Lilith Fair Perfomer LIGHTS Lists Her Inspirational Ladies

Posted on Mar 31st 2010 4:35PM by Lonny Knapp
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Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan originally founded the all-female Lilith Fair in 1997 in reaction to the male-dominated music industry. Since then, female artists have all but dominated the charts. But according to Canadian electro-popper LIGHTS -- who was in grade school when the inaugural Lilith Fair tour launched -- a male sensibility continues to saturate the music industry.

"The truth is we are still a minority," the Toronto indie-pop star tells Spinner. "I'm not advocating 'Girl Power,' but I love this celebration of the women in the music industry. Often we know our stuff better than guys do."

Added to this summer's re-launched Lilith Fair line-up, which will kick off in Calgary on June 27, LIGHTS will share the stage with the likes of Tegan and Sara, Mary J Blige, Norah Jones and Sarah McLachlan as well as living legend Loretta Lynn.

Spinner caught up with LIGHTS and asked her to list five female musicians that most influenced her career.

1. Bjork

She's her own entity. From her image and sound, all the way down to the artwork on her albums, she is in charge of her career. She's the whole package and that is very inspiring to me.

2. Joni Mitchell

She's a legendary Canadian songstress, and if I could write songs like her one day, that would be awesome.

3. Dolly Parton

In terms of songwriting and work ethic, I'd have to say Dolly Parton. When I read that she would write a song every day, it really opened my eyes. It made me realize that I'd have to work hard if I wanted to become a great songwriter.

4. Cyndi Lauper

She's a phenomenal woman. She is gorgeous, but not traditionally so, and has a beautiful, but not traditional, voice. Growing up she made me feel that it was OK to be different.

5. Darlene Zschech

She is singer-songwriter from a worship team from Australia. All of her recordings are live and there is a quality to them that has stuck with me; she's so passionate and she inspired me to be a better performer.