Nicotine Dolls create music that demands attention. Their raw storytelling and gritty vocals evoke the feeling of an honest 3am phone call from a best friend. With punchy instrumentation and memorable hooks, their music blends emotion and energy seamlessly. Formed in 2019, the New York-based quartet—Sam Cieri [vocals], John Hays [guitar], John Merritt [bass], and Abel Tabares [drums]—came together after Cieri and Hays met during a Broadway tour. Their friendship eventually attracted Merritt and Tabares, and they gained recognition with hits like “What Makes You Sad,” which has over 13 million Spotify streams. Their cover of “The Best” has surpassed 12 million streams, and their collective music has reached nearly 50 million Spotify streams.

With over 1.7 million TikTok followers and 900k Instagram followers, Nicotine Dolls have built a strong fanbase. They’ve released several self-produced singles and EPs, including the 2024 live EP Nicotine Dolls on Audiotree Live. After signing with Nettwerk Music Group, they’ve earned praise from SPIN for their vulnerability and Cieri’s powerful, emotional vocals.

Their debut full-length album, due in early 2025, is already gaining buzz. Cieri describes it as his attempt to embrace the vulnerability of wanting to love and be loved, reflecting on his own longing for connection despite enjoying his independent life with his dog, Indiana.