Rediscovering a Forgotten Treasure: The Making of LIGHTS' Siberia
Behind the Scenes with LIGHTS during recording of Siberia [screen grab] © Matt Vardy
While going through some old thumb drives recently, I stumbled upon a project I hadn’t thought about in years—one that brought back an incredible wave of nostalgia. Buried among forgotten files was the behind-the-scenes footage I shot back in 2011 for Warner Music, documenting the making of Siberia, the sophomore album by LIGHTS.
The Vision Behind Siberia
Following the success of her debut album The Listening, LIGHTS wanted to explore a grittier, more experimental sound. A night out in Montreal introduced her to dubstep, which she described as "heavy and raunchy but with this melody in there." This inspiration led her to collaborate with Toronto-based electronic band Holy Fuck, known for their raw, analogue-driven sound. The goal was to fuse these elements with her signature synth-pop style, creating something bold and unfiltered.
Another key collaborator in this sonic evolution was Tawgs Salter, a renowned Canadian producer and songwriter known for his work with artists like Josh Groban and Walk Off the Earth. Tawgs played a crucial role in shaping Siberia's dynamic range, blending LIGHTS' signature synth-driven sound with grittier, more textured elements. He appears throughout the behind-the-scenes footage, offering insight into the recording process and helping to bring Siberia to life.
Capturing the Creative Process
Our filming journey began at a remote cabin, affectionately called "The Shack." This secluded spot became the birthplace of many of the songs that would define Siberia. The first video in the series takes you inside this creative retreat, offering a rare look at LIGHTS crafting her music in an intimate and organic setting.
One of the most memorable moments I captured was the recording of Everybody Breaks a Glass. This track exemplifies the album’s experimental nature, blending delicate vocals with heavy electronic textures. Through my lens, you can see the meticulous layering of sounds and the spontaneous energy that shaped the final song.
Another highlight was the session for Flux and Flow, a track that perfectly balanced LIGHTS' melodic songwriting with the raw, unpredictable energy that Holy Fuck brought to the table. Watching these collaborations unfold in real time was a fascinating experience, and I was fortunate to document the creative chemistry that fuelled Siberia.
A Matt Vardy Blog Exclusive: The Making of Banner
One particularly special find is my video that documents the creation of the song called Banner. The original edit of this video was never used or was eventually taken offline—I assume—due to prominent appearances by Jian Ghomeshi, who, at the time, was LIGHTS' manager. (In 2014, Ghomeshi faced multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment, leading to his dismissal from CBC and significant damage to his career in the music and entertainment industry. Although he was acquitted in a 2016 criminal trial, his public profile has remained greatly diminished. It's important to note that LIGHTS was not involved in any of these allegations or legal proceedings.)
Below, I've put together an exclusive re-edit of "The Making of Banner (In Studio BTS Video)", with Ghomeshi removed as a precaution, watchable for the first time:
Reflections on the Experience
Looking back, documenting this project was more than just an assignment - it was witnessing artistic fearlessness in real-time. While our camera gear may seem primitive by today's standards, we embraced those limitations, letting the raw, gritty aesthetic mirror LIGHTS' own 8-bit-inspired creative direction. At a time when most artists carefully curated their public image, she boldly pulled back the curtain, inviting fans into the beautiful chaos of her creative process.
That trust she placed in me to capture these intimate moments wasn't just a professional milestone - it was a front-row seat to watching an artist fully committed to pushing boundaries and staying true to her vision. I hope these behind-the-scenes glimpses help you appreciate the unfiltered magic that went into crafting an album that remains just as electrifying today as it was then. You can experience the finished album below, or on Spotify.
