Manitoban putting old hymn to new(ish) music

Larry Kunkel, a Winnipeg worship leader and songwriter, is using well-loved sounds to revamp a classic hymn.

Kunkel has been playing in bands across Winnipeg for a long time. In his younger years, he played more secular music, but as he grew older, Kunkel felt there was something else he needed to do.

"I have written a number of secular songs. I do not think I have had the desire or the compulsion to pursue them, even when it comes to recording," Kunkel says. "We have a short time here and I said to myself 'give it up. Give it up for God."

Kunkel calls the transition a "Holy Spirit" moment.

Switching from secular to Christian, Kunkel felt it was the right choice for his musical journey but still enjoys the classic sounds from The Eagles and Gordan Lightfoot. While he will occasionally write secular songs, Kunkel has never desired to share them in the same way as his Christian music.

"I can not let it go, it is a passion of mine. The good Lord has laid it on my heart so as long as he gives me breath I will probably keep doing it."

Kunkel says he leads the praise and worship team at Christian Fellowship Chapel, allowing him to be immersed in music.

Leading a family-oriented life, Kunkel says he has not released new music in almost twenty years but is excited to be back in the studio. 

Kunkel is releasing his song "I Love To Tell The Story."

The new song was a family affair for Kunkel.

"I would dare say this was a song that was thought about a number of years ago. I remember sitting with my brother talking about music on the radio, typically Christian radio.. that has a nice, driving beat," Kunkel says.

His brother inspired him to create new music, but his wife and son helped create the new tune. While the music is new, the lyrics are old.

While poking around a hymn book for lyrical inspiration, Kunkel says he found the perfect lyrics.

"I usually write my own lyrics, but for this one here I was just reading some of the words from hymn books," he says.