Introducing Sam Cullen.
From playing gigs at the pub in his hometown of Invercargrill, to playing on the big stage, Sam is truely living his dream. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey with his music so far.
How did this all start? Did you grow up loving music and singing? Was this always a dream for you?
"I had a teacher in Primary School who would play guitar for us when I was seven, the same year my parents got me a guitar for Christmas. Once I turned fourteen, I started playing gigs, which, when you live in a small town like Invercargill, you get to know everyone quickly. This often resulted in an opportunity to play gigs, which was cool. One of the first gigs I ever played was at BurgerFuel in Invercargill, which was like a full-circle moment. I started writing music around the same time, so it was then that I realised that this was me; I’m good to go now. I started releasing music when I was seventeen and haven’t looked back.
Do you feel moving from your hometown of Invercargill to Auckland has changed you musically?
"I guess so. I stopped through Wellington for three years, so it felt like a gradual move, but home still influences all my music. I think it all stems from there. I get a lot of lyrical content from home and the experiences from growing up there."
"I feel like the sound and music I like comes from how I grew up in Invercargill–playing covers of rock music in the local pubs. I think that kind of music is deeply rooted in me I’m not sure if living in Auckland has changed my music, but I think it’s given me so many more opportunities to play and live and helped me form my career."
Who are your music inspirations/ do you look up to?
"At the start, I would just play the songs that my parents suggested I play at the pubs. Once I went to University, I found my love for Bruce Springsteen. Growing up, my grandfather always had his records and played them around me. University allowed me to see him and connect with his music. From there, many other artists, such as the Killers and Sam Fender, are all from the same, rock-pop genre
Who are your music idols?
"I think about this a lot; like to me, Bruce Springsteen is an idol, but the music industry has changed so much since he first started, so nowadays, I’d say Sam Fender. He’s from the UK, and all his music is based on his hometown. I found that he’s excellent at storytelling through his music and imagery. I think that’s what I look up to the most, being an artist as a whole, not just a musician."
What keeps you motivated?
"I think I’m too deep not to do it now. It’s that thing; if I say no to that gig, what am I potentially missing out on? I’ve had many opportunities to meet incredible people, which have opened doors to more for me. I guess it's mostly FOMO."
What’s your favourite part of the song-making process, writing, mixing, recording, and releasing?
"Playing live is my favourite part.Many people are on the fence about being on stage or in the studio, but I prefer to be on stage. I’m very lucky that I now get to play with a five-piece band who all just happen to be my best mates"
Let’s talk about Love Again; what was your inspiration for this song?
"I released a new EP in April called Love Again, which had two songs already released and then two new ones. Love Again, the song, in its essence, is a love song, but it was less of an “I love you, you love me” and more like looking at love and opening yourself up to experiencing it. As I entered adulthood, it took me a while to figure myself out and allow myself to open up to love and affection. I guess it’s just a reflection of that. Super proud of the song."
What’s your process when it comes to music videos? Do you have an idea when writingthe song, or is it more about going with the flow?
"I've always been bad at it; I envy artists who can immediately see what something should look like. I’m lucky to have a music video director, DaveThompson, who’s fantastic at his job and just gets what I’m trying to achieve."
What do you have coming up that you can share with us?
"I'm working on finishing my debut album, which is super fun as we are in post-production, which hopefully means it will be put out early to mid-2025. I’m also playing at the Two Minds Festival in Christchurchin March next year. It’s a cool festival, so I’m stoked to be on their lineup"
What burger do you think Love Again would be if it were on the BF menu?
Bacon BBQ Roadster, because I feel like that kind of burger is always big, and the artwork has flames or something along those lines, which feels some sort of rock and roll, so that’s probably the closest. And I love that burger.
What would your idea lBF burger contain?
Brioche bun, teriyaki chicken, teriyaki sauce, kewpie mayo, salad and a kick of spice at the end.
To round out an epic interview, we had to put Sam through our quick-fire round.
What is your go-to song for Jam Out in the Car? You get what you give–The Radicals.
Who is your favourite artist at the moment? Fontaines D.C. and Sam Fender.
One thing you can’t perform without? My guitar
One artist or band you would love to co-lab with? BruceSpringsteen.
Go to BurgerFuel order? Bacon BBQ Roadster, Spud Fries and a Coke
Fire or Backfire
Pickles in burgers-Fire
Crocs-Fire
Karaoke-Fire
BurgerFuel Aioli-Fire
Acoustic performances–Generally Fire
NZ Music Month-Fire
Festivals-Fire
Singing in the shower-Definitely Fire
Pineapple on pizza-Fire
Supermarket in bare feet-Backfire
Sam also recently performed at Live Nation and One NZ's Ones To Watch. Check out what went down.
