Thinking in Sound: From Sound Waves to Tennis Courts—Kit Kuan Leong’s Resonant Journey in Audio and Life
Kit Kuan Leong is the sound supervisor and partner at Two AM Music, a globally renowned audio agency specialising in music composition, sonic branding, and sound design. He and his experienced team collaborates closely with clients, ensuring their creative visions are realised through the power of music and sound.
Born and nurtured in the cultural melting pot of Malaysia, Kit has been in the audio-post industry since 1999. Throughout his career, he has been marked by unwavering commitment to his craft and by setting the highest audio standards. This philosophy has fuelled his success and driven numerous acclaimed advertising campaigns and accolades.
Despite his extensive experience, Kit's youthful appearance hints at his other passion, playing and coaching tennis, a hobby that complements his professional life.
LBB> When you’re working on a new brief or project, what’s your typical starting point? How do you break it down and how do you like to generate your ideas or response?
Kit> Effective communication among all parties involved is crucial for aligning goals and achieving a final output that satisfies everyone. Typically, clients, agencies, and directors have their own visions long before production begins. I’d always arrange for a meeting (because nothing beats physical interaction to understand everyone’s vibes) or a video call (time is everything, right?).
During these sessions, my partner in crime, Oliver Stutz, executive creative director, and I can pick each person's brain to understand their desires. From there, we present our canvas of ideas for the film's soundtrack. Due to Two AM’s unique and diverse resource, we always add our own spin to the film. This additional perspective introduces an element of surprise when we present. However, we are always cautious and respectful of the clients’ receptiveness, ensuring they are open to hearing something new.
LBB> Music and sound are in some ways the most collaborative and interactive forms of creativity - what are your thoughts on this? Do you prefer to work solo or with a gang - and what are some of your most memorable professional collaborations?
Kit> We have a kick-ass team! We're constantly collaborating with various partners in diverse ways. I firmly believe that involving more minds sparks unique creative ideas each time. Internally, there will be an inquest into the project’s needs and wants. Depending on the scope, our composing team will be briefed on their individual responsibilities. It’s our job to ensure the team has the creative freedom to express themselves, but we also need to stay aligned with the brief to keep things on track.
Recently, we worked on a fun and memorable short film featuring Eric Cantona, the legendary Manchester United footballer. He served as the brand ambassador for Carsome, Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform. We had an absolute blast crafting the music and sound design, and hosting the colourful, eccentric Frenchman in our facilities for his ADR session! Check out the film here: Carsome Certified Featuring Eric Cantona
LBB> What’s the most satisfying part of your job and why?
Kit> I’d say it’s the genuine smiles and gratitude of our clients that truly matter. When they’re happy, we know we’ve done our job well. These connections, which often turn into friendships, keep us motivated and drive us to continually push ourselves to produce great work.
LBB> As the advertising industry changes, how do you think the role of music and sound is changing with it?
Kit> The advertising world and sound have always shared an intrinsically mutual relationship. I believe one cannot thrive without the other. With the rise of digital advertising, music and sound are becoming increasingly sophisticated, thanks to advanced tools and the emergence of AI. Now, we can generate original music pieces in seconds by typing a few descriptive texts. It is indeed both fascinating and intimidating, and it will only get better.
However, I don't believe it will completely overtake us, at least not yet. I truly hope that day never comes. Music is all about emotions, and thankfully, we humans are full of them! The question is, can AI ever truly have emotions?
LBB> Who are your musical or audio heroes and why?
Kit> Dave Grohl. The musical talent, intense work ethics and remarkable down to earth persona will forever be an inspiration to me. Dave and the band’s music has always represented life to me. A lot of the times when it was tough and heavy, I’d listen and read his memoir again, and that always lifts me up to a better place.
LBB> And when it comes to your particular field, whether sound design or composing, are there any particular ideas or pioneers that you go back to frequently or who really influence your thinking about the work you do?
