New Music, Life Lessons, and Stadium Anthems
Fred Heintz IV—frontman of Late Night Special—returns to Local Music Somewhere with Greazy Keyz to premiere the band’s latest single, “It’s My City.” The track is featured in an upcoming episode of CBS’s Emmy Award-winning show Staycation. Late Night Special blends funk, indie, and alt-rock into a sound that lifts spirits and electrifies crowds. From their breakout hit “Don’t Leave Me Lonely” to their upcoming new releases, the Charlotte-based band continues to evolve while staying true to their roots.
Key Takeaways
- New music: Singles this fall, full album and vinyl in 2026.
- Dream venues: Outdoor stages like Desert Peak Complex stand out.
- Family influence: Fred’s son inspired a possible Power Rangers cover.
- Sports anthem potential: “It’s My City” could soon echo in stadiums.
- Life balance: Identity goes beyond music, making the journey richer.
Fred Heintz IV | Late Night Special
About Me – Fred Heintz IV
Late Night Special is a funked-up alternative indie rockin’ pop outfit native to Charlotte, NC. To them, music is all about breaking rules, lifting spirits, and connecting with audiences who crave something real.
Founding member Fred Lee IV delivers a Red Hot-Kings of Leon flare behind the mic, while bassist / lead guitarist Tius Ragan-Johnson, and sax/keys auxiliary Rhiannon Dewey bring it on home for fans of The Killers, Cold Play and Lord Huron.
Late Night Special found a boost of success in 2021 with its indie rock anthem, “Don’t Leave Me Lonely,” and has become known for its exploratory songwriting style. The group has broken its own barriers with each release, as heard in the funky dance cut “If You Groove,” ethereal dreamscape EP World Remains the Same, feel-good rock ballad “Summer Nights,” and bombastic new single, “Spray.”
In 2025/2026, LNS plans to focus on exploring new songwriting territory, adding new flavor to live shows, and conquering markets beyond Charlotte as a featured artist in the nationally-touring Night Lights Sky Lantern Festival.
A New Conversation on rBeatz Radio
On the latest episode of Local Music Somewhere on rBeatz Radio (rBeatz.com), host Greazy Keyz caught up with Fred Lee IV, the charismatic frontman of Charlotte’s own Late Night Special. The two talked about everything from upcoming releases and unforgettable venues to family life, personal growth, and even a surprise Power Rangers connection.
Late Night Special is gearing up for an exciting new chapter with six fresh tracks ready to roll out this fall, paving the way for a full album and vinyl release next year, followed by a tour. Fred explained that the band’s strategy is to “come out the gate” strong, keeping fans engaged as each new song drops. It’s all part of their continued evolution as a band that thrives on connection and authenticity.
When it comes to performing, Fred’s heart belongs to outdoor stages. He recalled a particularly moving show at the Desert Peak Complex in Salt Lake City, where the sunset over the mountains turned the set into something unforgettable. For him, open-air venues let the music “breathe” — a feeling that transforms every chord and lyric into something bigger than the stage itself.
The conversation took a playful turn when Fred shared a story about his young son’s love for Power Rangers. If Late Night Special ever covered a children’s TV theme, Fred said they’d go with the Power Rangers theme — a song he’s even performed at a local ballpark. It’s a fun nod to how music bridges generations and how family life continues to shape his artistry.
One of the standout tracks from their upcoming material, “It’s My City,” carries the kind of anthemic power meant for stadiums. With its chant-driven hook and bold energy, the song has already caught the attention of Staycation Sports — a CBS Emmy-winning show that spotlights local athletics — for potential use as its theme song. Fred sees that interest as a sign that the song could become something much bigger, a rallying cry for fans and the city alike.
Beyond music, Fred reflected on the deeper lessons he’s learned along the way. For years, his entire identity was tied to being a musician. Now, as a husband and father, he recognizes that life’s richness comes from balance — embracing family, growth, and joy outside of the spotlight. That evolution, he said, has made his connection to music even stronger.
Late Night Special will mark their 10-year anniversary on October 10th with a celebration at JackBeagle’s Live (formerly The Rabbit Hole) — the same venue that hosted their first album release show. For Fred and the band, it’s more than just a milestone; it’s a full-circle moment that honors a decade of music, memories, and momentum.
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