I’m not normally a massive fan of worship music, but I really enjoyed listening to Thurane’s track Redeemer when I first heard it. Even if you’re not religious, I recommend checking out the stream at the end of this interview to see what you think!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new track titled Redeemer. What can you tell us about the track?
Inspired by Psalm 19:14, Redeemer is a proclamation of God’s salvation in our lives. Musically, it came to me first as the chorus & I immediately interpreted it as a Fleetwood Mac/Led Zeppelin arrangement for modern worship.
How has the reception to Redeemer been so far, and where can it be purchased?
Great response, especially at YouTube with about 1,000 views a day –
Best place for download is Apple/iTunes, here are other options – linktr.ee/njiuma
Do you have any plans to release an album/EP anytime soon?
Yes, the next EP Lift Him Up is slated for September 3 & the Worship Servant album is out on November 15.
Do you have any more singles lined up in the near future?
Yes:
Lead Me To the Cross on March 5
Lift Him Up on May 7
Praise You/Big House on September 3
You’re primarily a worship singer. Do you make secular music as well?
I do release vids of secular songs that I like as I’m moved to do so for various reasons – but not for sale or commercial release.
Some include my attempt at the Heartbreaker solo from Jimmy Page (my fave rock guitarist) – youtu.be/WGqZ1-r…jYIXMM
Here’s a rockabilly medley from way back – youtu.be/RkFtaIR…F2giMr
Also, I wrote a secular love song for my wife entitled Day In, Day Out that I would like to release someday… youtu.be/ePq4luX…-IMTed
Your music has an alt-country/rock and roll sound. What/who are you most influenced by when making music? What have you been listening to recently?
My primary worship music influences include Paul Baloche, Chris Tomlin & Phil Wickham. General musical influences include Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin & Beatles. Redeemer specifically draws on Zach Williams, We the Kingdom, I Am They, Fleetwood Mac & Led Zeppelin.
I’ve been listening to a lot of We the Kingdom & I Am They recently.
Where are you based? What is the local music scene like in your area?
I’m in Youngtown, AZ, USA. There’s no music scene here… just a lot of retired folks or young families. Phoenix has traditionally had one but it’s significantly smaller than in the nineties & early 2000’s. There were a ton of Christian bookstores, Christian coffeehouses & churches to perform at – along with secular record stores & nightclubs. The Christian bookstores & coffeehouses, and secular record stores are mostly gone. So, sadly, the music scene isn’t what it was…
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
I do have a show in Philadelphia, PA set for April & just did a Worship EXPLOSION! concert at Church In the Son in Orlando, FL. I’m booking the summer Christian festivals in the USA now…
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not yet, but would love to connect with Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Hillsong London & other Christian artists & churches throughout the UK & British Isles. But I do have to renew my passport & update my driver’s license to the travel ID to travel outside the USA.
Any last words for the fans?
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” – Ecclesiastes 3