Cullen Moore of Sleep Theory on Band Origins, Military Influence, and Touring with Daughtry: Backstage at RIFF Fest 2024
Date: September 28, 2024
Location: Pine Knob Music Theatre
Meltdown: It’s Meltdown backstage at RIFF Fest 2024 with Cullen Moore from Sleep Theory. So, Cullen, I have to ask about that hat. Is it some death-metal vibe?
Cullen Moore: (laughs) No, it’s just a hat from Zoomies that says “Welcome.” It looks like something from a death metal band!
Meltdown: Exactly! It reminds me of those distorted couches. So, tell me, how did you come up with the name Sleep Theory?
Cullen Moore: It took me a year, maybe even two, to figure out a name. I was going back and forth with different ideas when someone suggested using scientific terms. I googled a list of scientific words, and I saw “REM Sleep” on one side and “Theory” on the other. I thought, let’s just go with Sleep Theory!
Meltdown: Your rise to fame has been impressive but not super fast. You started the project a few years ago, right?
Cullen Moore: Yes, I began in 2019 as a studio project. In 2021, I met Paolo, and we started working together. Then in 2022, Ben joined right before we took off. We even needed a guitarist, and Ben suggested his brother!
Meltdown: And you all grew up around Memphis?
Cullen Moore: Exactly! Paolo is from Cordova, on the outskirts of Memphis, and Ben, Daniel, and I live in Mississippi, just five minutes away. It’s easier to say we’re from Memphis than Southaven!
Meltdown: Totally get that. And your father was a musician as well?
Cullen Moore: Yes, he was into R&B and even dabbled in country.
Meltdown: Do you think you got your pop sensibility from him?
Cullen Moore: Definitely! I draw from various musical influences. I listen to everything from Barry White to Dua Lipa, and I think that shows in our music.
Meltdown: Have you seen the Netflix special about the greatest night in pop?
Cullen Moore: Not yet, but I’ve heard good things about it!
Meltdown: You were in the military. How does that experience shape your approach to Sleep Theory?
Cullen Moore: Being in the military helped me compartmentalize things. If something needs to be done, I just do it. I’ve learned to work with limited sleep and still get things done.
Meltdown: Your drive must have been influenced by that, too.
Cullen Moore: Absolutely! My dad was in the military, too, and he retired as a lieutenant colonel after 24 years. They raised me right, and I think everyone should have some form of training after high school.
Meltdown: What’s coming up for Sleep Theory in the next few months?
Cullen Moore: We have a tour with Falling in Reverse in Europe in November, and right after that, we’ll be on tour with Daughtry from November until December 22.
Meltdown: That’s amazing! Meeting Daughtry must be a full-circle moment for you.
Cullen Moore: It really is! His music meant a lot to me growing up. Meeting him was incredible; he was exactly how I hoped he’d be.
Meltdown: I appreciate you taking the time to chat with us today. Thank you for your service, as well as your father’s.
Cullen Moore: Thank you for having me!
