Novus Folium
Nestled along the front range of the majestic Rocky Mountains lies modern rock’s most promising suitors, the up-and-coming Novus Folium. Quietly performing as Colorado’s hidden gem for years, the whispering has become a rumbling that is beginning to attract national attention. Formed around the turn of the century, founding members rhythm guitarist Van Verhoeven, drummer Matt Rivera, and lead guitarist Aaron Sittner have seen their basement dreams evolve into the bright lights of downtown Denver and beyond. Originally under the working title Axidental Perfextion, the band performed close to home with original bass player Brad Edson, and Van and Aaron taking on vocals . As word traveled of their unique sound and intriguing performance they caught the attention of Orange County transplant and dynamic rock vocalist, Jonathan Lee. Upon adding Jon’s thunderous vocal to the fray and changing the band’s moniker to Step Down, the word about one of Colorado’s finest underground ensembles began to spread and their fan base began to stretch across the great divide. Despite the growing success there were personnel changes throughout the years that saw Brad replaced by Chad Woodruff and then reversed again, as well the temporary departure of Jon which brought on a brief period of instability for the group. In 2008, dozens of songs and hundreds of shows later Jon reunited with Aaron, Van, Brad and Matt resolving previous differences and agreeing collectively to ‘turn a new leaf’ leading them to their Latin name of the same meaning, Novus Folium. In early 2009, newlywed Brad announced his resignation from the band leading the band to the additions of Campfire Vendetta songwriter, David Bartlett on bass and talented keys player Jake Coats. Not long after, the group’s solidified lineup, explosive performances, and ever-improving songwriting helped them capture the attention of Ohio-based One Eye Management, a firm under the direction of Capitol Records A&R representative Kim Stephens, credited with signing artists such as Matchbox 20, Seven Mary Three, Collective Soul, Saving Abel, and Edwin McCain. A successful midsummer road trip to Ohio brought Novus Folium their first professional recording which even in it’s unpolished form has already played on Denver rock-radio powerhouse Channel 93.3. KTCL Today the secret is out and the future is bright for one of Denver’s premiere rock spectacles, the ferocious Novus.
