38th Parallel (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 in Ames, Iowa, United States |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Ames, Iowa , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
38th Parallel was a Christian rock ensemble originating from Ames, Iowa. Prior to securing a recording contract, they achieved considerable radio presence within Iowa's markets, performing alongside various CCM artists. The group participated in a talent competition hosted by Word Records, a Christian music label managed by former A&R executive Alvin V. Williams, who eventually signed them. Nonetheless, their debut release came out through Squint Entertainment.
The band’s name alludes to the 38th parallel north, the demarcation line separating North Korea and South Korea. Their first album, Turn the Tides (2002), was launched following a nationwide tour with fellow bands Skillet and The Benjamin Gate. This album garnered a nomination for the 2003 Dove Award in the Rock Album of the Year category.
Following the group's dissolution, vocalist Mark Jennings, guitarist Jason Munday, and drummer Aaron Nordyke established the electronica project Ministry of Magic, inspired by the Harry Potter series.
In 2005, 38th Parallel made available demo recordings from an incomplete second album. On August 2, 2006, Mark Jennings revealed through the band's MySpace blog that producing another album was improbable due to changing personal commitments among members, including marriage.
On June 16, 2007, four out of five band members reunited to perform five tracks at Bash on the Farm in Garner, IA.
Mark Jennings, Jason Munday, and Aaron Nordyke continue their involvement with Ministry of Magic alongside Luke Conard, Ryan Seiler, and Jeremy Jennings. This group has released multiple albums—The Tri Wizard LP, Goodbye Privet Drive, Onward and Upward, Magic is Might, and "Songs from Gringott's Vault"—and still perform when opportunities arise.
Former members
- Mark Jennings — lead vocals
- Nate Rippke — vocals
- Shane Moe — guitar (2001–2003)
- Jason Munday — guitar (from 2003 onward)
- Jeff Barton — bass guitar
- David Baker — guitar (1999–2001)
- Aaron Nordyke — drums
- Erik Holt — guitar (1998–2000)
Discography
- 2002: Turn the Tides
External links
- Live interview
- Biography
- Interview - circa 2002