Lights Poxleitner is a Canadian (Ontario) electro-rock/ synth pop artist. Her previous releases include the self titled EP and The Listening 09 the latter of which she received a Juno award for ‘Best New Artist’. Her previous releases have been very ‘Pop’ but with this new album she has evolved in a different and gritty direction, comparable to Crystal Castles. She recently released her new LP Siberia and Tony Lendrum caught up with the artist to chat about it and more!
Congratulations on the success of Siberia so far, how have you found people have reacted to your new sound so far and how would you best describe that sound?
Thank you very much. Because Siberia is a bit grittier (on a couple levels) than my previous stuff, I was expecting a bit of adversity from established fans but most seem totally down with my evolution as an artist, and I’m finding it bringing in listeners that weren’t there before. It’s become more electro rock than electro pop, I’m very proud of it.
What was it like to work with such amazing producers such as Graham Walsh and Brian Borcherdt from Holy Fuck?
They are great innovators, both technically and melodically. It’s nice to work with people that create purely for the sake of music, not for money. It’s refreshing and necessary for artistic evolution of any kind. I was honoured to work with them.
Will we continue to see an evolution of musical styles in future releases or do you think you have found your niche?
I will always strive to make the music that is relevant to me at the time so I’m sure that will be an ever changing force, backed by the consistency of good pop song writing, which I’m a sucker for. The sky is the limit with what you can create, you just have to think it up.
You have said that changing your name had great significance for you, can you explain how and any reason behind the choosing of Lights?
It was initially a nick name stemming from my last name, Poxleitner. When I first set up my myspace, which I suppose was the technical “launch” of my career (as the world knows it), I put “Lights” as my name. Ever since then it’s just kind of been me walking into this name, and officially making it my own a few years back. It’s on my passport and I get awesome looks from airport officials.
How have you found the new age of “Social Media” an advantage to getting your music out to the world. 648,000 Facebook followers must be very encouraging and very intimidating at the same time. Knowing there are so many people following both you and your music?
I love social media, I love the immediacy of getting information out there… music, thoughts, just sharing what you have with the world in general. It’s not like it was twenty years ago where the shroud of mystery was what made an artist special. Now it’s about how much people know about you that can help determine their investment in your world. Social media is a prime platform for that aspect. It’s overwhelming at times though, to know that many people are watching. It keeps you wanting to be your best.
Any plans to tour Australia in the near future?
Yes, definitely. Hoping for the upper half of 2012! Hopefully before the world ends.
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Lights new album Siberia is in stores now
