Sometimes the most magical moments happen when everything falls into place despite nothing going according to plan. The Low Anthem, traveling from Montreal and scheduled to perform at Boston’s landmark Old South Church, were stopped on their way across the border for several hours. Jay Sweet and I waited at the church getting updates periodically but wondering if the shoot would happen. They finally made it to Boston thirty minutes prior to doors—just enough time to unload all the gear but not enough for soundcheck, and yet they graciously made time to shoot this in a back room of the church while the opening act performed just two sets of double doors away.

They sat on the steps and calmly delivered Phosphorescent’s “The Mermaid Parade” in a way that only The Low Anthem could. They had practiced just a few lines and gave us this beautiful take, their harmonies echoing off the ancient walls, and then it was to the stage to play for the sold out crowd in the main chapel. Thanks to Ben, Joice, Jeff and Mat for this beautiful moment, and for taking the time to ‘pass it on’, to Jay Sweet for bringing all the pieces together, Anna Gabriel for her guidance, and all of the above for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this amazing movement. — Steven

They went right from here to play an unforgettable concert that night, at which the band hit “a high note,” said the Boston Globe, with “a galvanizing 90-minute performance that was masterful and even magical at times.”