The sixth annual Sonic Spotlight, an emerging music artist showcase, welcomed artists under the age of 22 to perform at The Armory March 24. The 2026 Sonic Spotlight — which was sponsored by the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 105.5 The Colorado Sound and the Bohemian Foundation — featured five performances, including this year’s three finalists: the band ARKWAVE and solo artists Brendan Nichols and Lilly Mae.
“Someone once said to me, ‘If we don’t have art, why are we living?’” Morning Host of The Colorado Sound Ron Bostwick said during the showcase. “(Art is) what makes life, life. … Sonic Spotlight is one of those programs that helps to make sure that we have something to live for … when the times get tough.”
Submissions for the showcase opened in August 2025, gathering over 30 entries, said Mike McTernan, the Sonic Spotlight coordinator. From there, eight semi-finalists — selected by the FCMoD Squad, the museum’s youth advisory board, as well as industry experts — proceeded to record original songs at The Blasting Room Studios and received professional development sessions. Semi-finalists’ tracks were eventually played live on-air by The Colorado Sound, and the finalists were selected.
Following a lively 20-minute performance of original tracks that combined house music, metal and jazz, ARKWAVE was announced as the 2026 Sonic Spotlight winner. Winners were selected by a panel of judges involved in the Colorado music scene. They were evaluated based on the criteria of composition and arrangement; creativity and artistry; technical ability and musicianship; music video; and strength of performance…