December isn’t slowing down—and neither is the release calendar. This month’s essential tracks cut through the cold with fresh hooks, big emotions, and the kind of energy that carries you straight into the new year.
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Charlotte Sands — “one eye open”
Charlotte Sands announced this month that her new album Satellite is set for arrival on March 6, and she also offered a taste of the LP with “one eye open.” She says, “‘one eye open’ is about learning that love isn’t supposed to feel like survival. It’s the realization you’ve been mistaking control for care and the breaking point that forces you to remove yourself from their grip and remember who you were before they made you doubt it. This song is about taking your power back and choosing your own peace over their chaos. I hope it gives you the strength to put yourself first and serves as a reminder of just how capable you really are.” Pre-order your copy of Satellite here. — Maria Serra
Her Leather Jacket — “Fun”
Following a wild set at When We Were Young, Her Leather Jacket revealed a new single this December, “Fun,” and it’s a party banger. The duo says, “Our song ‘Fun’ is meant to be a cheeky, lighthearted way to shed light on everyday vices that we might all have. If doing all these ‘bad’ things is going to send us to hell… well, at least it’ll be fun.” — Maria Serra
The Paper Kites — “Change Of The Wind”
Indie folk favorites The Paper Kites return with “Change Of The Wind,” the latest preview of their upcoming album If You Go There, I Hope You Find It, out January 23. Carried by soft acoustic strums and introspective lyricism, the song traces a quiet journey of personal change and emotional clarity. —Paige Owens
Stanley Simmons — “Body Down”
Rock royalty doesn’t always guarantee good music. But in the case of Stanley Simmons, the new duo formed by Evan Stanley (son of KISS co-vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley) and Nick Simmons (son of KISS frontman Gene Simmons), pedigree delivers. After gaining early attention for their covers on social media, the pair tap into a timeless classic-rock vein on their debut original single, “Body Down.” “A year ago Stanley Simmons wasn’t even the beginning of a thought in either of our heads. Now it’s pretty much all of them,” Stanley shares. He adds that the pair are proud of the single and their forthcoming record. —Paige Owens
Set For Tomorrow — “Bad Advice”
“Bad Advice” showcases what has made Set For Tomorrow one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in metalcore. From an instrumental with a synthwave touch that will make you feel like you’re in Bladerunner 2049 to a killer chorus and beefy breakdown, this band is about to take the scene by storm. —Patrick Walford
Poppy — “Guardian”
Another banger track off her upcoming album, Empty Hands, dropping next month, Poppy delivers a melodic rollercoaster ride of vocal power. “Guardian” further proves that she is one of the most well-rounded and talented vocalists in rock and metal right now. —Patrick Walford
Girls Tones — “Leave The City”
The perfect coming-of-age song just dropped via Girl Tones’ new release, “Leave The City.” Tackling the notion of venturing out on your own, the sister pair charms listeners with gritty guitar lines and raw storytelling. The duo notes, “‘Leave the City’ is about growing pains, it plays on the idea of loving where you are from, but feeling out of place. Navigating between pain and nostalgia in a place that you simultaneously love and hate.” Coming up in 2026, you can expect Girl Tones to continue their world domination on tour with Dexter and The Moonrocks and Peter McPoland. Check out their run and grab tickets here. — Maria Serra
Yam Haus — “Ain’t Dead Yet”
No matter how wonderful, painful, exciting, or taxing your 2025 has been…Yam Haus wants you to know that the time you have on this planet is precious and to keep on pushing through. With soothing and euphoric sonics, the indie-rockers are the ideal musicians to set the tone for your new year ahead. Yam Haus says, “‘Ain’t Dead Yet’ marks the end of a transitional year for the band. It was a year that started with ‘One Bullet Left,’ a song that asked: how much longer can you hold on to the dream? ‘Ain’t Dead Yet’ answers the question with a hopeful sentiment. Who knows how long any of us have, but while we’re here, we may as well dream away.”—Maria Serra
