BIOGRAPHY:
From an early age, it was clear that no matter what he did
in life, Mark Graalman, drummer for the critically acclaimed
rock band, Sanctus Real, would play music.
He began at the age of 12, studying with award-winning
Toledo, OH drummer Paul Nieft, Jr. An enthusiastic student,
Mark would practice by locking himself in his room for hours
on end to play along to his favorite cassette tapes,
admitting that he probably drove his family crazy. In high
school, he participated in marching band, jazz band, and
orchestra as well as numerous garage bands, seizing any
opportunity to perform. But in his sophomore year, his
musical path took a detour when Mark’s dad decided the
family needed to go back to church.
Seeing the drums played during Sunday morning service made
Mark realize that he could combine his love for God with his
love for drumming. He started playing with the youth worship
band and soon after that, during Sunday morning services.
At the time, Mark wasn’t aware there was an entire segment
of the entertainment industry dedicated to Christian music;
he just knew he wanted to take his passion for his faith and
music outside the church walls. A search for like-minded
band mates led him to vocalist Matt Hammit and guitarist
Chris Rohman, and in November 1996 the trio formed Sanctus
Real. The band performed their first concert a month later
and over the next several years played at local clubs,
camps, youth centers, conferences, and any other event that
would have them.
While Sanctus Real was busy building a following and
recording two indie EPs and two full length indie albums,
Mark also played for various campus ministries and church
worship bands. He played live and recorded with artists like
Stephanie Staples and Vineyard Music worship leader Dave
Chumchal.
Sanctus Real eventually signed with Sparrow/EMI CMG,
releasing their national debut, Say It Loud, in 2002; it was
the best first-week sales of any debut rock album the label
ever released. They followed that up two years later with
Fight The Tide, which was named Modern Rock Album of the
Year by the Gospel Music Association.
Their most recent release, The Face of Love, quickly became
the band’s best-selling album, producing a #1 video on MTVu
and a string of radio hits. In November 2006, the album
jumped back onto the charts at No. 2 on the Billboard Top
Heatseekers chart.
With more than a decade of touring under their belt, Sanctus
Real has toured or shared the stage with myriad top name
artists, including MercyMe, Switchfoot, Relient K, Pillar
and Superchic[k], performing to crowds numbering in the
hundred thousands.
Over the years, Mark has worked with esteemed industry
professionals, including Mark Townsend, Skidd Mills, Pete
Stewart, Tedd T, and Christopher Stevens. He is endorsed by
Silverfox Drumsticks and Risen Custom Drums. The band has
also partnered with several charitable organizations, like
African Leadership, Compassion International, World Vision
and Food for the Hungry.
When he’s not on the road you’ll find Mark at home with his
wife, Susan, and their 2-year-old son, Benjamin. He enjoys
helping out with the household duties and is actively
involved in his latest project, teaching Benjamin to play
the drums.