Kit> I generally tend to look at the type of sound design genre of the project I’m working on. Whether it's an action-packed, firepower-filled piece or an ambient, foley-induced soundscape, I spend a fair bit of time finding references. Listening and getting inspiration from them. But I’d always craft my own sounds, experimenting from the SFX library, going out recording and sampling everything from unusual instruments to old junk pieces and machines that I can get my hands on.
LBB> When you’re working on something that isn’t directly sound design or music (lets say going through client briefs or answering emails) - are you the sort of person who needs music and noise in the background or is that completely distracting to you? What are your thoughts on ‘background’ sound and music as you work?
Kit> It depends on the individual—some need music, while others do not. I fall in the latter category for sure. I'm easily distracted, so I need to hide in a quiet corner. Any kind of sound or presence of people makes me lose my train of thought.
LBB> I guess the quality of the listening experience and the context that audiences listen to music/sound in has changed over the years. There’s the switch from analogue to digital and now we seem to be divided between bad-ass surround-sound immersive experiences and on-the-go, low quality sound how does that factor into how you approach your work?
Kit> My approach to any project is consistent: we always strive for the best sound quality, regardless of the platform or medium. This commitment starts with the sound source, continues through the editing process, and extends to the final output. Depending on the project brief, we have the flexibility to tweak the sound to achieve a lo-fi, warm, and gritty treatment or a full-on, high-fidelity immersive experience.
LBB> On a typical day, what does your ‘listening diet’ look like?
Kit> My days start with ‘chilled’ 80s classic rock to get the engines warmed up. Then it’s ‘work’ music at the studios. Right now, I'm really loving Laufey and her jazz-inflected songs; it’s bringing me back to the iconic Ella Fitzgerald vibes but with a modern twist. I think it’s a great appetiser genre driving home to a glass of wine.
LBB> Do you have a collection of music/sounds and what shape does it take (are you a vinyl nerd, do you have hard drives full of random bird sounds, are you a hyper-organised spotify-er…)?
Kit> I still have my cassette collection which I’m pretty proud of. I just gotta dig in the storeroom and display them properly now that we’ve unlocked a core memory! Here are some all-time favourites: Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains, Sonic Youth, Stone Temple Pilots, The Breeders, Radiohead, Beck, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Green Day, The Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Hole, R.E.M and of course the Foo Fighters.
LBB> Outside of the music and sound world, what sort of art or topics really excite you and do you ever relate that back to music?
Kit> I’m a big tennis nerd. It might not be considered art, but playing effortlessly while beating your opponents definitely is. Well, at least that’s the goal for me! It’s a sport I grew up with and played competitively during my younger days. Nowadays, tennis provides good cardio and serves as an outlet to brush away any sorrows I have! Plus, I love the sound of the ball popping on the strings, especially when you hit a sweet backhand winner down the line.
LBB> Let’s talk travel! It’s often cited as one of the most creatively inspiring things you can do - I’d love to know what are the most exciting or inspiring experiences you’ve had when it comes to sound and music on your travels?
Kit> I’ve not had a lot of time to travel recently with Two AM’s commitments and 2 young growing kids taking much most of the time. But I am fortunate enough to escape to the beautiful Malaysian beaches every once in a while. Listening to the symphony of crashing waves and immersing yourself in the lush, vibrant tropical rainforest rejuvenates your mind, invigorates your spirit, and awakens your senses to nature’s profound beauty.
LBB> As we age, our ears change physically and our tastes evolve too, and life changes mean we don’t get to engage in our passions in the same intensity as in our youth - how has your relationship with sound and music changed over the years?
Kit> I've been in the audio-post industry since 1999, marking 25 years of dedicated listening and learning. I believe there's still a long journey of discovery ahead for me. Transitioning into a management role, I've had the privilege of running Two AM alongside my fantastic partners and overseeing the growth of a new generation of sound specialists. While I'm not as hands-on as before, my love for sound and music continues to evolve through managing, guiding, and constant learning.
