Laurence Tabanao Gayao’s Journey in the Recording Studio Business
Laurence Tabanao Gayao MD
Early Beginnings
In 1975, after few years as a physician in Clyde, Texas, I, Laurence Tabanao Gayao, embarked on a new venture inspired by my family’s musical endeavors. My wife, Edith, and her brother, Jun Cabus, had recorded a gospel album at Castles Sounds, a four-track studio in Abilene. Motivated by their experience and my own background in electronics, I decided to build a home recording studio in Baird, Texas.
Building the Home Studio
With my knowledge of electronics, I added a section to the back of our house in Baird and transformed it into an eight-track recording studio. I partnered with Charles Pikes, a remarkable composer and producer recognized in leading magazines like Ebony and Jet. The home studio quickly became popular, leading to a realization that the increased traffic was disrupting our home life.
Transition to a Commercial Studio
Determined to separate my home life from my growing passion for music production, I decided to start a commercial recording studio. In 1983, I found a gutted building in a commercial area of Clyde, Texas, conveniently close to my medical clinic. The only downside was its proximity to the railroad, posing a significant soundproofing challenge.
Building the Studio
Armed with a book on building recording studios, I devised a plan to make the structure soundproof. After collaborating with a contractor and securing a loan from the local bank, construction began. By mid-1984, the studio was completed with artistic padding on the walls installed by Jun Cabus. We equipped the studio with a 24-track MCI tape recording machine and a semi-automated 28-track SoundWorkshop board, among other state-of-the-art equipment.
Staffing the Studio
To ensure the studio’s success, Rand McCoy joined as the chief sound engineer and Jun Cabus as his assistant and also the studio manager. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in bringing the studio to life and attracting clients.
Stories about the Recording Studio:
Hall of Famer Musician at the Studio
D.J. Fontana, renowned as the drummer for Elvis Presley for 14 years, recorded several sessions at Longhorn Recording Studio in Clyde, Texas. He, along with three other session musicians, would fly in from Nashville, spending a few days completing their projects. Over time, they produced around 64 songs in our studio. Fontana was known for his humility and camaraderie, so much so that one might not even realize he was a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
According to my Chief Sound Engineer, Randy McCoy, Fontana and his group were a pleasure to work with. Randy fondly recalls the great memories from the sessions at Longhorn in the 80s. D.J. Fontana, who significantly contributed to the rock and roll backbeat swing, was honored as one of the 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time. Rest in peace, my friend.
The Unexpected Clients
One memorable day, I arrived at the studio to find a large band bus parked out front. Inside, Randy introduced me to the band members who had come to record an album. They paid in cash after each session, with no questions asked, until they completed their project. We were thrilled to have them as new clients, especially as our studio had just opened. However, a few weeks after they finished, we read in the news that the band had been charged with dealing illegal drugs.
Meeting a Rock Band from Fort Worth
One day, I received a call from Randy, who informed me that a rock band from Fort Worth would be coming to record at our studio. Randy couldn’t be there on time and asked if I could meet them and help set up. I agreed and was at the studio by 8 PM that night.
The Setup
When the band arrived, I introduced myself as Larry and explained that Randy would join us later. They brought in their equipment, and we began setting up, connecting everything to the board, and doing sound checks for each instrument. Setting up the drums took the most time, as it involved positioning microphones on various components and adjusting the volume and tuning them to the band’s satisfaction.
The Surprise
Just as we were finishing up, Randy arrived. After greeting each member of the band, he turned to me and said, “Doc, thanks for helping them set up.” The band members looked at me in surprise, and one of them asked, “You’re a doctor?” I replied, “That’s what they call me in my clinic and in the hospital.” We all broke out in laughter, enjoying the unexpected revelation.
This moment added to the unique and memorable experiences we had at Longhorn Recording Studio, where I balanced my life as a physician with my passion for music production.
Hobby to Passion: My Journey with Electronics and Music
It is often said that a hobby is something you enjoy doing for fun and in your free time, while a passion is something that’s inside of you and with you all the time. My journey began with a hobby in electronics, which evolved into a deep-rooted passion.
Early Beginnings in Electronics
I started by building my own electric guitar and electric bass guitar. This initial interest led me to create an amplifier and speaker while I was still in college. Through books, I learned to read electronic circuits, driven by my curiosity and love for challenges.
Transition to Music Production
My exposure to music recording and production further fueled my interest. I discovered that not only could I write songs, but I could also learn to play the guitar. This intersection of electronics and music opened up new avenues for me, combining technical knowledge with creative expression.
Lifelong Learning
Who said life is boring? There is always something interesting and fascinating to learn. I continue to refine my skills, including writing and video production, constantly pushing the boundaries of what I know and what I can create.
This blend of hobbies and passions has enriched my life, allowing me to explore diverse fields and continually grow both personally and professionally.
