SB19’s Josh Cullen releases new single ‘Sumaya’

Photo courtesy: Sony Music

SB19’s Josh Cullen has dropped his new single “Sumaya,” which explores the heartbreaking path to acceptance and letting go.

The P-pop idol released his latest single on Sunday, June 2, along with a music video featuring the singer’s heart-wrenching emotions as someone who accepted a failed relationship and coming to terms with its end.

“It’s a song that delves into the pain and sadness of moving on while still cherishing the good times you had together,” said Josh in a press statement.

This was reflected in the song’s chorus that goes, “Kung sa’n ka masaya / Do’n ka na, makakalaya ka na / Maipagmamalaki kita / Buo ka na para sa kaniya / Para bang hinanda kita / Para lang mapunta ka sa iba / Kaya kapag naihatid ka / ‘Di na kita susunduin.”

Process

“Sumaya” was produced by Josh and his good friend Kael Guerrero, who both drew inspiration from their “own life experiences and memories.” This made the song and its heartfelt lyrics a personal and emotional experience for them.

Josh and Kael kept these experiences in mind to fully capture the “emotional depth and bittersweet nature” of the R&B track. The SB19 member added his own tweaks and final touches to the song to embody his own songwriting style.

Josh and Kael also joined forces with the Tribute Collective to produce “Sumaya.”

“Kael and Tribute are real gems in the industry, and their combined efforts helped achieve a sound that is haunting and melancholic, perfectly matching the theme of letting go and the sorrow that comes with it,” Josh shared.

Music video

In the music video, Josh could be seen reminiscing about the past and fully letting himself come to terms with the end of his relationship with his loved one. He aired out his frustrations by shouting and throwing things inside a room.

“In the music video for ‘Sumaya,’ I wake up in a house filled with the most important memories of my life, memories of someone I love deeply. As I touch these objects, they start to disintegrate,” Josh explained.

He added that he found himself alternating between reality and the void. “It’s a [struggle] to escape the overwhelming chaos and emotions happening all at once. I don’t ever want to forget these memories, yet I know I have to accept and release what I can’t control.”

Josh directed and produced the music video, along with Jonathan Tal Pacido.

The singer also expressed his gratitude to Miko del Rosario, who was in charge of the production, for helping him with the music video despite their tight schedules and sleepless nights.

“We were having fun, and their passion and dedication made the whole experience incredibly rewarding,” Josh said.

As of writing, the music video has garnered more than 74,000 views on YouTube.

The new single is now available on various music platforms.

“Sumaya” is Josh’s latest release as a solo act, following his single “Get Right” in December 2023. He also dropped a collaboration song with rapper Al James titled “Yoko Na” last April 2024.