[Exclusive Interview] Inside the Storm: Vortxz on Houston Roots, Hope Core, and Breaking Genre Walls

When I first heard Vortxz, it felt like stumbling into a sonic wormhole — one part spacey indie dreamscape, one part raw emotion, and all tied together by a Latino soul. The Houston-based trio isn’t just blurring lines between genres; they’re challenging what it means to feel music in 2025.

This interview marks a major milestone — the first-ever exclusive interview for The Mikan Box. I connected with the band just as they were preparing for an intimate show, and what followed was an honest, unfiltered conversation on identity, inspiration, and the heart behind their sound. From their origins in a Chick-fil-A to throwing their first show on a whim instead of a Harry Potter movie marathon, Vortxz isn’t just riding the wave — they’re building their own.

Let’s dive in.

“Let’s start from the beginning. How did Vortxz come together, and what inspired the name?”

Rambo (lead singer/songwriter):
“Vortxz started around February 2021. We all kinda met through a different band, and Noe had found my Instagram — it was called Vortex at the time. I was just posting originals and covers, and he hit me up like, ‘Bro, let me produce for you.’ I was like, okay… and it turned out we lived super close.

But then I told him, ‘I don’t want you just producing. Do you wanna be in a band with me?’ He said yes. And he was already in a band with John, so I was like, ‘You think John would be down?’ We met up at Chick-fil-A, I said we’re thinking like indie/alternative vibes, and he was in. That was Monday. By Wednesday, we jammed at my house, and the chemistry was instant.”

Noe (guitar/keys):
“It was Black Friday. I was supposed to throw a Harry Potter movie night at my place. Instead… we decided to throw a concert with our closest friends. That was the real start.”

Rambo:
“I picked the name ‘Vortex’ because I’ve always loved space. I wanted our music to be a space people could escape to — a place of hope, comfort, and expression. The spelling got changed to Vortxz because ‘Vortex’ was already taken by too many gamer tags and construction companies.

People ask if it’s spelled like that because we’re from Texas — I swear I didn’t even think of that until someone pointed it out! But yeah, it’s just us wanting to stand out.”

“Being based in Houston, how has the city or Texas music scene shaped your sound?”

Noe:
“Houston’s super multicultural. We’ve made friends from all kinds of backgrounds, and you have access to venues, shows, and art you wouldn’t get in smaller towns. But ironically, our sound doesn’t sound like Houston.

When we started in 2021, the scene was mostly metal, grunge, and punk. We’d open shows with our indie-Latino vibe… and then a screamo band would go on after us. People were thrown off, but it made us stand out.”

“There’s a strong message in your mission — hope, freedom, expression. How does that show up in your songwriting?”

Rambo:
“I’ve been writing since I was 11. It started off super cringe — like, love songs I wouldn’t even show my mom. But now, I’ve grown. I realize songwriting has power.

When people tell me, ‘How did you know I was going through that?’ — I’m like, I didn’t. I went through it too. And we’re not that different. Once you understand people are hurting in similar ways, you write from a deeper place.

I love where culture is headed. People aren’t afraid to show emotion now. There’s this thing on TikTok called ‘hope core,’ and I’m seeing people being vulnerable. I want our lyrics to live in that space — hopeful, honest, healing.”

“How do each of you bring your own influences or styles into Vortxz?”

Noe:
“I’m older than the guys, and I come from EDM, rock, synths — I love genre blending. Van Halen was a huge influence on me. One minute he’s doing a guitar solo, next he’s on keys. I try to bring that flexibility.

And honestly, Selena was massive for me. She genre-bended like no one else — Tejano, pop, cumbia, even disco. Her band at the Houston Astrodome? Legendary. I think watching her taught me that to be great, you have to blend.”

Rambo:
“I joked when we started that I wanted to win a Grammy in every genre. We all listen to everything. Being on tour, we’d just ride along with whatever the driver had on. That ends up influencing us in ways you don’t expect.

When we write, we’ll think — ‘What if we mix this genre with that? What if we add a twist here?’ We’ll even study the roots of genres just to get it right before putting our own spin on it.”

“There’s a growing demand for bilingual or bicultural music. How intentional is your use of Spanish?”

Rambo:
“The fans love it. Labels do too. Noe actually pointed out that every Spanish song we’ve done is a hit — and he’s right.

We’re never against it. Sometimes a song just feels like it needs to be in Spanish. Like ‘¿Qué Estoy Haciendo Aquí?’ — that started in English, but once we flipped it, it just made sense.

Noe:
It’s never forced. We’re not trying to be trendy. It’s who we are. But it has to come naturally.”

“What’s been your favorite show or most memorable performance so far?”

“¿Qué show ha sido tu favorito desde el principio?... Vamos a decir el más memorable... Pues, ¿en general? Porque hay muchos factores...”

Jon:
“I’d say San Francisco. I just felt really comfortable there — I don’t know why. But that’s what I’d say.”

Noe:
“The people in SF made us feel incredible. We felt welcomed, and the energy was amazing.”

Rambo:
“For me, it was Houston. September 9. That was our first time playing there, and it was special.”

“Which of your tracks best represent Vortxz's evolution or vision?”

Rambo:
“For me? The Garden. It’s from our upcoming album, and it shows how much we’ve grown — mentally, emotionally, spiritually. That one’s deeply personal.”

Noe:
“Off stuff that’s out now, I’d say Esperanto. That song marked a new direction for us — especially in Spanish. But honestly, Call Me On the Phone was the first time I felt like we’d made something truly outside of our comfort zone… and it worked. It’s when I knew we had something.”

Jon:
“For me, from the songs we’ve released — Me & You. I have my reasons. Every time I play it or listen to it, it makes me feel and remember why this band exists. That song is the one that captures Vortxz to me.”

“What’s next for Vortxz — new music, tours, visuals?”

Rambo:
“New music. Our sophomore album is on the way, and it’s a huge shift from the first one — in the best way. Fans have heard some snippets here and there, and the response has been amazing.

We’re also planning an East Coast tour and more visuals. But the main thing is: get ready for a lot of new music.”

Vortxz didn’t just step into the scene — they warped it.
They’re not only making bilingual indie-Latino rock; they’re making space for people to feel. With a second album around the corner and a growing fanbase behind them, they’re bringing raw performance, deep connection, and a touch of theatrics to every show.

And if you haven’t seen them live yet, let’s just say — the phone’s already ringing. Pick it up.