Searching for the Real is an independent worship band based out of Fairbanks, Alaska. We are currently in the studio working on our first full-length album that will be released in fall of 2011. Stay in touch with us for song previews, and upcoming show dates. The band was formed on the heels of singer Ben Sanders solo EP release in the fall of 2008 titled “ben”. That album was recorded in Las Vegas at SonSong Studios while Ben was working as a worship pastor for Valley Bible Fellowship, Las Vegas. Shawn McLaughlin of Worship Musician magazine called it “beautifully atmospheric”, “musically inventive”, and “refreshingly free of trite worship couplets”. Ben was also awarded “Best Sounding Vocal Song” at the Mount Hernon Christian songwriters 2008.

Late in 2008 Ben made the move back to his hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska and formed Searching for the Real. In 2009 SFTR played a string of shows in both Alaska and Hawaii playing with Third Day, Mercy Me, Red, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Manafest. In December 2009 Ben was voted “Top 5” songwriters on Chris Tomlins website Frequency Worship. Spring of 2010 SFTR continued where we left off playing shows with Mercy Me, and Mali Music. This summer we finally began working on writing and recording tracks for our upcoming full-length studio release.

Our heart is to expand our music, lives, and worship to the absolute limits of honesty. Searching for the Real is not just a band name, but also the cry of our souls to find something in this plastic world that is real. We invite you to join us in this pursuit.