JBL Spot Wrapper Graffit

JBL Spot Interchangeable Outer Covers

James Samuela Designs Artwork for JBL Spot Speaker and Subwoofer.

Kurt Solland on the JBL Spot

Just like James, I like to work with my hands. There are many high tech developmental tools that I use to create products; however I prefer to connect with my products by literally feeling them. By touching these products, I can put more of my soul into designing them while giving the customer a better product.

My latest speaker design, JBL Spot utilized customizable covers or "Wrappers" (a pun on words) for customer personalization. For the first time ever, a home speaker system can be changed to fit within your interior, mood or style. The categories we are starting out with include: Tattoo, Graffiti, Flora and Texture.

When I thought of the person to design the Tattoo category, I wanted to find an artist that would design with a soul, who was also authentic. The first place I researched was Tahiti, partly because my relative (Eddie Lund) was a big part of Tahitian music, making around 500 albums on the Tahitian islands. So as a young kid, I was immersed in that culture. To research designs, I Googled 'Tahitian tattoos' and found some amazing designs by James Samuela. After learning about his past as well as his lineage, he was perfect for the task. Not only are James' designs beautiful and soulful, they look great printed on JBL Spot!