New York world rock fusion duo Novus Cantus has released a new single, “Down in the Valley,” built around a vocal take recorded by frontman Fr. Alexander Herasimtschuk in 2023. The band, founded in 2010 by brothers Alex and Christian Herasimtschuk, describes the track as its most personal release to date, addressing depression and spiritual struggle through a blend of classical guitar and Middle Eastern percussion.
According to the announcement, the vocal take used on the final version came from a late-night recording session in a church rectory music room and was initially considered too understated before the band settled on it years later. The percussion part, played on doumbeks and shaker, came from an experimental recording Christian sent his brother, which the band says shaped the song’s Middle Eastern character.
The single was self-produced by the band, mixed at BlueSky Studios in Delmar, New York, and mastered at Le Lab in Montreal. The accompanying music video was shot by the brothers themselves using a rented GoPro and a borrowed Canon Rebel. Novus Cantus, who blend rock, flamenco and Middle Eastern influences, have been nominated twice for World Music Artist of the Year at the Thomas Edison Awards and have performed at venues including The Linda in Albany and Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Eric Alper, thatericalper.com.