Sebu invokes Komitas in bilingual gem “I Came Down From The Mountain”

“Sebu’s silky voice, his flawless and tender delivery, and his deep reverence for Komitas breathe new life into the master’s work. The bilingual lyrics add another layer of intimacy and grace. I got goosebumps.”

- Vahe Berberian

The single — which features Artyom Manukyan’s haunting cellos and Andranik Berberyan’s orchestral touches — is out now.

Komitas — the savior of Armenian music — was already a cultural icon before suffering a permanent mental breakdown after the 1915 Armenian Genocide. He wrote “Yes Saren Gukayi” a few years prior. A century later, Sebu translated the love song into English — “I Came Down From The Mountain”.

Best known as one-half of the indie-pop group Capital Cities — whose Grammy-nominated global smash “Safe And Sound” continues to go viral on social media — Sebu has not forgotten his Armenian roots. The L.A.-based artist often incorporates multi-cultural elements in his music, collaborating with international artists such as Jivan Jr., Misho and Mi Qani Hogi, A.Chilla, Reincarnation Orchestra, Sirusho, Bei Ru, R-Mean and Serj Tankian, to name a few.

Sebu will perform a cinematic rendition of “I Came Down From The Mountain” on a majestic grand piano backed by an orchestra at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles on September 12 as part of Echoes of Our Ancestors. The concert is a visual and musical journey through Armenian history, directed by Arman Nshanian, produced by Asko Akopyan and conducted by Sergey Smbatyan. The eclectic program will feature System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian, jazz prodigy Tigran Hamasyan and many more, with a special tribute to Charles Aznavour.