The first song on Stu Sanders 2013 EP, The Shack, is called, “God’s Got a Plan.”  When he recorded that, he had no idea how that plan would unfold, but the journey has brought him to Bridgeport, partnered him with a unique mix of musicians and ultimately allowed him to win a national contest that will further his reach with his music and his ministry.  Although challenges have arisen throughout the process, including a ruptured tendon in his finger, he could see Divine intervention throughout the entire ordeal and he’s now happy to call Bridgeport home and excited for the next chapter to begin.

 

Raised in Alabama, Stu earned an Associate’s Degree in Recording Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business from Full Sail University in Florida. His passion for music started at the age of eight, but his real break came when he received a music scholarship and recorded a CD titled “Desert Days” in Nashville, with all original music.

 

Soon after recording the CD, he moved to West Virginia and became part of the Worship Team at Lifepointe Church in Clarksburg.  He formed Stu Sanders and the Natives, a band that includes West Virginia natives Kai Kalalau, Craig Messenger, and Joey Earnest, as well as Walker Hannah from Oklahoma.  Their first gig was in April and gave the local audience a peek into the songwriting talents of Stu and his band. 

 

Known for offering an eclectic mix of folk, country, rock and Christian music, Stu Sanders tells stories that are deeply personal through his music. His lyrics reveal gratitude, humility and a sense of contentment that is unusual in today’s music scene.  It was that unique twist that led to his next step in his musical journey.

 

It was as if the words on his computer screen were written just for him.  They said, “If you have ever dreamed of becoming a recording artist but didn’t have the relationships, resources or finances align at the same time, this is for you!”  Sanders didn’t hesitate to read more about the video contest that was posted by Christian rock band Consumed by Fire. 

 

He sent in a YouTube video of himself performing his original song, “North Caroline,” and became one of the 20,000 Instagram followers who were actively involved in the Christian music scene on the site. 

 

It only took a week to find out he was selected as one of the top 20 finalists, confirming once again that God had a plan for how his career would unfold.  The experience was surreal but exciting and now he anticipates the next leg of the journey, traveling to Canton, Georgia in August to record an original single in Scotty Wilbanks’ studio.  Wilbanks is the keyboard player for the band Third Day and has partnered with the Academy of Dreamers music contest to enable unknown artists to tap into the industry using mentorships.

 

As a winner of the Academy of Dreamers Music Contest, Sanders will not only have the opportunity to record his original music and have one-on-one guidance from industry professionals, he will also be helping advance the mission of the Academy of Dreamers.  The organization partners with Holt International scholarship program, which finds sponsors for children in need around the world.  Sanders will be responsible for finding 20 child sponsorships of $30 per month by July 1 and the sponsors can sign up for six months, a year or a lifetime of support.  He is given extensive knowledge of each child’s location, background and need and sponsors can choose a child to sponsor by contacting Sanders directly.

 

Stu Sanders and the Natives are currently booking appearances in North Central West Virginia through bookstunow@gmail.com.  Since forming, they have played at the Benedum Festival, Joe-N-Throw, Schmitt’s Saloon, Mia Margherita, Meaghers Irish Pub, Main Street Station and the Boston Beanery.  They will also  be featured during Wind Down Wednesdays in Shinnston on August 2.