Stepping into the room for LIGHTS in Ottawa, you could feel it right away. The floor was full, the balcony was lined with fans, and there was a steady hum of anticipation that only grows when an artist with a loyal following hits the stage. It felt personal. It felt loud before a single note even played, and once the lights dropped, that energy snapped into something real.
Opening the night was Softcult, a four piece band from Ontario led by twins Mercedes Arn Horn and Phoenix Arn Horn. From the start, their sound carried a balance that pulled people in, blending soft, melodic vocals with heavier instrumentals that gave their set a strong emotional edge.
What stood out most was how tight they were as a group. Every member played an instrument, and it showed in the way their sound came together live. Nothing felt out of place. The crowd settled into their rhythm quickly, and by the end of the set, it was clear they had done more than just open the night. They set the tone for everything that followed.
When Lights hit the stage, the reaction was immediate. She opened with River and Running With The Boys, and just like that, the entire room was moving. It did not take long for the connection between artist and audience to lock in, something she has always been known for.
There is a natural ease to the way she works a crowd. She does not force it. Instead, she invites people in and lets the moment build. Whether it was singing along, hands in the air, or just taking it all in, the audience stayed engaged from start to finish. Seeing her live for the sixth time, it still hits the same. Consistent, energetic, and always worth showing up for.
What made LIGHTS in Ottawa stand out was not just the performance, but the feeling in the room. A packed venue, a strong opener, and an artist who knows exactly how to connect. It all came together in a way that felt genuine.
Some shows are easy to forget. This was not one of them.
