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Today you’re in for a real treat. This is the first ever exclusive double interview of the same artist. Earlier this week I got a chance to see Sanctus Real perform an accustic concert. This led to an interview with their bass player Dan Gartley. I got to ask him about their involvement with TOMS Shoes, how he’d love to tour with Paul McCartney and what he learned about his band when he Googled their name.
Then on Wednesday our good friends Carlos and Abby from the Big Big House Morning Show caught up with Matt, their lead singer. They talked about their new “Pieces of a Real Heart” project (available in our Amazon.com store below this post), how they may have created the “Jesus Freak” of men’s conferences in their new song, “Lead Me” and the joys and pains of life on the road.
Since I’m the Editor of this here blog let’s kick things off with my Q & A with Dan and then right below it you’ll find the audio from Carlos & Abby’s interview with Matt. Let us know in the comment box below them what one question you would have asked them.
ST.net: Despite your insane touring schedule and the road warriors that you guys are you found time to record your fifth studio project “Pieces of a Real Heart” which is now available everywhere. What’s the central message of this new project?
Dan: We really felt this was a perfect fitting album title. Each song was written from a deep place in our heart as a band. There are songs about forgiveness, being a spiritual leader in our families, redemption. In many ways, every song is a prayer asking God for help to maneuver through this tricky and hurting world.
ST.net: You’re currently working with TOMS shoes..how did that partnership begin and how many lives have you impacted so far?
Dan: Pete, our guitar player, contacted TOMS about two years ago and we’ve been blessed to work with them. Since they started doing shoe drops, they have given away 100s of 1000s of shoes to kids around the world. “One for One” is a really great business model and we’re very blessed to be a partner with them.
ST.net: What are you passionate about when you’re off stage?
Dan: Matt, Chris, and Mark are all husbands and fathers, so when they’re offstage, they’re passionate about spending time with their families. Pete is going to be a dad in August, so he’s getting ready for that too. Family is a huge priority.
We’re also involved with the ONE campaign, which raises money for relief in Africa and another organization called, Mocha Club. The money we raise for them while on tour goes directly to building clean water wells in Darfur in the Sudan. They only ask for $7 a month, and it’s amazing how far that small amount goes. Nearly everyone can give $7 a month. Then, in May we’ll be going on tour with HOLT International. They have orphanages all over the world. This tour will specifically go to relief efforts in Haiti. And then, if “offstage” means “hobbies,” I roast my own coffee and love it. You can get it on my blog. I also love riding my motorcycle, and wrestling with my family’s 2 great danes, Jake and Jazz. They’re hilarious.
ST.net: What artist are you listening to that we need to check out?
Dan: Above the Golden State. They’re on tour with us right now, and they’re awesome!
ST.net: We’re BIG fans of ATGS too. If you could tour with any band in the world who would it be and why?
Dan: Right now I’ll say, Paul McCartney. I want to hear some stories about the Beatles, and I want to play his Hofner Bass.
ST.net: Have you ever Googled your band and did you find any interesting stories?
Dan: Haha, mostly just outdated photos. We still see photos from 8 years ago published in articles. Not here at stereostruth.net though…I checked. You’re on top of it 
ST.net: Do you Tweet or Text?
Dan: Both. Text my friends, Twitter for facebook.
ST.net: Do you use Facebook or Myspace?
Dan: What’s the joke on 30 Rock? YouFace? I use that. JK. Facebook…for sure
ST.net: Are you a PC or Mac fan?
Dan: We’re a big ol’ Apple orchard in Sanctus Real. All of us own Macs.
ST.net: How can we be praying for you guys?
Dan: With the new record releasing, we’re starting in a new, very busy, season of touring and promoting the album. We can always use prayer for our families at home and traveling mercies while we’re gone.
ST.net: Thanks Dan for a few minutes of your time. We’ll keep you guys in prayer over the coming months.
Dan: Thanks!
Now it’s time for Carlos and Abby’s two part interview with Matt from Sanctus Real. Here’s part 1.
Carlos and Abby’s two part interview with Matt from Sanctus Real. Here’s part 2.
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