Modern yet mythical, folkloric but fresh, Lo & the High Road sit musically in a liminal space, where contradictions connect. Based in Cobourg, Ontario, the Celtic folk duo embodies a genre that – while grounded in tradition – inspires listeners with refreshed storytelling.

Their latest single, Lanterns in the Mist, strikes that balance with its roots in folklore that feel anything but dated. Led by Lauren Halasz and Colin McMahon, Lo & the High Road blend Celtic instrumentation with a contemporary folk approach.

“This song is from the perspective of a child who is being stolen away by fairies,” Halasz explains. “It’s a theme in stories from cultures all over the world. Sometimes, they are taken for sinister reasons, sometimes to be saved. We wanted to leave that question open.”

Rather than relying on worn-out tropes, the song evokes the ethereal with a little edginess. “When Lo brought me the lyrics, I was struck by the darkness,” says McMahon. “But what I heard was something energetic, almost danceable. So, we settled into that space, between wonder and danger, between the comforting past and the unknown world ahead.”

Uncluttered and accessible, the song features bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, and harmonized vocals, staying true to the tradition while adding a distinctive twist via Halasz’s crisp delivery.

Halasz has been singing since the age of two. “I heard a choir for the first time. I didn’t know how to read yet, much less read music, but apparently, I told my mother that I had to join a choir.” As a teen, she listened to Loreena McKennitt and Celtic compilation CDs endlessly. Those early experiences planted the seeds for what would become Lo & the High Road.

Both studied classical music, with McMahon holding a Doctorate in Composition. Still, Halasz notes that they found themselves drawn in a different direction.

“We found the traditional career path to be very strict. In exploring Celtic music, we were able to find a voice that felt true to us.”

Their creative process is collaborative. “We write songs really quickly and then take a really long time crafting the exact sound that we want,” Halasz explains. “We find that we work best when we both have incomplete ideas, and we turn them into one cohesive song together.”

They often begin with a piece of folklore or historical detail, but the goal is always to connect and convey meaning. “Often, we start with a bit of myth that has evoked a strong response in us. If you feel something when listening, that’s a successful song.”

Their audience has certainly tuned in. After building an online following of over 200,000 fans – many of whom use their music for Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, Renaissance Faires, or woodland-themed weddings – the duo is now bringing their music to live audiences. “Recently we’ve been able to sell out shows on our own, not as a part of a festival or as an opener,” Halasz says. “It’s a pretty incredible feeling, to play for a room of people who are there just because they like our music.”

In addition to a new live EP and more original singles before the year is out, Lo & the High Road is hitting the road in Ontario over the coming months.

“People come out to live music seeking all sorts of different experiences. I want our shows to create a space that feels magical and otherworldly, but also intimate and lively,” Halasz shares.

While Celtic music has deep roots, the duo sees potential for exploration and expansion.

“Neither of us grew up in a Celtic music tradition, but we were able to find recordings and educational resources online,” continues Halasz. “Community is such an important aspect of Celtic music, and online or in person, it’s never been easier to join the party. With modern streaming platforms, Celtic music is more accessible than ever. “

That openness, both musically and culturally, is integral to their approach. “I think it’s important to learn from and maintain tradition, while also allowing space for new growth. Music is better without hard lines between genres.”

Fortunately for both traditionalists and newcomers, Lo & the High Road continues to expand the boundaries of modern Celtic folk, bringing creativity and a fresh perspective while still maintaining its signature sound.

“We are not trying to escape reality,” McMahon adds. “We’re trying to build bridges between the old stories and the ones we’re still writing.”

www.loandthehighroad.com
@loandthehighroad