ROUND 1: TRUE PATRIOT LOVE
OWL CITY: They say history repeats itself. That’s certainly true when it comes to the sweet melodic beats of synthpop. No longer a relic of the ‘80s, the synthesizer is pop music’s comeback kid, coinciding with the growth of software like Apple’s GarageBand. Adam Young is a prime example. As the camera-shy one-man band behind Owl City, the Minnesota native got his start making music in his parents’ basement, a place he’s far more comfortable being than at the top of the charts.
LIGHTS: While Owl City’s success seemingly happened overnight, Lights’ climb to the top has been the product of careful planning and years of self-discovery. After getting signed as a songwriter at the age of 15 and dabbling in different genres, she left BC’s balmy weather to pursue a solo career in Toronto. But she didn’t sell-out to do it; she has stuck to her Canadian roots through and through.
Lights doesn’t need to “Pretend” to be something she’s not. She’s a natural star (and a Canuck to boot)!
SCORE: OWL CITY – 0
LIGHTS – 1
ROUND 2: CHART CHALLENGE
OWL CITY: If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, it won’t grab people’s attention. Luckily Adam isn’t just flapping his wings on Owl City’s major label debut record, OCEAN EYES. The CD has been certified Gold in the U.S. and peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200.
LIGHTS: If record sales are your metric for success, then Lights hasn’t shined as brightly. Her first full-length album, THE LISTENING, only reached the #129 spot on the Billboard 200, although it fared far better on the Canadian Albums Chart, reaching #7.
Lights turns to “Ice” in Round 2. Owl City won’t “Cave In” easily!
SCORE: OWL CITY – 1
LIGHTS – 1
ROUND 3: SINGLE SKIRMISH
OWL CITY: “Fireflies” is the name of Owl City’s biggest single to date. Although it sets hearts aglow with positive vibes and dreamy lyrics, the song’s message is not immediately apparent, making it difficult to connect with the track beyond a superficial level.
LIGHTS: Meanwhile, Lights’ top single, aptly titled “Drive My Soul”, literally speaks to the soul. Like all classics, it feels like it has been around forever, but at the same time exudes an otherworldly charm that is all its own.
Lights gets a “Second Go” as Owl City suffers an emotional blow.
SCORE: OWL CITY – 1
LIGHTS – 2
ROUND 4: AWARD HOARD
OWL CITY: Despite Owl City’s #1 hit single, the band couldn’t manage to squeeze out a2010Grammy Award nomination. Come to think of it, Adam hasn’t really won any notable awards. Sucks to be him!
LIGHTS: Lights, on the other hand, has won numerous awards, including the coveted Juno Award for Best New Artist, two Indie Awards for Favourite Solo Artist and Favourite Single, and two Canadian Radio Music Awards (not to mention multiple MuchMusic Video Music Award nominations). This girl can clean up!
Ouch! This is more painful than “Dental Care”. Lights pulls light-years ahead of Owl City.
SCORE: OWL CITY – 1
LIGHTS – 3
ROUND 5: VERSATILITY HOSTILITY
OWL CITY: Even if Adam has other hidden talents besides making music, we probably wouldn’t know because he’s too timid to talk about them. Case in point: he doesn’t do TV interviews.
LIGHTS: Not only is she a superb singer and songwriter, Lights is also a visual artist. The 22-year-old designed the album cover art for both her EP and LP, taking inspiration from SAILOR MOON, 28 DAYS LATER, and WATCHMEN. Plus, she draws and produces her own Lights-themed comic books!
Owl City drowns in a “Tidal Wave” of Lights’ many talents.
SCORE: OWL CITY – 1
LIGHTS – 4
ROUND UP: “This is the Future” and Owl City is not part of it. Lights may have been “The Last Thing on Your Mind” until now, but her natural beauty, talents, and Canadian pride have won her countless awards and legions of fans throughout the galaxy. So long as Lights continues to shine, she will be our “Saviour” and “The Listening” will be divine.
Owl City and Lights go on tour together later this month!
Web Links:
www.owlcitymusic.com
www.iamlights.com