Sixth Sonic Spotlight Highlights Emerging Artists at The Armory

The annual showcase featured performances by finalists ARKWAVE, Brendan Nichols, and Lilly Mae.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:05am

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The sixth annual Sonic Spotlight, an emerging music artist showcase, welcomed artists under the age of 22 to perform at The Armory in Fort Collins on March 24. The event, sponsored by the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 105.5 The Colorado Sound, and the Bohemian Foundation, featured five performances, including the three finalists: the band ARKWAVE and solo artists Brendan Nichols and Lilly Mae. ARKWAVE was announced as the 2026 Sonic Spotlight winner and will receive prizes including a $500 gift card, custom t-shirts, and the opportunity to perform at the FoCoMX music festival.

Why it matters

The Sonic Spotlight competition provides a platform for up-and-coming artists in the Fort Collins music scene to showcase their talents and gain exposure. By supporting these emerging musicians, the event helps foster the local creative community and nurtures the next generation of musical talent.

The details

The Sonic Spotlight received over 30 submissions, with eight semi-finalists selected by the FCMoD Squad and industry experts. The semi-finalists recorded original songs at The Blasting Room Studios and received professional development sessions. Their tracks were then played live on-air by The Colorado Sound, and the three finalists were chosen. The finalists worked with Grammy-nominated producer Andrew Berlin and created music videos that debuted alongside their live performances at the showcase.

  • Submissions for the 2026 Sonic Spotlight opened in August 2025.
  • The sixth annual Sonic Spotlight event took place on March 24, 2026.
  • The FoCoMX music festival, where the Sonic Spotlight winner will perform, is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

ARKWAVE

The band that was announced as the 2026 Sonic Spotlight winner. They will receive a $500 gift card, custom t-shirts, and the opportunity to perform at the FoCoMX music festival.

Brendan Nichols

A solo artist and one of the three finalists in the 2026 Sonic Spotlight competition. He creates folk and acoustic music with themes of love, growing up, and control.

Lilly Mae

A solo artist and one of the three finalists in the 2026 Sonic Spotlight competition. She is a music composition student at Colorado State University who shifts between classical and indie music, playing cello, guitar, and piano, and utilizing her vocals.

Mike McTernan

The Sonic Spotlight coordinator, who said the event received over 30 submissions.

Ron Bostwick

The morning host of 105.5 The Colorado Sound, one of the sponsors of the Sonic Spotlight competition.

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What they’re saying

“If we don't have art, why are we living? (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.”

— Ron Bostwick, Morning Host of 105.5 The Colorado Sound

“It's great that everyone's (around) the same age. All (the artists) are coming up in the scene. … Every time we play a show, we're supporting each other, but this just kind of feels a little different. We're all, like, the same community of up-and-coming artists.”

— Thomas Culp, Drummer of ARKWAVE

“(This opportunity) means a lot just to get some confirmation that I'm actually kind of good.”

— Brendan Nichols

“When I was a kid, me and my dad used to make silly songs, and we would record those. When I started growing up and had things to actually say, that's when I started writing.”

— Lilly Mae

What’s next

The FoCoMX music festival, where the Sonic Spotlight winner ARKWAVE will perform, is scheduled for April 2026.

The takeaway

The Sonic Spotlight competition provides a valuable platform for emerging artists in the Fort Collins music scene to showcase their talents, gain exposure, and build a supportive community. By nurturing the next generation of musicians, the event helps ensure the continued vibrancy and diversity of the local creative landscape.