Written by: Penelope Wildwood

The Dazzling World of Lights

Known for her mesmerizing music and luminescent stage presence, Canadian singer-songwriter Lights has been illuminating the music industry for over a decade. With a career spanning multiple albums and numerous awards, she has become a beacon of inspiration for fans around the world.

A Sparkling Beginning

Born Valerie Anne Poxleitner on April 11, 1987, in Timmins, Ontario, Lights grew up in a missionary family, traveling to various parts of the world and being homeschooled by her mother. This unconventional upbringing sparked a creative fire within her, and she began writing her own music at a young age.

Early Pursuits

• In 2001, Lights produced her first song, "Saturn's Rings," using an 8-track recorder bought with inheritance money from her grandmother.
• In high school, she played guitar and sang in the metal band Shovel Face, accumulating a following through her Myspace page.
• At 18, she moved to Toronto and adopted the stage name Lights, derived from her surname.

Breaking into the Music Scene

Lights began her professional music career writing for Sony/ATV Music Publishing and composing music for the CTV television series Instant Star. She collaborated with Luke McMaster on the song "Perfect," performed by Alexz Johnson.

Rise to Fame

• In 2008, Lights contracted with Jian Ghomeshi, who managed her career until 2014.
• Her debut album, The Listening, was released in 2009, featuring the singles "Drive My Soul" and "Saviour."
• Her second album, Siberia, was released in 2011, featuring the single "Toes."

Awards and Accolades

Lights' work has earned her multiple Canadian Independent Music Awards and Juno Awards, including Pop Album of the Year for her third album, Little Machines, and fourth album, Skin & Earth, in 2015 and 2018, respectively.

Recent Ventures

• In 2022, Lights released her fifth studio album, PEP.

Throughout her career, Lights has continued to mesmerize audiences with her musical prowess and radiant energy. Her dedication to her craft has made her a beloved and respected figure in the music industry.