The Format Shares Benefit Track “The Bar Is Set So Low” In Support Of Immigrant Rights Organizations

Today, The Format, led by Nate Ruess and Sam Means, have released their track “The Bar Is Set So Low” across all DSPs. Previously available only as Bandcamp exclusive, the anthemic and politically charged song is now streaming worldwide, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota’s Immigrant Rapid Response Fund, Immigrant Defense Network, Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Latino Memphis. The ditty was written during the sessions for the band’s acclaimed comeback album, Boycott Heaven, which was released earlier this year. Deeply affected by the treatment of immigrants in the United States, Ruess and Means channeled their anger and frustration into a rousing acoustic anthem about a country falling short of its own ideals.

While the song ultimately did not fit the flow of the album, its message only became more urgent as the release of Boycott Heaven approached and reports of escalating immigration raids and violence continued to dominate the headlines. That urgency came into stark focus on January 24, 2026, when the band learned of the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti just hours before taking the stage for their hometown record release show in Phoenix, Arizona. Deeply shaken by the news and increasingly disturbed by the actions of ICE, Ruess and Means performed “The Bar Is Set So Low” publicly for the first time that day.