Why do I need the internet for light shows to play?

LIGHTLINK synchronizes light shows to Spotify by communicating with the Spotify server over the internet. So, if you are not connected to the internet, LIGHTLINK can't talk to the Spotify server and won't know that you are playing a song. Also, LIGHTLINK talks to your Nanoleaf over wifi (through your router). So, in order to send the light commands to your Nanoleaf or other connected smart lights, you need to be connected to wifi.