Music News - NZ’s rising rockstar Sam Cullen unveils epic and vulnerable EP 'Love Again'
19 April 2024 - 0 Comments
Invercargill-raised, Tāmaki Makaurau-based rising rockstar Sam Cullen has today released his much-anticipated catchy and powerful EP Love Again.
Sam’s four-track EP is a well-crafted, vulnerable collection of powerful vocals, nostalgic synths, driving guitars and pounding drums that hook and transport listeners. “It’s a sincere, earnest body of work,” says Sam. “It’s me wearing my heart on my sleeve, talking about being homesick, growing up, and trying to figure out who I am.”
Made with the support of NZ on Air, Love Again is an EP sure to draw a crowd - with Sam’s popularity also connected to his electric live shows, both as solo performer and with an explosive full band. Today’s release follows the success of previously released (2023) EP singles Forever and The Cold Midwinter (Official Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart, RadioScope Most Added and Rock). Both singles received great support from fans, industry and media/radio such as Rolling Stone AU/NZ, RNZ, TAHI, Hauraki, The Edge, ZM and SRN.
Single and title track Love Again opens the EP and immediately sets a new bar for this chapter of Sam’s music. “I distinctly remember being on a roll and the song just spilling out of my guitar - I think it took like half an hour,” explains Sam. “The track has an inviting, familiar feel to it, which harks back to the kind of music I was brought up on.”
Love Again was partly recorded at Auckland’s Parachute Studios alongside collaborators such as Ben Malone, and Harry Parsons (MACEY) - while the other half of the EP was written and produced by Sam and mixed by Chris Scott. Love Again was mastered at KOG Studio by Chris Chetland. Despite the EP’s Tāmaki-Makaurau conception, Sam’s Invercargill roots are at the core of his creativity. “Everything for me comes from home. I’m always drawn back there creatively.” Authenticity and raw emotion shine through Love Again and, for Sam, it’s a reflection of where he’s heading. “I’m telling my story now. For the last few years I’ve been figuring out how to do that. I’m opening up to myself, and therefore the songs, a lot more.”
Also released today is a music video created alongside long-term friend Dave Thomson of Imaginary Friends, and filmed with Sam’s live band at a warehouse in Tāmaki Makaurau. Sam says the video “highlights the excitement and energy of the song. With each song and show we’re also growing as a band and seeing us all click in the video is an epic thing.”
The excitement continues as Sam and his six-piece band are celebrating Love Again on April 27 at Whammy Backroom in Tāmaki Makaurau! Tickets from Under The Radar HERE.Photo Credit: Dave Thomson
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