Lights: From Childhood to Toronto Living
Valerie Anne Poxleitner, better known as Lights, has journeyed from her birthplace in Timmins, Ontario, to various corners of the world before settling in Toronto. Her upbringing was diverse, as she lived in the Philippines and Jamaica during her elementary school years. Despite being homeschooled by her mother, Lights’ father would take charge of their education one day a week.
In 1997, when Lights was just nine years old, her family returned to Canada. It was around this time that she first laid her hands on a guitar, igniting a passion that would shape her future. By the age of 11, Lights had already learned a handful of chords and had even written her first song. As she reached 13, her focus shifted to production, exploring the intricacies of creating music.
During her teenage years, Lights found solace and inspiration in her attic bedroom, which she affectionately named Starry Night Studios, after her favorite Van Gogh painting. Spending countless hours writing songs, she honed her skills and developed a unique style that merged classic pop songwriting with deeply personal yet universally relatable lyrics.
At 18, Lights took a significant step towards independence, moving out of her parent’s house and settling in Toronto. In the bustling city, she found herself accompanied by an unlikely companion, her pet tarantula named Lance. It was during this period of near-isolation that Lights truly discovered her signature sound, a blend of captivating melodies and heartfelt storytelling.
One of her notable compositions during this time was “February Air,” a poignant tribute to the chilling aspects of love during winter. This song gained recognition when it became one of four Lights tracks featured in Old Navy’s spring 2008 advertising campaign. The exposure helped solidify Lights’ position as a rising star in the music industry.
Despite her global travels and experiences, Lights has chosen to make Toronto her home. The vibrant city serves as a backdrop for her continued growth as an artist and allows her to connect with a diverse and thriving music scene. While she keeps many aspects of her personal life private, Lights remains dedicated to her craft and is deeply rooted in the city that has become her creative sanctuary.
In conclusion, Lights’ journey from her childhood in Timmins to her current residence in Toronto is marked by a love for music, a passion for songwriting, and a desire to create honest and heartfelt music. Her experiences, from living abroad to finding inspiration in solitude, have shaped her distinctive sound and contributed to her success as a renowned musician. As Lights continues to navigate the music industry, Toronto remains an integral part of her artistic identity and serves as a source of inspiration for her ongoing musical endeavors.