"...little Zeppelinesque type stuff. I like that, myself!" - Pete Cummings Radio Personality "Local 98 Rock" radio program KUPD, 97.9 FM, Tempe, AZ, USA
New Jerusalem originates from Phoenix, Arizona. The focus of the band is to bring the message of salvation in Jesus Christ to all people throughout the world. This mission is burning in the heart of the group's founder: Thurane Aung Khin. The Great Commission of Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:18-20 - "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I am with you always, even to the end of the age." is the band's official slogan and is basis of New Jerusalem's mission statement. The "Zeppelinesque" influence is merely musical. Most importantly, the spiritual focus of the unit is to reflect the love of Christ.
thurane of nj
Thurane is a Worship Leader and Christian artist, including genres inspired by modern Praise, Inspirational and Folk musics as a part of his ministry. He appears as a singer/songwriter and worship leader, with acoustic guitar and tracks in tow at many events worldwide. Currently, a debut CD is being recorded and his Television Program: "Thurane!" currently airs nationally on television stations throughout the US.
"Thurane" is a Burmese name, from his father and it means "The risen sun". The name New Jerusalem is from the book of Revelations 21:2 in the Bible. He appears live at churches, events and nightclubs. A special moment was singing to his wife at his wedding.
The solo music ministry of Thurane is an acoustic guitar and track driven music ministry for expressing the love of God and reaching both the churched and unchurched. "I actually began ministering as a soloist to launch New Jerusalem," says Thurane, "I was searching for a vocalist who could create the sounds that I couldn't achieve vocally in New Jerusalem, which turned out to be Randy Householder."
Kenyon Grey started as an Adult Contemporary duo founded by Thurane and Kenn Long, Jr. They sought to participate in the fulfillment of God's vision birthed in both of their hearts where their respective projects seemed to falter. Kenn Long, originally in Phoenix area Christian hard rock outfit Destiny, has continued in Kenyon Grey as a soloist.
The vision to launch a 1970's stylized Christian hard rock band and music ministry was birthed by Thurane. The New Jerusalem name was given to Thurane as he signed NJ to Gray Dot Records/Bulletproof Music (the label that originally signed Third Day!) Thurane said, "The growth has been steady but slow, so we are moving in a new direction to affirm God's leading." New Jerusalem has released: 1 independent tape ("Foundation"), 1 independent CD ("New Jerusalem"), & 1 national CD ("New Jerusalem") as a signed artist.
In addition, Thurane wrote "Final Stand" and performs it with New Jerusalem. The film "Con Express" featuring Arnold Vosloo ("The Mummy") and Sean Patrick Flanery ("Simply Irrestible", "Young Indiana Jones") features "Final Stand" early in the movie. He co-wrote "Take Me Home" with Randall Householder and performs it with NJ as well. "Take Me Home" is used in the Rick Schroeder (NYPD Blue) & Tara Reid (American Pie) film "What We Did That Night"/"Murder at Devil's Glen". More information is available at IMDb - Thurane at IMDb
The Kenyon Grey duo was formed and signed to RCM Records, releasing an E.P. and single CD "Heaven In Your Eyes". Kenn and Thurane also co-founded the event "R2K Rocks the Millenium" series, the fourth event is now in preparation which will include an explosive, must-see multi media presentation and theatrical production. 2 new CD's featuring Kenyon Grey and the multi-media music will be released as a part of the effort. Thurane has co-written on some of the tracks and provided guitar work in the studio as well.
New Jerusalem will continue to forge ahead with hard rock music and ministry. However, a detour is now taken with Thurane of New Jerusalem ministering as an acoustic soloist, providing Adult Contemporary, Praise & Worship and Inspirational music. A new album is being recorded, to be entitled "NEW FOUNDATION: Thurane of New Jerusalem".
Thurane of New Jerusalem will seek to reach the lost and churched with a mellower sound and a more spiritual focus in music ministry.