland Indians, Matt the Detroit Tigers and I, (Mark), would sit in the front row eating a chili cheese dog laughing as I watch them dukin' it out on the field!"

BreatheCast: What are your touring plans for this Fall 2013?

MG: "We are out on The Run Tour right now. We've taken out three great new bands with us; Citizens Way, Everfound and The Neverclaim. We're still at the top of the tour but it's already been really incredible in so many ways! After this tour we'll out on the road for a Christmas tour featuring us and Peter Furler as well. Be sure to check out www.sanctusreal.com for details."