Lights - Banner

What this video is

Released February 9, 2012 as the fourth single from Lights' sophomore album Siberia (October 4, 2011), 'Banner' emerged at a pivotal moment in Canadian independent music when synth-pop was fusing with dubstep and indietronica aesthetics. Siberia, co-produced with Holy Fuck and Thomas 'Tawgs' Salter, was described as 'grittier' and 'darker' than Lights' debut, reflecting the broader early-2010s shift away from clean…

Why it matters

A document of early-2010s Canadian electropop at its crossover peak — blending synth-pop accessibility with dubstep grit. The Siberia era marked Lights' transition from polished teen synth-pop to a more mature, underground-adjacent sound, and 'Banner' exemplifies the high-contrast, emotionally…

The director

Sean Michael Turrell is a Canadian director of music videos and documentary television. A graduate of York University's Film Production Program, he has directed over 100 videos for major and independent artists including Billy Talent, Lights, Sum 41, Tegan…