Every month, ROQ Charlotte curates a mix of rising artists, genre-benders, regional standouts, and underground gems. This November Watchlist pulls together 13 songs across ROQ Charlotte, 25-8-366 Global Radio, Oui Global Radio, and The Vessel. Hosted by the incomparable Greazy Keyz from the rBeatz VIP suite, the ROQ Charlotte Watchlist delivers everything from intimate lo-fi creations to electrifying studio productions and nostalgic favorites.
ROQ Charlotte
ROQ Charlotte delivers classic rock, vintage favorites, and fresh global tracks.
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Invader Houses - Moon is Bright (All I Ever Needed)
The “Moon is Bright (All I Ever Needed)” track comes from Invader Houses, the solo project of Charlotte-based multi-instrumentalist Phil Pucci. “Moon is Bright” delivers dreamy synth-rock textures with atmospheric production and wistful, introspective vocals. The track’s shimmering synth layers and intimate vocal style match Pucci’s established aesthetic as a self-producing artist.
DemiGodSwerve feat. Ka$hmere The Jedi - Addiction
The fresh, under-the-radar release “Addiction” by indie artists DemiGodSwerve and Ka$hmere The Jedi sits squarely in the underground hip-hop/rap lane. It features textured beats, melodic hooks, and modern rap cadences with some melodic R&B influence. Jeffrey The Ervin II, the composer and lyricist for the song, is also credited as its producer.
Randy Franklin & The Sardines - Heard it on the AM
“Heard it on the AM” is a single by Randy Franklin & The Sardines released on September 29, 2025. It’s a song that evokes a nostalgic feel among listeners, referencing an era of AM radio. Sonically, it leans into classic rock and Americana influences. It pairs roots-rock instrumentation with narrative storytelling, which is a hallmark of Randy Franklin’s long-running Charlotte music presence. Boo English is credited as the producer.
Late Night Special - It’s My City
Late Night Special is known for their soulful rock and brass-meets-pop stylings. Their song “It’s My City” is a hometown anthem celebrating city life and local sports teams. With expressive vocals and a full-band arrangement consistent with the band’s energetic live-performance style, “It’s My City” is the official theme song for the CBS sports show Staycation Sports. It was co-produced by Fred Lee IV, the band’s frontman, and Tim Gawert.
The Sammies - Fish Outta Water
The song “Fish Outta Water” by indie rock band The Sammies is a two-minute track released as a single on October 9, 2025. The Charlotte-based band, whose music has been featured in film and on television shows like Employee of the Month, Friday Night Lights, and Entourage, has been active on the garage/indie rock scene for several years.
Time Sawyer - Appalachian Bound (Live)
Consistent with Time Sawyer’s signature folk-rock storytelling, built on harmonies and acoustic instrumentation, “Appalachian Bound – Live” serves. This live version of the high-energy, laid-back rockabilly-influenced Americana/folk-rock song captures the band’s raw performance style. Micheal Hamilton produced the live recording at the Reevestock Music Festival in 2017.
Max Hightower - I Ain’t Lyin’
“I Ain’t Lyin’” is a song from Max Hightower’s 2025 album, Nothin’ but the TRUTH, released on February 21. This jazzy, upbeat blues track has a light feel, featuring excellent piano work by Rob Davis and alto sax played by James Beaumont. The song, co-produced by Max Hightower and Big Jon Atkinson, is noted for its tight groove, Hightower’s harmonica skills, “caffeinated” energy, and a “growl” in his vocals that reviewers have compared to Tom Waits.
ROQ Charlotte and USA HEROES RADIO
ROQ Charlotte and USA HEROES RADIO unite classic rock spirit with modern American storytelling, spotlighting fresh talent and heartfelt anthems about the American experience.
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Justin Clyde Williams - Thankful
Following Justin Clyde Williams’ heartfelt Americana and country-roots style, “Thankful” is a very personal song expressing the artist’s profound gratitude. The theme is centered on being thankful even in difficult times. Released in October and produced by Nicholas Jamerson, the track is part of the Flying album and features vocals and guitar by Williams, with bass guitar provided by Tyler Andrew Young.
Oui Global Radio
Oui Global Radio offers a mix of global culture, dancehall, hybrid pop, rap, and cross-continental sounds, spotlighting artists shaping the future of international music.
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Sudan Archives - Come and Find You / DEAD
“Come and Find You” and “DEAD” are two tracks from Sudan Archives’ (Brittney Parks) 2025 album, The BPM. The long player focuses on club-forward, dancefloor-ready music while exploring the themes of love, heartbreak, and anxiety. “Come and Find You” was built from a loop by one of the artist’s stylists and features live drumming. “DEAD,” the album’s opening track, blends experimental R&B, violin-driven melodies, and electronic textures. Sudan Archives and Ben Dickey produced both tracks. Umesi Michael and Zep Barnasconi are also credited as producers of “Come and Find You.”
Victor Ray - Contagious
Presented as Victor Ray’s bold new chapter under Universal Music Canada, “Contagious” is a dance-worthy 2025 single that mixes soulful vocals with moody synths and meticulous alt-pop production. It captures emotional tension and desire in its lyrics. The track was produced by Bēkon (Daniel Tannenbaum), who’s known for his work with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and other high-profile artists.
25-8-366 Global Radio
25-8-366 Global Radio features pop, punk, garage, indie, and old-school mixes from around the world.
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Die Spitz - RIDING WITH MY GIRLS
The high-energy punk rock song “RIDING WITH MY GIRLS” by Die Spitz talks about freedom and the power of female friendship. It’s featured on the band’s debut album, Something to Consume, and released in September. The song showcases the band’s signature sound, mixing raw garage-punk energy, heavy guitars, and chaotic vocals. A music video for the track was released in tandem with the album, which was produced by Will Yip.
Frost Children – “RADIO”
Frost Children’s song “RADIO” features a collaboration with singer Kim Petras and features a “bubbly yet edgy” sound. This catchy daredevil song with a high-energy aesthetic is reminiscent of 2008-era vibes. It’s taken from Frost Children’s album Sister, a music collection known for its synth-heavy, dark, and experimental electronic soundscapes.
The Vessel Radio
The Vessel delivers “supernatural sounds” of life, love, praise, worship, and soul by curating multi-genre spiritual music for inner peace and inspired growth.
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Oge Stan - Holy / I Am Temple / Your Love
Canadian gospel singer Oge Stan’s contemporary Christian songs “Holy,” “I Am Temple,” and “Your Love”—all released in 2025—feature inspiring, heartfelt lyrics and the artist’s emotive vocals. “Holy,” “I Am Temple,” and the live version of “Your Love” are featured in the Awakened album released in September, although “Your Love” was initially released as a single in May.
If you like exploring fresh new music, the ROQ Charlotte Watchlist has got you covered. Stay tuned daily for fresh new sounds and keep coming back to discover more.