Lights

Exhibitions & Theatrical, Music

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About

Lights Valerie Anne Poxleitner-Bokan, known mononymously as Lights (previously stylized as LIGHTS), was born on April 11, 1987, and is a Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter celebrated for her synth-heavy electronic pop sound. Born in Timmins, Ontario, Lights grew up in a family of missionaries and spent her early years traveling, living in the Philippines and Jamaica during her elementary school years. This exposure to diverse cultures and musical influences during her formative years shaped her unique artistic perspective and eclectic sound.

Lights began writing songs at a young age, with her father, Eric Poxleitner, playing a pivotal role in nurturing her musical aspirations. She moved to Toronto at age 18 and adopted the stage name Lights, a nickname derived from her surname. She began her music career writing for Sony/ATV Music Publishing and composed music for the CTV television series "Instant Star," gaining valuable experience in the industry before launching her solo career.

Her debut album, "The Listening" (2009), included the singles "Drive My Soul" and "Saviour," establishing her distinctive electro-pop sound. Her second album, "Siberia," featuring the single "Toes," was released in 2011. 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" (2015), which included the single "Up We Go," and for her fourth album "Skin & Earth" (2018). Her fifth studio album, "Pep," was released in 2022, followed by her newest record "A6" on May 2, 2025, showcasing her continued evolution as an artist who seamlessly blends electronic music, pop sensibilities, and introspective songwriting.