Charlotte, North Carolina-based pop/rock band Philmont announced the release of its latest offering, The Transition EP, this past October, 2010. The follow up to Philmont’s critically acclaimed Attention (August 2009), The Transition EP delivers a high-energy, melodic pop sound with singable choruses like on debut single “You Will Remain,” currently vying for adds at Christian Hit Radio. Lyrically, the project ventures a bit more in-depth than previous Philmont efforts, touching on themes that include God’s divine nature, the case for creation and value of human life.

Philmont frontman Scott Taube explains, “It's been a couple of years since we wrote the majority of Attention. We've experienced a lot in life since then- both joys and struggles--and we feel like this growth is reflected on the new EP.” In addition to the radio single, Philmont will support The Transition EP with a self-produced music video in the coming months. Additional details are forthcoming. For more information on Philmont and The Transition EP, visit www.myspace.com/philmontrock or follow the band on twitter.

Formed in 2005, Philmont comprises Scott Taube (vocals), Josiah Prince (guitar/keys), Justin Sams (guitar), Josh Guion (bass), and Jeremi Hough (drums). The band released its first national label project, a digital EP titled Oh Snap, on Forefront Records in July 2008. The debut received rave reviews from critics while garnering two Top 5 Rock radio singles “I Can’t Stand to Fall” and “The Difference.” The following summer, Philmont released its first full-length CD, Attention, producing the band’s third Top 5 Rock radio hit, “Where To Start.”

I got the opportunity to interview Philmont frontman Scott Taube about The Transition EP's catchy first single, “You Will Remain.” The following is our discussion (you can listen to our entire discussion here):

Please tell me the message behind the song “You Will Remain.”

This song is a testament to God's infinite and divine nature, a realization that the only thing in life that matters is that which is permanent and unfailing. Despite what we so often tell ourselves, our troubles, our possessions and our achievements on Earth are but fleeting glances in the eternal scope. The kingdom of heaven is close at hand, and this song is an imploration to spend your time down here focused on the things above.

Did you base the song on any Bible verses? Any life verse?

Matthew 24:32-35: "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

My life verse is 1 Timothy 4:12: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

How can listeners apply that message in their walks as Christians when they listen to the song?

A lot of our songs on this album have the underlining theme of eternity and finding purpose while we are here on this earth. For me, being on the road and away all the time, we are challenged with finances and focusing on ministry and what’s important. Every time we get caught up in temporal issues, we need to remember to focus on eternity. Your relationship with God is the most important thing. Stress and problems eventually go away. The message is basically "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away."

Here are the lyrics:

I’ve put stock in things now vanishing invested time and energy
this fleeting world it flies by too soon
and I’ve focused on the past alas it seems these things weren’t built to last
I watch them fall and crumble next to You

the burdens that we carry are all temporary
photographs and memories will fade
the storms we’re left to weather will not last forever
when all is said and done You will remain

we’re passengers transitioning from highs to lows and in between
exhausted by the search it seems we’re spent
to dwell to keep it in my mind ensures that I’d be left behind
confused by life and asking where it went

consistently You’ve shown consistency
in a world where ever-changing means that nothing’s here to stay
still You remain

and when the lights finally fade
we’ll find ourselves standing face to face
with things that I’ve gripped tight and hoped to save
Your hand is clenched in mine to do the same

Here’s Matthew Henry’s commentary on Matthew 24:32-35: “Like the flood, the Son of Man's coming will arrive as sudden and unexpected judgment, without explicit warning. Jesus' followers might recognize the completion of requisite signs,  but for outsiders, life would be business as usual. This passage echoes the damnable folly of outsiders repeated throughout the Gospel tradition in general and Matthew in particular: they do not understand. If Jesus means 'taken in judgment,' the 'taking' parallels the different expression in Matthew 24:39, where the flood took the wicked away.”

I am very entertained by this song musically, but I also find it very prayerful. I really connect to the message of the song personally. We don’t know the day or the hour that Jesus will return, but we do know that God is consistent and keeps His Word. He tells us that one day He will make a new Heaven and a new earth. As this song says, “the burdens that we carry are all temporary photographs and memories will fade, the storms we’re left to weather will not last forever when all is said and done You will remain.” Nothing on Earth is permanent, including our lives. Everything is temporary, and when all is said and done, “Jesus will remain.” One day we’ll stand face to face with God. This song reminds me to put all of my hope and trust in Jesus and is a great worship anthem.

Here’s a video of the song: