Former Southland Entertainer of the Year nominee Sam Cullen is coming home for a Halloween gig at Tuatara this evening (Saturday 31st October)
The 20-year-old singer/songwriter spent lockdown home with family in Invercargill but was now back at Victoria University studying Jazz, after completing his ‘1000x EP’ – which he has been performing around the country.
“It’s great to be out on tour again. It’s insane and I’m super grateful.”
The second year Bachelor Of Music student said touring made a nice change after all the Covid restrictions. So far this year he has performed sell-out shows in Auckland and Christchurch, and he also played in Wellington, Queenstown and soon Invercargill and Dunedin. He’s also picked up a slot opening for kiwi legend Don McGlashan in Wellington a couple of days before coming south.
Sam managed to score New Zealand On Air funding to create the music video for the EP’s leading single ‘1000x’ – an energetic video (involving an angry mob) filmed in Auckland and Wellington by Auckland-based production company Imaginary Friends. The rest of the EP was co-produced with SIT Music tutor David Baker, Hayden Budd (LittleFire Studios) and Auckland-based producer Chris Scott.
Describing his time in lockdown as “therapeutic,” he said it helped being at home in a supportive and familiar environment to finish his new EP release.
The talented songwriter tailors his live set around the production of his songs – making use of guitar, drum pads and synthesisers in the mix as well.
“It’s a big sound for one person.” he said, and this was what people could expect next Saturday at his show.
The inspiration for his lyrics come from many sources, including love (admittedly he’s only had one long-term relationship that he’s currently in now), as well as exploring masculinity.
But he was also inspired by the world from an observational viewpoint, and some of the songs on his EP were written when he was just 16 and 17 years of age.
“I’ve found that you don’t have to take truths entirely and put them into a song. It’s also about getting out and absorbing experiences.”
Sam’s spending the summer months at home in Invercargill so keep an eye out for some more of his gigs, including the possibility of an outdoor concert.
His ‘1000x EP’ is brought to Invercargill thanks to Community Trust South and Massav Productions, and will have support from Michael Kuresa, DJ Nihilism and Lock & Key.