"There's no doubt that this show is steeped in an aesthetic of a graphic novel. It's creating a world that really feels unique unto itself." — Tyler Bates, Composer

This isn’t R.U.N composer Tyler Bates’ first rodeo with eye-popping action. Bates has collaborated with influential rock artists such as Marilyn Manson and Bush, and has scored films like Guardians of the Galaxy, 300, and the John Wick franchise among many more in TV, film and beyond. He brings that low-down, dirty rock and electronic sound to R.U.N. "When this show begins the objective is to pull you into our own reality and our own rules. Some of the films I work on embody that same characteristic, like John Wick. Once you begin watching one of those movies, I think the music helps to set the rules and illustrate what the world of the characters actually is. I think we're approaching this show with a similar mindset.”

Music isn’t just the soundtrack here, it’s a key part of the world-building. As you enter the lobby, you hear the DJ spinning in the next room. Move on to the theater, and she has the crowd moving before the show. She even pops up later in key scenes to blister the action with tunes worthy of a full-on club. As well as Bates’ original music, R.U.N also finds space for multiple takes on existing rock and pop songs, with a cover of twenty one pilots’ “Jumpsuit” sung by Gavin Rossdale; Beyonce’s “Haunted” as performed by Eivør; and New Order’s “Blue Monday” performed by HEALTH.

“Musically, it's so different,” show director Michael Schwandt said. “The integration of the songs, like ‘Jumpsuit,’ is just such a huge treat for people who are fans of Gavin Rossdale and alternative music. The first scene, Boom Brawl, is so powerful and bold, it almost feels like a Marilyn Manson concert. It will wake people up and jolt them. Musically, it has such a strong identity. We're tapping into so many different areas, and it all feels exciting and edgy and current.”

Plus, it’s exactly the kind of music that sounds great for people to get punched to, and that’s really all that matters.