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Nicotine and The Warmtones perform live in studio | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 15:05 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Nicotine and the Warmtones Shine in Houston Public Media’s Live‑In‑Studio Session

On October 1, 2025 Houston Public Media’s flagship local‑news program Houston Matters aired a special, on‑air music segment that left many listeners buzzing: a live, in‑studio performance by the up‑and‑coming band Nicotine and the Warmtones. The show – which is known for its focus on the city’s cultural pulse – gave the group a rare spotlight, offering both a dynamic performance and an in‑depth conversation about their music, influences, and the place they’re carving out in Houston’s diverse indie‑rock scene.

A Quick Introduction to Nicotine and the Warmtones

The article opens with a concise overview of the band’s origins. Formed in 2022 out of a shared love for ’90s alt‑rock and lo‑fi indie pop, Nicotine and the Warmtones (often shortened to “The Warmtones”) consist of lead singer‑guitarist Alex “Nicotine” Ramirez, bassist Maya Singh, drummer Ben “Benthic” Hall, and guitarist‑keyboardist Sam Ortiz. The quartet’s name is a playful nod to their sonic palette: the “nicotine” of high‑energy riffs paired with the “warm tones” of vintage synths and lush harmonies.

The band’s first full‑length EP, Second‑Chance Neon, dropped in March 2024 to critical acclaim across Houston’s local press, with tracks like “Midnight Alley” and “Pale Light” earning regular airplay on KTRH and 97.9 FM. The Houston Matters piece notes that the EP’s blend of jangly guitars, syncopated basslines, and Alex’s soaring vocal range has positioned the group as a fresh voice in the city’s indie‑rock revival.

The Live Performance: A Showcase of Versatility

After the brief introduction, the article cuts straight into the performance itself. The studio set, which was kept simple— a single stage, a pair of amplifiers, and a wall of vintage microphones— highlighted the band’s raw energy and tight cohesion. The setlist included five tracks, each chosen to showcase a different facet of their sound:

1. “Pale Light” – A shimmering opener that blends bright synth arpeggios with a driving drumbeat. The opening riff immediately caught the studio’s live audience, as described by the host, who notes the palpable “electricity in the room.”

2. “Midnight Alley” – A darker, more introspective piece, featuring layered vocal harmonies and a hypnotic bass line that “felt like a walk through the city’s rain‑slick streets.”

3. “Hollow Echo” – A fan favorite from their earlier EP, re‑imagined with a stronger emphasis on percussive textures and a more pronounced guitar solo.

4. “Electric Dream” – The band's first original single for their forthcoming 2025 album, Neon Mirage. Its catchy hook and retro synth melodies were lauded by the host as “a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity.”

5. “Last Breath” – The set closer, a soaring, anthemic track that showcases the band’s growth in songwriting and live arrangement.

The article captures the intimacy of the performance, citing the host’s comments that the band “knows how to connect with a small, live audience and make every track feel like a shared secret.” The studio’s acoustics were described as “crisp yet warm,” a sonic environment that allowed each instrument to sit comfortably in the mix.

In‑Depth Conversation: What Drives the Warmtones?

Following the set, the segment shifts into a Q&A between the host and the band. While the exact wording of the questions isn’t reproduced in the article, the discussion touches on several key topics:

• Inspiration and Influences: The band cites a wide array of influences, ranging from the shoegaze textures of My Bloody Valentine to the indie pop sheen of Vampire Weekend. Alex explains how the city’s eclectic music culture shapes their songwriting, referencing a “mix of punk rebellion and melodic experimentation” that he feels is uniquely Houstonian.

• Songwriting Process: Maya Singh gives a peek into the collaborative nature of their music. She describes how the band meets in a loft near the Buffalo Bayou, swapping riffs and lyrics until they find the right emotional hook. Sam Ortiz adds that they often record rough demos on his phone before refining them in the studio, a practice that keeps the process “fresh and unfiltered.”

• The Importance of Live Performance: Ben Hall, the drummer, emphasizes how playing live is essential to the band’s evolution. He notes that “the energy of a live room pushes us to improvise and grow, making each show a new experience.” He also reflects on how the Houston Matters performance gave them a chance to connect with fans who may not have heard them at their usual gigs in the Heights or Midtown.

• Upcoming Projects: The conversation turns to their 2025 full‑length album, Neon Mirage, slated for release in November. Alex teases that the new record will explore “more experimental synth textures and deeper lyrical themes,” hinting at a sonic shift that maintains the band’s core identity while expanding its reach.

• Impact on the Houston Scene: The host invites the band to comment on their role in Houston’s music ecosystem. Nicotine and the Warmtones discuss the importance of community-driven venues like the Urban Light and the Stables, where they frequently perform. They also talk about mentoring younger local bands, reflecting on how they “help open doors for others who come into the scene with fresh ideas.”

Community and Cultural Context

The article situates the band’s success within the broader context of Houston’s vibrant music community. It quotes a local critic who writes, “Nicotine and the Warmtones are a perfect example of how Houston’s indie scene continues to thrive, blending the city’s multicultural roots with contemporary sounds.” The article underscores that Houston Public Media’s decision to feature the band on Houston Matters reflects a commitment to showcasing emerging local talent— a strategy that has helped many other acts gain wider recognition.

The host also mentions how the live studio session will be available on the Houston Public Media website and on the network’s app, making it accessible to anyone who missed the broadcast. A link to the band’s official website, their Spotify playlist, and an upcoming tour schedule is provided, giving readers direct access to their music and events.

Final Thoughts

By the time the Houston Matters episode wrapped up, the segment had achieved its goal of celebrating a rising local star while offering listeners an engaging, well‑executed live performance and an insightful look behind the curtain. Nicotine and the Warmtones’ blend of sharp guitar work, lush synth layers, and emotionally resonant lyrics is positioned to make a lasting impression on Houston’s music scene, and the network’s spotlight appears to have given them an essential platform to further that momentum.

For anyone eager to discover new music that feels both rooted in tradition and forward‑looking, the Houston Matters feature on Nicotine and the Warmtones is a must‑watch—and the band’s upcoming album, Neon Mirage, promises to deliver more sonic surprises in the months to come.