The Owl City/Lights’ show is one of next week’s hottest concert tickets. The electrofied double-bill takes place Tuesday at the Ogden Theatre in Denver. And yes, it’s sold out.
Owl City’s already making waves with its electro-pop hits, and now Lights’ career is taking off, too.
Lights has a fascination for comic books, fantasy worlds and electro music, and all those elements pop up in her very catchy tunes. The Canadian artist’s already won awards in her home country, but word is spreading about her upbeat, electronic songs.
Who: Owl City, with Lights
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: SOLD OUT
The young artist’s real name is Valerie Poxleitner, although she’s legally changed her name to Lights.
“My parents did missionary work when I was growing up, so that was a very valuable experience,” Poxleitner said. “We had to learn how to make our own fun and it taught me how to live out of a suitcase.
“We didn’t have a lot, so I had to learn how to use my imagination. That was good practice for my current life.”
Poxleitner has been playing music since she was 11, and she’s always had an interest in comic books and science fiction. All those passions worked their way into her career.
“My music and interest in comic books has been a cool way for me to utilize multi-media,” Poxleitner said. “I’ve already had a comic animation series, ‘Audio Quest: A Capt. Lights Adventure,’ that ran on MTV. You can always find new, creative ways to showcase your music.
“I would call my songs electro-pop. They’re easy to sing along to and I’ve created memorable melodies. I also try to implement a lot of electro sounds and beats.”
Poxleitner’s multimedia world is paying off. The artist’s earned several hit records in Canada, and in 2009 she won Best New Artist at the Junos, the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys.
“MySpace was the first place I put my music,” Poxleitner said. “People found my stuff on MySpace, so in 2009 I put out my debut record, The Listening.
“I got to create some crazy storylines, and get sci-fi and fantasy themes on the record. The record’s about the things I conquered, figured out and made me a better person. I hope these songs will give some comfort to listeners.”
