Discover 11 of the hottest new songs from December. These tracks enjoy high rotation on many rBeatz stations, including ROQ Charlotte, Oui Global Radio, and USA HEROES RADIO. From authentic Southern sounds to fresh global beats, we’ve got all musical tastes covered. The ROQ Charlotte Watchlist is hosted by Greazy Keyz, who presents live and direct from the rBeatz studio.
ROQ Charlotte is our beloved tribute to the city’s original radio station icon — the Q.
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Falllift - All Salt
Falllift is an exciting new folk duo based in Rowan County, NC. Their latest single, “All Salt,” features Boris “Bluz” Rogers, and it deals with everyday struggles during uncertain times. This duo consists of Micah Cottingham and William Steven Hall, with Cottingham writing most of the lyrics and Hall focusing on instrumentation. This is Falllift’s fourth single in two years, and it’s their most vulnerable release so far. This track was produced by Daniel Hodges and recorded at Old House Studio in Charlotte.
Paper Pills - Shampoo
“Shampoo” is the first release from Paper Pills’ upcoming studio album, Peer Pressure. It starts off with fuzzy indie guitars before space is created and vocals enter the mix. The structure is fairly typical for an indie-pop number, but the lyrics dive deep into the darkness with probing fingers and limbs. This song is an authentic slice of alternative rock from Asheville, NC — a locale with lots of talented musicians and a budding alt-rock scene.
John Mark McMillan - Ancient Love
“Ancient Love” is the title track from John Mark McMillan’s latest album, Cosmic Supreme. It’s a pop song about celebrating God with love and affection. This isn’t a subtle track by any measure; it’s a spiritual anthem full of reflective poetry and powerful instrumentation. Among other things, we get to enjoy thunderous drums, acoustic guitars, and layered vocals above a strong mid-tempo groove. This is a definite highlight of John Mark McMillan’s recent album, returning to his familiar sound while still feeling fresh.
Uwade - (I Wonder) What We're Made Of
Born in Nigeria and raised in North Carolina, Uwade continues to set the musical world on fire. Her first studio album, Florilegium, was just released, and this track is one of the standout numbers. On this song, Uwade builds a hazy picture through a magical narrative and rich sonic tapestry. Uwade produced this song herself, with additional production and engineering credits given to Joe LaPorta. “(I Wonder) What We’re Made Of” is about the transcendent nature of life and love in fragile human form.
Susong - Broken French
Susong is two brothers making folk-pop tunes with indie heart and soul. Matt and Michael Susong live in different towns and lead different lives, but they share a deep passion for music. “Broken French” is the latest song crafted by the duo from their recent EP, matae. With poetic lyrics, complex themes, sparse instrumentation, and thoughtful production, “Broken French” is a musical triumph. This song is about a couple ignoring unpleasant truths in their relationship — a subject all too familiar to many.
Search Party - Trembling Hand
This latest song by Search Party is full of metaphor and morality. It presents an image of the “awful, trembling hand of God” to explore existential themes of life, death, and decision-making. The lyrics contemplate how easily a life can end, with the narrator reflecting on one possible ending via a plane crash. Musically, “Trembling Hand” is built on a simple four-chord loop, which blends into feedback to simulate a radio receiver going dead. This track is written, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Austin Tighe and Grace Hinson.
Teleportation - Gold (Under the Sun)
“Gold (Under the Sun)” is a recent song by Teleportation, dealing with big-ticket issues like good, evil, and triumph in a compromised age. This song was released on streaming platforms in August 2025, as the band connects with its existing fan base and generates new listeners across the globe. This project is a collaboration between Stephen Warwick and A.J. Haynes, who also sings in the band Seratones. Warwick is listed as the recording engineer for “Gold (Under the Sun),” along with the rest of the five-song Teleportation EP.
USA Heroes is about heavy guitar sounds and authentic Americana vibes.
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The Cold Stares - Standing Against the Wind
The Cold Stares is comprised of Chris Tapp on vocals, Brian Mullins on guitars, and Bryce Klueh on bass. This Southern act makes authentic music with great energy and emotional depth. “Standing Against the Wind” is one of their latest tracks, and this gritty rock song brings the ’70s into the present day. This song was originally released on the duo’s 2024 album, The Southern, where Tapp is credited as the songwriter, producer, recording engineer, and mixing engineer. Chris Tapp’s vocals on this number are delivered with soul, above Led Zeppelin-like jams and psychedelic journeying.
Tyler Bryant feat. Rebecca Lovell - Mama Like to Rock
This rootsy track is fused with nostalgia and powered by heartfelt Americana. It features Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe, who is now the proud Mrs. Bryant. Released in November 2025, “Mama Like to Rock” blends a sepia-tinted sound with feel-good vibes throughout. While you still get elements of traditional blues, the Bryant couple makes it feel so homely and wholesome. Apparently, this song came to life on a sunny Tennessee morning, when Tyler Bryant was ruminating on life as a new father. “Mama Like to Rock” is produced by the man himself.
Noga Erez - PENNY LAME
Noga Erez just released the wonderful track “PENNY LAME” as part of her Against the Machine series. While this inventive electro-pop single features elements of rap and electronic music, Erez retains her signature sound and style. “PENNY LAME” combines strong sample-based beats with lyrical themes about urban life and personal invention. The complex production of this number comes from multiple professionals, including Ori Rousso, Justin Parker, Itamar Loebstein, and Noga Erez herself.
Oui Global Radio brings you the best new music from across the indie-pop and indie-rock spectrum.
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Sampa The Great feat. Mwanjé - Can't Hold Us
All the way from Australia, Sampa The Great delivers feel-good vibes in a powerful sonic package. “Can’t Hold Us” is her latest jam, and it’s a defiant declaration of artistic freedom and personal identity. This fantastic high-energy track merges ’70s Zambian rock with modern hip-hop and soul. Sampa The Great brings these disparate genres to life with her transcendent poetry and unmatched sense of style. More than entertainment, this song is an uncompromising anthem about personal identity and cultural pride. “Can’t Hold Us” is produced by Britain’s Cadenza.
If you love exploring tasty new music, the ROQ Charlotte Watchlist is here to help. Stay tuned daily for fresh new sounds, and come back next month to discover more.