Artist Flashback: LIGHTS

This month we are dedicated to bringing you the best in emerging new talent here on Buzznet. Some of your favorite bands were once considered to be “emerging artists” back in the day. It’s great to look back and reflect upon where you came from and how you got to the place you are today.

For the next three weeks we are going to take a trip down memory lane with some of your favorite artists to see what it was like for them when they were considered to be up-and-comers.

This week’s flashback is all about a certain electro/synth goddess who knows how to ‘light’ up a room: LIGHTS!

Note: Some may say that LIGHTS is still emerging, but after following her career for the past five years, I think her story is inspiring and worth sharing. She’s come a long way since her first EP release in 2008 and the best is yet to come.

2006-2007

Not so instant stardom…

Lights started her career being a writer for Sony/ATV Music Publishing and was among the songwriters who composed music for the television series Instant Star starring Alexz Johnson.

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In late 2006, she filmed her very first music video for “February Air” for a Sony promotion. However, Sony never confirmed the deal, and it never happened.

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In 2007 she was discovered by Jian Ghomeshi who is still her manager.

2008-2009

The listening…

In early 2008, “February Air” was in a commercial for Old Navy.

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In August 2008, Lights signed a record deal with Underground Operations as well as signing a partnership deal with Warner Bros. along with Doghouse Records.

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Her self-titled EP, Lights, was released in September 2008.

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While touring in the summer of 2009 on Warped Tour, she premiered her single, “Saviour,” off of her debut album, The Listening.

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The Listening was released in September 2009 in Canada and October 2009 in the US after leaving her record label Underground Operations, for her own record label, Lights Music Inc.

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Album artwork for The Listening was inspired by Watchmen, 28 Days Later, and Sailor Moon.

2010-2012

Touring, weddings and Siberia…

From January-May 2010 Lights toured with Owl City and was featured on his song “The Yacht Club.” She also appeared in the music video for Owl City’s “Deer in the Headlights.

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In July 2010 she released an acoustic EP, featuring songs from The Listening.

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In 2011, Lights was signed to Last Gang Records. Her second album, Siberia, was delayed due to criticism from the label executives. Though reluctant to tell full details of delays, the shift in style to a more gritty sound was a risk worried about by the label.

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Siberia was released in October 2011. It received positive reviews from critics and was nominated for a Juno Award for Best Pop Album of the Year.

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In May 2012, Lights married Beau Bokan of Blessthefall.

2013

Siberia goes acoustic…

Lights announced that there will be an acoustic version of the album, Siberia. The first single, “Cactus In The Valley” was released on March 19 and it features guest vocals by Owl City.

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Siberia Acoustic will be released on April 30, 2013.

So exciting to see what else Lights has up her sleeve! Bring it on!

Artist Flashback

Paramore

Garbage

What era was your favorite on the LIGHTS timeline?

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