Cory Cullinan can only be described as revolutionary. His work is avant-garde, and his mission? To deliver an audiovisual experience you won’t easily find anywhere else.
"2025 Alive" is the title of his latest project—a short musical film by Sidney Cullinan that showcases his experimental style, both sonically and visually. He’s joined by his daughters, acclaimed singer-songwriter Riley Max and Sidney Cullinan. Sidney, an acclaimed creative force, has directed music videos featuring Grammy winners, produced environmental documentaries as both composer and editor, designed social media campaigns for the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce, and created record-breaking engagement content for The Nature Conservancy—the world’s largest environmental nonprofit. Together, they elevate Cory’s vision to extraordinary new heights.
Cory shares, "They express the myriad of thoughts and feelings we’ve had during this unconventional cultural year that, regardless of where you stand, feels like a test of some sort. A test of new ideas. Of old ideas in a modern world. Of stamina. Willpower. Intellect. Empathy. Patriotism."
He continues, “‘2025 Alive’ has vocals throughout but only one lyric: ‘Test.’ This word is immediately deconstructed and splintered into pieces, like so much in our modern world. Whether current events are testing your resolve in a culture you loved, or you support those who are testing just how far we can break or reform our norms, this premise is apropos of what you are experiencing in 2025. We hope you find our work meaningful in this amazing and overwhelming year to be alive.”
The piece plays a range of stunning environments—from urban skylines and carnivals to untouched natural spaces. People from around the world appear, communicating across borders. Woven between these moments are surreal visuals—shifting shapes and vibrant colors—that give the video a dreamlike, otherworldly feel, as though we’re peering into an alternate dimension or a simulated reality.
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“2025 Alive” explores themes of globalization and interconnectedness, highlighting people from diverse backgrounds coming together against rich and surreal backdrops. It mirrors today’s global dialogue around unity, identity, and cultural exchange in an increasingly connected world. The deconstruction of the word “test” serves as a powerful metaphor for the cultural challenges and transformations societies face in our rapidly evolving era.
And what about the sound? Much like the visuals, the audio is alien, surreal, and yet undeniably inviting. It feels like something you’ve never quite heard before, sending waves of emotion through the listener. If we had to choose a genre, "experimental" is the best fit. You’ll find elements of house, ambient, and new wave, among others. The sound design plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the video’s themes, immersing the audience in a rich sensory experience that mirrors the visual narrative. The fusion of genres adds depth, emphasizing the blending of cultures and ideas in today’s world. So, if you’re in need of something truly different—we’re guessing you are—“2025 Alive” is a must.
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