DEREK SEDAM
Assistant Online Editor
Do the Pussycat Dolls get your hipster-leggings and headbands in a bunch? Look no further than Canadian indie-synth-pop sensation, Lights. Although lesser known than her other peers, such as Katy Perry and Kate Voegele, Lights’ new-wave style is another example of the second coming of female singer-songwriters.
Born Valerie Poxleitner in the mining town of Timmins, Ontario, Lights mixes high-range vocals over warm, bubbly beats, soft synths and uplifiting vocals that float above the music. Her native land to the north has been blogging non-stop about her being the next best thing.
After traveling around the world in her early days (her parents were missionaries), 2-year-old Poxleitner settled down in the budding Toronto music scene, writing songs for other artists and the TV show, “Instant Star.”
Now her own music is just starting to get noticed, after hitting No.-2 on the MySpace unsigned charts earlier this year. Her song “The Last Thing on Your Mind” was recently featured in an Old Navy commercial, giving her music international recognition.
Lights’ promising self-titled debut EP is full of wide-open melodies and sing-along chorus, such as the spaced-out single “Drive My Soul,” “February Air” and “White,” as well as the Katy Perry-esque jam “Ice.”
Her first “invasion” of the States is underway this fall, so be sure to check her out Nov. 11 at the El Rey Theatre when she comes to town with Copeland.
Submitted 10-02-2008
