The clarity, purity, and transparency of the sound were unparalleled
Creative Director, Samuel Kaylor, on nurturing creativity, innovation, and how Amphion is a crucial part of the mix
Chiba, Japan – For some years now, Amphion has been the beneficiary of the creative videography talent of one Samuel Kaylor. While an outstanding musician himself – particularly on vocals and percussion – it’s what his eyes and ears bring to the music video table that pleased us greatly – nuanced and imaginative visual treatments blended with a musical understanding. Under the “Home Sessions” banner, Samuel has produced some wonderful work for us. But of even greater interest, his YouTube Channel collaborates with many artists and songwriters, giving them a professional channel and edge, and resultant voluminous views. We talked with him about his experience in this field, significant influencers in his creative journey, and where Amphion studio monitors have been in his artistic pursuits.
A videographer, photographer, and creative director … Where did you study ? Any other strings to your bow ? And how and when did you enter this visual arts field ? Who or what triggered your interest ? And who are some of the notable creators or producers you have worked with or who have mentored you ?
I was born in Japan, and at the age of two was adopted by two Americans living in Japan. I grew up speaking English at home and Japanese outside of the home – and am a blend of Japanese and Persian heritage. My passion for visual arts began early. I was always captivated by how films and music could stir emotions and tell compelling stories. This fascination turned into a desire to learn music and various instruments, using media to evoke powerful emotions, and create memorable experiences and opportunities for people to “feel.” At thirteen, my father also recognized my growing interest in photography and bought me a digital camera. This generous support motivated me to develop my skills further and pursue a life as a “creative”.
During my journey, I met Michael Vossler, a media company founder in the US and an extraordinary musician. Michael noticed my passion and invested in my life by giving me an opportunity to intern at his company. Three months into the internship he offered me a position on his team and continued to mentor me throughout the coming years. His mentorship was a turning point in my life. Working with Michael and his team gave me hands-on experience in editing, music production, business development, and storytelling. Michael’s influence continues to inspire me, and what he has built with VosslerStudios and Optic8 is truly remarkable. After moving back to Japan from the US, I established Home Sessions and Neeeon Media.
You’re two operations – Neeeon: a creative production team, and Home Sessions Japan: a YouTube-powered music production unit. Please tell us a little about the origin and mission of each, the story behind their “names”, the type of clients you handle, your team, and any “big hits” produced.
Home Sessions (YouTube Channel) emerged from a desire to create a platform where young, talented artists could feel at home, free from the constraints of contracts, management, and quotas. It’s a community for passionate musicians to create and collaborate, offering a nurturing environment where creativity thrives. While the primary output is YouTube videos, the real success lies in the production process and experiences that each artist would have that would make Home Sessions such a unique platform. Home Sessions has amassed over 25 million views, worked with more than 80 artists, and produced over 300 videos.
Neeeon Media was founded to extend our creative services beyond music and entertainment, supporting businesses in various sectors. The name “Neeeon” encapsulates our mission: to Elevate, Encourage, and Enjoy. We strive to elevate our clients’ images, encourage innovation, and enjoy every step of the creative journey. Our client roster includes Google, YouTube, Spotify, Microsoft, Amazon, Sony Music, Universal Music, Beats by Dre, John Maxwell, Amphion, and many more.
Amphions … You’ve used Two15 in the past and One12 currently for your production work. Have you experienced any other models ? How did you come across the brand ? What are your thoughts on their performance ? How accurate and revealing do you find them ? Any other Amphion models caught your interest ?
I was first introduced to Amphion by my good friend, Michael Di Stasio. Michael and I have worked together on many occasions throughout the years, all of which involved music. When he told me about “The best monitors you’ll ever hear,” I was highly skeptical until I had actually experienced them myself. It was the closest I’ve ever experienced to “love at first sight”. The clarity, purity, and transparency of the sound were unparalleled. Even in a noisy environment, the depth and honesty of the mix were crystal clear. I fell in love with them immediately.
I’ve had the pleasure of using the Two15s in the past and currently rely on the One12s in my home studio. These monitors have been instrumental in achieving consistent mixes across various outputs. I’m particularly intrigued by the One25A after experiencing its performance in a studio setting – and they’re on my wishlist !
With a market saturated by “creatives”, how do prospective clients find you ? Are you actively or organically marketing your businesses ? What sets apart your services from others ? What can clients expect ? And is “gear” tech-quality and performance critical ? What is your gear list ?
Relationships are one of life’s most important aspects. So, my business is all about valuing people and connections. When you focus on relationships, projects happen organically. I’ve been lucky that most of my work stems from this approach. What sets me apart is this focus on creating experiences and forging lasting relationships. People add value to our tools, and those tools help our art come alive as we envision.
Like every creative, I love gear! I have many go-to’s for both video and audio, but Amphion speakers are one of, if not the most important, tools that I have in my arsenal.
What are some interesting projects you have coming up – domestic or international ? How do you see Generative AI and Immersive Audio affecting your business – a disruption or a creative catalyst ? And any other extra insights or general comments on the industry you would like to share ?
Exciting projects are on the horizon, though I must keep the details under wraps for now. Amphion speakers will undoubtedly play a significant role in these projects.
Generative AI and Immersive Audio are stirring up mixed feelings in the creative industry. Personally, I see them as tools to enhance our artistry and streamline our workflows. I don’t think AI will ever replace the soul and purpose that only human beings can infuse into art.
In conclusion, I would love to challenge any creator who might see this … You are incredibly valuable and add so much to the human experience. Please keep creating because there are always people who need your art. Always strive to be genuine and generous. Love people and create opportunities to build a stronger community. The world needs our unity more than ever !
For more information on Home Sessions Japan:
tiktok.com/@homesessionsjapan
instagram.com/homesessionssam
x.com/HomeSessionsJP
facebook.com/homesessionsjapan
homesessionsjapan.com
For more information on Neeeon:
Art By Sam (neeeon.com)
For more information on Vossler Studios:
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