Canadian alt-pop artist Lights (Lights Valerie Anne Poxleitner-Bokan) has been named the first-ever recipient of the Billboard Canada Women in Music Visionary Award, celebrating nearly two decades of fearless creativity and influence. The honor was presented in Toronto by Canadian legends Bryan Adams and deadmau5, both longtime supporters of her work.
In her acceptance speech, Lights shared a message that summed up her entire creative philosophy:
“Send the email. Write the novel. Quit the job. Draw the comic. Produce the album yourself. Start the label. There is no time to do anything other than what excites you.”
That same drive has guided her since the start, from small festivals and bedroom recordings to international tours and multimedia projects that continue to push the boundaries of pop.
From Bedroom Beats to Global Stages
Lights first gained attention in the late 2000s with her debut album The Listening (2009), blending introspective lyrics with shimmering synths and melodic storytelling. Songs like “Drive My Soul” and “Saviour” helped introduce her unique brand of electronic pop to a global audience.
Her follow-up, Siberia (2011), took that sound into grittier territory, experimenting with distorted beats and deeper emotions. Then came Little Machines (2014), a burst of energy and optimism that produced anthems like “Up We Go” and “Running With the Boys.”
In 2017, she released Skin & Earth, an ambitious concept album paired with a self-written and illustrated comic book series; a move that blurred the line between music and visual storytelling. Later projects like PEP (2022) and A6 (2025) have continued to evolve her sound, mixing bright pop confidence with cinematic depth and personal reflection.
The “Come Get Your Girl” Tour
Kicking off in February 2026, Lights will bring her new era to life with the Come Get Your Girl Tour, starting in Calgary and expanding across North America before heading to Europe and Asia later in the year.
Fans can expect a mix of new songs like “Alive Again” and “Damage” alongside long-loved favorites such as “Banner”, “Running With the Boys”, and “Drive My Soul.” Each show promises the same connection and emotional charge that have defined her performances from the beginning.
A Vision Recognized
Lights’ Visionary Award from Billboard Canada is more than a trophy. It’s a reflection of her entire journey; one marked by authenticity, experimentation, and independence. For longtime fans who remember seeing her at grassroots events like the Skate and Surf Festival at Six Flags in New Jersey, the recognition feels well-earned and deeply personal.
Behind the Vision: Ashley Poitevin
Poitevin represents both Lights and Arkells, and was joined in Billboard’s inaugural Women in Music class by an incredible network of peers including Stefanie Purificati, Madelaine Napoleone, and Angie Medeiros; all leaders across Canada’s music industry, from Warner Music to Virgin Music to Wavelength Music. Together, they form part of a team that champions collaboration and supports the next generation of artists both on and off stage.
In her Billboard feature, Poitevin offered advice to the next generation:
“Be someone you would want to work with again. Relationships are everything, and people want to work with teammates that share an enthusiasm for the project in front of them.”
Lights replied on social media with a heartfelt message: “An absolute icon. I love you, Ash.”
Their partnership reflects the same values the Visionary Award celebrates: loyalty, collaboration, and a shared passion for music that moves people.
Full Circle
From early MySpace uploads and small festival stages to international tours and industry honors, Lights has remained true to her own voice. She’s built a career that’s as personal as it is universal, proving that creative freedom and persistence can still light up the world.
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