The Christian Underground Encyclopedia

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====== New Jerusalem ======

Hard Rock\\
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

New Jerusalem originates from Phoenix, Arizona. Randy Householder and Thurane Aung Khin established the vision of New Jerusalem as an acoustic duo, choosing particular Zeppelin, Bad Company, and Pearl Jam songs that, in Thurane's words, "don't dishonor God lyrically" along with the group's then eponymous Christian material. Other cover tunes were "watered down" to fit with Thurane's stringent insistence on maintaining Christian integrity. They sought to start a band that would heavily minister in the Christian Church as a whole, while simultaneously reaching the secular market. Randy and Thurane were equally impressed with their respective talents, Thurane being enthralled with Randy's vocal range and ability to stylize his singing after Robert Plant, Paul Rogers, Axl Rose, Eddie Vedder and Mick Jagger. Randy was moved by Thurane's ability to play many cover tunes and learn note-for-note versions of Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Guns-n-Roses, Pearl Jam, and The Rolling Stones. As the duo developed, they added and "traunched through" a host of bassists and drummers to fill the musical void, developing a truly classic rock sound - a sound that has inspired countless fans who have experienced New Jerusalem. Many secular clubs and churches were visited by the NJ duo and full band during that critical formation period, with notable performances at the "Spirit Fest" Christian festival, Desert Sky Pavillion, Arizona Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Mesa Amphitheater and gigs at the now legendary Mason Jar. Literally thousands of free NJ live and demo tapes were distributed during this period.

The fledgling band next released //Foundation//, a cassette that spawned their independent //New Jerusalem// CD. The song "Foundation" was written by Randy. It became a live staple at duo and full band shows in the early formative years of the group. Later, the release of the indie CD //New Jerusalem// established the act nationally, with an initial distribution deal through Juke Box Media and considerable radio support. The original project was produced by Thurane, assisted by Phil Parmenter. The inside album jacket includes a beautiful poem written by John Madsen. An unusual liaison was also established by promoter Michael Wilkerson with Cactus Game Design. Michael introduced Thurane to Rob Anderson, president of Cactus Game Design, maker of the Scattergories game. Rob's company designed a Redemption playing card for New Jerusalem, available exclusively in the Bulletproof Music CD //New Jerusalem//. Cactus and Rob Anderson also helped develop a computer game utilizing NJ's music called //Saints of Virtue//; created by Shine Studios and distributed by Cactus Game Design. That further entrenched the group in the Christian gamer's and hard music markets. A veritable plethora of compilation CD's and cassettes include NJ's music, including DMR Diversions //e=mp3// - released 2 years prior to the recent influx of mp3 soundfile popularity(!); and Jay Raymond's //Virtual Snowboarding// interactive CDROM (interspersed with video clips of snowboarding stunts and New Jerusalem songs). After respectable exposure in the underground Christian rock scene, [[Bulletproof Music]] signed New Jerusalem, further expanding the ever-growing legions of faithful New Jerusalem followers. That record deal was initiated by a simultaneous visit to the National Association of Christian Rock Radio summit meeting, with then aspiring NJ manager Mari Spyker and Thurane meeting [[Gray Dot Records]]/[[Bulletproof Music]] vice-president Dave Vanderpoel - and a referral by St. Marys, PA radio personality Eric Lane of WKBI. Eric prompted Thurane to call David at Gray Dot/Bulletproof. The resulting Bulletproof Records //New Jerusalem// re-release includes three tracks not available on the indie record: "You Are My Life", "Final Stand" and "Hail Tonight". The Gray Dot, Inc./Bulletproof Music CD //New Jerusalem// is available on both CD and cassette - distributed by Diamante Music Group at any Christian/secular record retailer world wide. That initial record sold respectably, further garnering the foothold New Jerusalem has fast been attaining in the general music market.

The ABC Network made-for-television movie //What We Did That Night / Murder At Devil's Glen// included "Take Me Home" from the Bulletproof Music release in the soundtrack. "Take Me Home" was published by DSM Producers / Warner-Tamerlane BMI. //What We Did That Night// features Golden Globe award winner Rick Schroder (//NYPD Blue//, //Silver Spoons//) - Michael Easton (//Ally McBeal//, //Total Recall 2070//) - Jack Noseworthy (//Breakdown// starring Kurt Russell, //The Brady Bunch Movie//) - Jayce Bartok (//SubUrbia//) - Tara Reid (//The Big Lebowski//, //American Pie//); directed by Paul Shapiro (//Black and Blue//, //The Invaders//).

The movies //Con Express// and //Vampire Slayers// include "Final Stand." Independent film //The Sum of One// features "You Are My Life," and "Take Me Home" is in the R2K Entertainment movie //The Whistler//.

"Take Me Home" reached #32 on the rock chart, "Living In the Light" hit #11 on the Loud chart and "Sincerity" is has charted on many radio stations. Additional promotions include "Judgement Day," "Final Stand," "Hail Tonight," and "You Are My Life."

===== Discography =====

| 1995 | Foundation |
| 1996 | New Jerusalem | World Vision |
| 1997 | New Jerusalem | [[Bullet Proof Music]] |

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==== Foundation ====

1995 Independent

  - Sincerity
  - Forgiven
  - Judgement Day
  - Foundation

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==== New Jerusalem ====

1996 World Vision

  - Living in the Light
  - Take Me Home
  - Judgement Day
  - Foundation
  - Sincerity
  - Forgiven
  - A Melody, A Symphony, A Song
  - The Way
  - All My Heart

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==== New Jerusalem ====

1997 [[Bullet Proof Music]] (D3007)

  - Living in the Light
  - Take Home
  - Judgement Day
  - Foundation
  - You Are My Life
  - Final Stand
  - Forgiven
  - Hail Tonight
  - Sincerity
  - A Melody, A Symphony, A Song

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