The MagazineCanada

ROUND 1: TRUE PATRIOT LOVE
OWL CITY: History tends to repeat itself, and that rhythm is evident in the gentle pulse of synth pop. The instrument once thought of as a relic from the eighties now anchors contemporary pop, aided by accessible tools like GarageBand. Adam Young, the quiet driving force behind Owl City, hails from Minnesota and began making music in his parents’ basement, a space he knows well even when the spotlight calls.
LIGHTS: While Owl City’s ascent seems rapid, Lights built her rise through careful planning and years of self-discovery. After landing a songwriter deal at fifteen and exploring several genres, she left British Columbia to pursue a solo career in Toronto. She didn’t abandon her roots to chase trends; she has stayed proudly Canadian throughout her journey.
Lights doesn’t need to pretend to be something she’s not. She’s a natural star and a true Canuck.
SCORE: Owl City – 0; Lights – 1
ROUND 2: CHART CHALLENGE
OWL CITY: Ocean Eyes did not fade into the background. The album earned Gold status in the United States and peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200, showing that a luminous, melodic pop sound can resonate widely when backed by strong songwriting.
LIGHTS: When it comes to sales, Lights’s path tells a different story. Her debut full-length, The Listening, reached 129 on the Billboard 200, though it performed much better on the Canadian Albums Chart, where it climbed to number seven. Lights moves forward with confidence, and Owl City won’t give in easily.
SCORE: Owl City – 1; Lights – 1
ROUND 3: SINGLE SKIRMISH
OWL CITY: Fireflies remains the act’s signature hit, filling rooms with a hopeful, dreamy mood. Yet the message can feel layered, making the song’s meaning not instantly clear and sometimes a bit elusive on first listen.
LIGHTS: Lights’ Drive My Soul speaks directly to listeners with a timeless, almost otherworldly charm. It feels both familiar and distinctly hers. Lights earns a Second Go as Owl City faces a setback.
SCORE: Owl City – 1; Lights – 2
ROUND 4: AWARD HOARD
OWL CITY: Despite a chart-topping single, Owl City has yet to receive a Grammy nomination and has not racked up a long list of major awards to date.
LIGHTS: Lights has collected a string of honors, including a Juno Award for Best New Artist, two Indie Awards for Favorite Solo Artist and Favorite Single, and two Canadian Radio Music Awards, along with multiple MuchMusic Video Music Award nominations. Her trophy cabinet has grown, and she remains a dominant presence in the scene.
Ouch! Lights edges ahead in this round.
SCORE: Owl City – 1; Lights – 3
ROUND 5: VERSATILITY HOSTILITY
OWL CITY: Adam Young’s talents extend beyond singing and songwriting, though he tends to keep those extras private in interviews.
LIGHTS: Lights showcases a broader artistic toolkit. She designs album art, draws, and even creates Lights-themed comics, drawing inspiration from Sailor Moon, 28 Days Later, and Watchmen.
Owl City wrestles with the breadth of Lights’ talents, feeling the tidal pull of her multi‑facet artistry.
SCORE: Owl City – 1; Lights – 4
ROUND UP: This round ends with Lights clearly ahead. Lights shines with natural ease, while Owl City remains a solid creative voice. As long as Lights continues to radiate, she stands as a leading figure in the scene and The Listening will be remembered as a defining moment.
Owl City and Lights are scheduled to tour together later this month.
Source notes: industry histories, discographies, and award records for both artists informed this comparison.