Sam Cullen Balances Catchy Pop and Honest Storytelling on “That Somebody’s You”

There is something refreshing about an artist who can write a hook that sticks while still giving listeners something real to hold onto. With “That Somebody’s You,” Sam Cullen proves he knows exactly how to do both. Originally from Invercargill and now based in Auckland, Cullen has spent the past several years quietly building momentum across New Zealand’s music scene. Since first picking up a guitar, he has shown a natural instinct for melody and storytelling, pairing catchy rock-pop arrangements with lyrics drawn from personal experience.

“That Somebody’s You” captures that balance perfectly. On the surface, the song is bright, energetic, and instantly memorable. The chorus arrives with the kind of melody that begs to be sung along to, while the instrumentation keeps the track moving forward with confidence. Underneath the infectious energy, however, the songwriting carries more depth than a typical pop single. Cullen’s lyrics are detailed and reflective, giving the song a sense of emotional substance that prevents it from feeling disposable. It is the kind of track you can enjoy on the first listen for the melody alone, then return to later for the story hidden inside it.

Musically, the track sits comfortably between modern pop and alternative rock. There is a polished, radio-ready feel to the production, but it still carries enough edge to keep things interesting. The overall energy has echoes of the melodic, emotionally aware pop style popularized by bands like The 1975, where shimmering hooks and thoughtful songwriting exist in the same space. “That Somebody’s You” also served as the lead single from Cullen’s self titled debut album, a ten track release that reflects on the transition into adulthood. Many of the songs draw inspiration from life at home and the experience of growing up in Aotearoa, New Zealand, giving the record a sense of place and authenticity.

The single quickly connected with listeners, spending five weeks on the Hot NZ 20 Singles Chart and helping introduce Cullen’s sound to a wider audience. Its music video, filmed along the dramatic landscape of SH1 Desert Road by director Tom Grut, adds a cinematic backdrop to the track’s emotional tone.

Live performance has played a major role in Cullen’s growth as an artist as well. Over the past five years he has steadily worked his way onto some of New Zealand’s biggest stages, building a reputation for energetic shows and selling out headline performances across the country.

The momentum continued through the summer of 2025 and 2026, when Cullen took his four piece band on a sold out tour that included a two night run at Rhythm & Vines. Moments like that have helped cement him as one of the more exciting rising names in the country’s modern rock-pop scene.

With its memorable chorus, thoughtful writing, and polished energy, “That Somebody’s You” captures everything that makes Sam Cullen stand out. It is catchy without being empty, emotional without feeling heavy, and confident without losing its sincerity. For an artist still early in his career, Cullen already sounds like someone who knows exactly where he is going.