So, before you read this, there is a story to tell. A few weeks ago, we recieved an e-mail from a promoter/manager type person, asking us if we wanted to review the upcoming Lights/Owl City show at the Marquee Theater. Now, knowing that we’re specifically a live venue ourselves, and even had a show that same night, it was kind of weird to get this invitation. I was going to take it upon myself to go through and interview Lights and the show, but thanks to the wonderful pollen in the air, I was barely able to get out of bed. But, I did have a good friend in Tempe who was really into lights, so I texted him and asked him to fill in for me. This is the result. It’s pretty dang good.
On the Tour Bus with LIGHTS
- Interview: LIGHTS
- Date: April 10th, 2010
- Venue: The Marquee Theatre, Tempe, AZ
- Conducted by: Jordan Haugan
- Heavenly, atmospheric, vibrant, dynamic, angelic, epic, energetic, transcendentally interplanetary—just a few of the more fitting adjectives that have become synonymous with the new pop sensation the world is beginning to fall in love with, LIGHTS. I’m no exception to that category. In February 2008, through the generic, static airwaves, I was introduced to a radically different realm of musical bliss (ironically, the first song of hers that I heard was February Air). Since then, a lot has happened in the world of LIGHTS: releasing her full-length album, The Listening, winning a Juno for the best new artist category, being featured in commercials, TV shows, and movies, and the list goes on… But, undoubtedly, her most remarkable accomplishment is her ability to consistently elevate the mood of her listeners. Every song seems to overflow with optimism, creating a joy that can’t be contained. It’s that encouragement and hopefulness in her lyrics, mixed with contagious melodies, pulsating rhythms, and powerful chords that create a phenomenal sound that transcends the earth’s airwaves. I held my breath as I boarded LIGHTS’ spaceship—ahem—tour bus…
Jordan Haugan: First off, thank you so much for meeting up before your show tonight, this is a dream come true for me! How are you doing today?
Lights Poxleitner: Aw thank you, it’s my pleasure! I’m doing great—excited for the show tonight! How are you doing?
JH: I’m just happy to be here! By the way, I brought a little something for ya… some Skittles, Swedish Fish, and some space gadgets! Happy Birthday (tomorrow)!
LP: [laughs] Well, thank you, that’s really sweet! I always buy these things when I go to the store!!
JH: No problem, I’m glad you like it! So, I heard that you started out just playing guitar. Later on, you obviously branched out and learned drums, piano, etc. Did you just have a knack for learning new instruments or did someone show you the ropes along the way?
LP: Well, my dad is a musician. He taught me the basic chords on guitar and piano and he showed me a lot of things. Also, I figured a lot of songs out by listening to them! But having that musical foundation in your gut and just going by your heart—it’s always better that way.
JH: What was your first show like?
LP: Hmmm… Wow, that was a while back! Well, I did a bunch of little shows here and there with different bands…. But the first show I did was at a bar when I was 15. I had written all these songs and I was playing in a band with my Dad’s friends (some older guys in their late 20’s and 30’s). So there I was, in the corner of this bar called Ted’s Range Road Diner. It was pretty funny—there were a lot of Army guys who went to this bar, so here I was 15 years old playing pop-punk songs in a band with my Dad’s friends for a bunch of tough guys. I covered “Behind Blue Eyes”, that seemed to strike a chord in their hearts. They loved it! It was a great time!
JH: What are some of the most exotic places you’ve been to?
LP: When I was young, I traveled a lot with my parents—they were missionaries. I grew up in Jamaica and the Philippines, so those were definitely some exotic places. Not necessarily too luxurious by any means, but they were exotic. Before we moved to Canada, I spent a lot of time traveling with them from when I was 5 to 9 years old.
JH: That’s awesome! Those are some wild places! You mentioned your parents were missionaries; do you have a favorite Bible verse?
