If Russ Gaefe had his way, he'd be playing the drums and touring with a rock band. But as luck would have it, the 40-year-old Oakley resident has managed to find a suitable alternative to his rock and roll dreams - and he doesn't even have to leave home.

Gaefe, along with his wife Gail, is the owner of Joint Venture Studios, a home-based recording facility designed to offer a professional, welcoming and affordable environment for artists and musicians to lay down their tracks.





Photos by Ruth Roberts

Joint Venture Studios in Oakley, a comfortable, professional and affordable place for musicians to lay down their tracks.

"I love music, and this is a way for me to be involved without being in a band," said Gaefe. "It allows me to stay creative."

Set up at home in a studio he built and designed on his property, Gaefe was born with the music bug. His father was a sound engineer for a local cover band, and Gaefe grew up loving and playing music. Proficient in piano and guitar, although drums remain his passion, Gaefe put away his sticks a few years ago to pursue what he calls "a real living."

"As much as I loved playing music, I realized that I needed to get a real job," said Gaefe, who worked in the mortgage business as an underwriter. "The money was great, and I met my wife there, but I just finally got tired of the commute and the office politics and I just really wanted to get back to my music."

So in March, Gaefe officially opened the doors of Joint Venture Studios and hasn't looked back. Today he is happily ensconced in the business, mixing the music and living his dream.

"It's been wonderful doing this, and I have my wife to thank for this because she is continuing to work full-time while I pursue this," he said. "But I love what I'm doing, and I'm open to everything. I think that makes a huge difference."

A few months ago, Tony Vasquez came to Gaefe's studio and recorded a three-song demo with his rock band. He found the experience to be a win-win for everyone.

"I found Russ very easy and friendly to work with," said Vasquez. "He's professional and he really wants the sound to be good; that's his main focus. We'd love to do another session with him."

Since Gaefe opened his studio this year, he has been consistently busy, but is always willing to take on more. His five-year plan includes setting up in a larger facility in a more industrialized area "so the noise won't matter so much," and continuing to offer a quality, professional product at a reasonable and affordable price.

It's really all about following your dreams, according to Gaefe.

"No matter what anyone says, I think you should always follow your heart," he said. "As long as you're not hurting anyone else, or breaking any laws, you should do what makes you happy. This is what makes me happy."

Rates at Joint Venture Studios are $25 an hour; discount packages are available. For more information, call 260-9550.