Sam Cullen is living the musician dream in Auckland, but he’ll never forget his roots in the South.
The 24-year-old just released another single ‘That Somebody’s You,’ complete with a music video that he filmed, driving through the Desert Road in a friend’s old BMW.
It’s the first song off his debut album due out in November, and this summer Sam Cullen & His Band will tour New Zealand, performing at pubs, music venues and outdoor concerts.
Sam’s played at Rhythm & Vines twice already, having bailed up one of the organisers to come and watch one of his gigs - you have to be cheeky in this game.
“It was pretty organic. The industry here is small enough that you can do that,” he said.
At just 15, he was singing covers music at rugby clubrooms and in bars - and putting himself out there has now given him the confidence to ask for what he needs.
Sam misses the south and his family and friends, but many of his following from Victoria University days have moved north together, “and I love Auckland, it’s where I need to be.”
His next solo ‘Don’t Leave Me Alone’ is due out next Friday, and right now Sam has a lot going on, but it sounds like he’s on the right path.
One thing he’s recently come to grips with is actually backing himself, and accepting compliments when people show appreciation of his music.
“Because if you’re not confident in yourself, how can anyone be confident in you? You have to quietly back yourself.”
While he’s had many recent opportunities and making progress in his music career, Sam said there are still days he gets turned down, and the goalposts always move.
“At the end of the day, I’m making music that I want to make, and it’s reaching people.”
One thing he has learned about the industry was that you needed a thick skin, and Sam’s decided the industry was too small for dickheads.
There are many people he could thank for helping him on his path - past Verdon College head of music Emma Jarman, and guitar tutor Dave Baker.
There’ll be more music videos in the near future, because he loves working with that medium, and the challenge of bringing it all together.
Keep an eye out for his five-piece band over summer, also featuring fellow Southlander and bass player Nepia Ruwhiu.
For more about Sam go to samcullenmusic.co.nz