LP: I love Hebrews 11 and Psalm 91. I love Psalms because it’s pretty much a book of songs! That’s where I “invented” my first song. I put some chords together and sang a few verses out of Psalms after my mom suggested it… So that’s kinda where it all started!
JH: When you’re wiped out on the road, what inspires you to keep going?
LP: Well, one of the important things is recognizing the fact that it’s okay. It happens. Everyone feels that way every once in a while. But one of the things that really keeps me going is my parents. Being able to talk to them and call them and just to be able to get some words of encouragement—they are so supportive and they definitely keep me going. Also, finding that core group of people is key.
JH: Would you say you’ve got some of that “core group” with you on this tour?
LP: Well, it’s hard to find that closeness with the people you tour with. I’m definitely close with everyone in my bus and my friends at home, but as far as the other bands go, it’s really tough. It’s like graduation. You go through a period of life with those friends and then you part ways and never really see them again.
JH: If you could be part of any NASA mission, which mission would you choose to go on? The Moon? Mars? Space Exploration….?
LP: Wow! Anything! Probably Space exploration, if I had to choose… I would love to go to the farthest away planet. There’s a planet that’s 20.4 light years away called Gliese 581. It’s a lot like Earth! They don’t know too much about it but its surface and atmosphere is very similar to ours… but then, of course, I’d have to get cryogenically frozen before I left so I wouldn’t be dead by the time I’d get there…. [laughs]
JH: [laughs] I knew you’d be prepared for that question!
LP: Yeah, I like that kind of stuff!
JH: I’ve gotta tell you, it’s hard not to smile when I hear your songs. I know you smile when you perform live, but do you smile when you record songs in the studio? I’ve heard it can make a pretty big difference…
LP: Actually, I never do! [laughs] Maybe if I want a certain inflection in the song, I might change my facial expression a little. But yeah, it really does affect the song. I just usually sing it naturally in the studio and smile a lot when I perform live.
JH: What’s your favorite song to perform live?
LP: It depends on my mood… If I’m feeling mellow I really like to play “Pretend”. I just close my eyes and look up at the end to see the crowd engaging in it … it’s a great feeling. If I’m feeling energetic, I like to play something faster like “River” or “Ice”.
JH: Outside of singing, touring, recording, and all that jazz, what are some of the activities you enjoy?
LP: I love to play games. World of Warcraft, Xbox, video games—I like to escape reality! [laughs]
JH: Haha! Wait a sec… is that an iPad?!
LP: Yeah! My manager got it for me yesterday for my birthday…. Definitely one of the nicest gifts I’ve ever gotten! It plays music really well! [turns up volume on a song]
JH: Sweet! That’s the first time I’ve seen one of those in person! Speaking of iPads, what’s the most extreme sport you’ve ever done?
LP: Well, I used to snowboard a lot with my friends, especially in high school. It was awesome… I miss those days! I haven’t gone in a long time! Do you want a Swedish Fish?
JH: Sure, I’d love one! Well, before we finish, I just have to ask you one question… When you’re with your friends, do you go “out and about” or “oot and aboot”?
LP: [laughs] I’m not gonna lie, it does come out from time to time! I’ve developed a pretty neutral accent, but every once and a while, it will slip out. Like especially in my song “Quiet” when I say, “this is where we’re supposed to be,” I usually emphasize the “O” [laughs]. It’s slight, but it’s still comes out sometimes!
JH: Thank you so much for talking today, it’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you! Any word on what LIGHTS listeners can look forward to in the near future?
LP: Thank you! And thanks for the birthday gifts! Well, for starters, lots and lots of touring! I will be with Owl City until May, and later on I will be releasing another record, but there’s more to come on that later! I have one show in particular I’m very excited about called the Lilith Fair in Ohio in the end of July. It’s a women’s festival with an absolutely amazing line-up! Also there will be another North American Tour soon, so I’ll definitely be back! Listeners can always check out iamlights.com, myspace.com/lights, and watch the Captain Lights Audio Quests! Thanks for stopping by—I’ll see you soon!
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