Run51 Offers Exclusive Insights to the Power and Connectivity of Hymns

Run51 has recently released their new single "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" (LISTEN HERE). The song still has its strong melodic and familiar identity while producer Jeremy Green added some secret sauce to the production elements making the old hymn sound modern.

"Great is Thy Faithfulness", featuring Run51's vocalist Joshua Scott and Mesie Augustine, reminds us that on life's journey, we will  have rough patches and challenging times. However,  there is one thing we can be confident in, God's faithfulness. He wont ever fail us and will always provide us with what we need to carry on.

Run51 has embraced the challenge to use their love for music to point the culture to what truly satisfies. Using the language of music to cross barriers, Run51 presents a positive and inspiring message that real freedom and peace in this life, is given by God's love toward us at the Cross. 

We are honored to catch up with the group for this exclusive interview.

Q: Thank you for doing this interview with us. Let's start with yourselves, who is Run51? 

At the core, Run51 is home to a close group of friends who share some of the same passions around music, life and faith . We are a collective of musicians, producers, singers and song writers who lead and influence big audiences in communities, campuses,and churches around the country.

I (JB,drummer) had the privilege of starting the band when asked to provide music and worship for multiple events around the country. So over time I chose the people God placed in my to be part of Run51.

Jeremy Green (keyboardist, producer), Chaz Miles (Lead Vocalist, producer), Josh Norwood, Mesie Augustine, Genie Uribe and Crystal Whitaker are all Worship leaders in their churches from California to Dallas and Lance Shelton (Bass Player).

Q: Why do you call yourselves Run51?

Run51 has had the opportunity to perform in many spaces where there is a wide diversity of experiences and thoughts. We wanted a name that anyone could connect to while it's  important to have a name that had depth and meaning.

Run comes from 1 Corinthians 9:24, " "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!" We hope to inspire people to run and sprint after the life God has given them.

The "51" comes from  Galatians 5:1 "So Christ has truly set us free..." One of the most exhilarating things we will ever understand and enjoy is our TRUE Freedom in Christ.

Q: You have recently partnered with Dream Records, how did this come about?

We love Dream Records, we were connected through a mutual friend but the partnership has worked well, because we found someone who believed in our music and saw that we were having an impact worth supporting. Sometimes you can feel like you have something inside of you but no one is listening, well Lance Brown and Dream Records have become true supporters.

Q: You have a new hymns EP coming, why did you decide to record hymns?

The hymns are incredible pieces of music that the church and beyond have that tell timeless truths. Music has changed so much over time but when a hymn is sang, it connects with people in a deep way. How can we loose this a a community of faith. What songs do we have as anchors of the Christian Faith?

We need the hymns. The Church needs the hymns. The World needs the Truth these hymns share.   

Q: How do you put a fresh spin on some of these traditional hymns?

We wanted to refresh the songs, by keeping the same powerful and recognizable  melodies while adding some modern music elements, unique R51 arrangements and short spoken word interludes to help bring relevant day application.

The EP is created to be heard in one continual experience. The whole EP is connected musically, from track 1 to track 10.  Each hymn has a interlude prior to it that is sure to inspire.

Q: With so many hymns to choose from, how do you narrow down your choices?

We chose our favorite hymns from a narrowed down list of  some of the most popular hymns known. 

Q: Can you recall a time in your life where a hymn had strengthened you in your faith in Christ?

Oh this has happened many times for sure because when I've been challenged or in need of hope, sometimes its the hymns that sit in my memory and get recalled when I'm reminded of God's Character. 

More recently, with all that is happening in our world around the pandemic, racial tension, injustices and everyday challenges, we are constantly bombarded with all of the problems we face. It has become increasingly important that my focus must be shifted towards the Hope I have in God. 

"Be Thou My Vision" has been a song that is on repeat. God's Vision renews my hope, my heart, and my mind, that there is a way to live now and on this side of eternity. God's ways are so much higher and different than my ways. His vision for my life, for our life,  is not what we think it is. It's greater, its better than I can imagine. His vision renews my faith and strengthens my trust God.

Q: Where can our listeners go to listen and learn more about your ministry?

Our music is available on all major platforms where you enjoy music, like Apple Music, ITunes, Spotify, YouTube, Google Play, Amazon etc... Our music and band info is also available at Run51.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bands In Town. 

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