Because of my support of Michael and Janeen Damian and their amazing movie High Strung, I have become aware of many other magnificent musicians and artists in the business, and Keith Cullen is one of them. At this point, he is best known for his song “Say Something,” which can be heard in the movie and soundtrack for High Strung, and I was pleased that he took some time to answer a few questions about his music, his outlook on the business, and even a hint as to his future aspirations.
RH: What inspired you to become a musician? What kind of training have you had in music?
KC: I chose music–or should I say–music chose me. Music has always been my first love and my passion, and I just feel so grateful that I now get to call this my job and that I get to do this full-time.
I began voice training at the very young age of ten.
I really believe that everyday is a learning experience when it comes to music; there’s always room for improvement and progression. This keeps people progressing and keeps things exciting.
How would you describe your style of music?
My style is a cross between pop and adult contemporary. I’m often told that my music is catchy and my lyrics are easily relatable, which is the main aim of the music I create.
Where do you get the ideas for your songwriting?
My ideas come from a wide range of places. I like to go through life learning and absorbing as much as I can. For this reason, I have many thoughts and ideas which I can then translate into music. Songwriting is a way for me to express myself and definitely an outlet for a lot of what I am experiencing and feeling.
So how did you get connected with Michael Damian and High Strung?
You could call this “ The Luck of the Irish.” While I was recording the song in a studio in LA, the producer of the movie, Michael Damian, overheard the song as he just happened to be in the same studio and knew immediately that the song was a fit for the movie, and my management team handled it from there.
Tell us about the writing of “Say Something.” How did you get the inspiration to write it? How long did it take to write that song?
It was the first song I wrote when I landed in LA, and it is a song about honesty and integrity. I really feel like in this day and age, the power of social media has lead to a real disconnect within people. I feel like an online connect has lead to a massive human disconnection, and that is what I am writing about in this song.
The song didn’t take long to write. I think once I landed in LA, it all kind of just poured out of me.
What has been the fan response to “Say Something”?
The response so far has been really amazing. It always humbles me when people share the song online or when I hear it playing. It’s such an overwhelming and exciting feeling. I actually had a girl take the song and dance to it and send me the video, which I thought was just so cool. It’s those kind of things that really inspire me and push me to create more.
I notice you have a lot of digital music. Any plans to release a full-length CD? Any other upcoming works you can mention?
At the moment, we’re focusing on “Say Something.” However, my album is just finished, so in the future we may release it as a full-length CD.
With regards to upcoming work, I can’t tell you the details now, but I always have something up my sleeve. I’m excited and readers should be too!
What is your advice to other aspiring musicians?
It all comes down to having a great song–and this is at every level of the industry–it always comes back to having a great song and making great music. So take your time to perfect your song, invest in the music, and work with best people. My producer JJ Daly, who I have worked with since the beginning, has been instrumental in the breakthrough into the American market.
With the incredible talent, positive outlook, and vibrancy of youth that Keith possesses, there is no doubt that it is just a matter of time before we hear even more astounding things from this troubadour. He understands and appreciates the music of his generation, but he also brings a warmth and sensitivity that few his age seem to comprehend. He is able to seamlessly weave a message into a song that resonates with his audience, and I am certainly looking forward to what gems he will introduce us to and inspire us with next. Please consider checking out all the links below and give his crowd-pleasing song a listen if you feel so inclined. After all, with musicians like him in the business, we can rest assured that the future of popular music is in good hands.
FOLLOW KEITH
