About
Who We Are
Cactus House Recording is a music production studio and independent publisher founded in 2018 by Trevor Gabriel, a San Jose musician and professional music teacher of over ten years. Created as a space to record his bands and projects, Cactus House quickly became one of South Bay’s premier recording studios for independent musicians and bands through word of mouth. We pride ourselves on our ability to be transparent throughout the entire process from beginning to end. Cactus House is a proud independent recording studio that supports local art and music as well as other small businesses.
The Studio
It began when an employee at The Starving Musician, where Trevor taught for years, asked to record their band at his home. It was discovered that the cabin and its tall ceilings and proper dimensions had a naturally lovely sound for recording.
Over the next several years, Trevor built all the acoustic treatment panels, and bass traps, installed acrylic panels on the windows, and also installed two heavy-duty sound doors for the room while also accumulating a curated collection of analog gear that any gearhead would drool over.
We are constantly striving to produce singles, EPs, and albums unique and dynamic in sound. All in a warm, welcoming environment because the best work is created in a welcoming space.
Renovation and History
The history of Cactus House goes back to the founding of New Almaden, California’s first mining community. The studio started as a two-room miners’ cabin and was located near the mines’ entrance in English Camp within what you may know as Quicksilver County Park. Moved by a team of donkeys, Cactus House became the 30th house on Almaden Road, where it still resides. Trevor purchased the cabin in 2013, which had deteriorated over the years due to neglect and an unpermitted addition. It was clear that renovations had to be made. With elbow grease and determination, the cabin was restored, and a two-story addition brought life back to Cactus House.
The name Cactus House comes from an incident that occurred in the 1970s, considered New Almaden folklore, when two young boys were throwing prickly pears at one another, and one landed on the roof of the miners’ cabin. The prickly pear grew into a cactus and has continued to do so over the years, albeit in a planter on the roof.
The Cactus Crew
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Owner and Producer
Trevor has been playing music for most of his life and originally started Cactus House Recording to produce his own bands’ music. Cactus House has become a integral part of the local South Bay music community in the last seven years.
Trevor has a BFA in music from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and has been an active gigging and session musician as well as an in-demand guitar teacher for over a decade.
Photo Credit: Christian Crandall/@ccrandall88
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Administrator
Erika is not only Trevor’s wife but also Cactus House’s administrator. With her experience in different industries, from tech to education, Erika has been the right-hand woman for directors and managers in San Francisco, her hometown. She has done and seen it all in the admin world from event planning to managing day-to-day operations. Erika is excited to be a part of Cactus House.
Erika has a BA in Film and Digital Media from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) and a passion for literature and music. You can find her at the local bookstore grabbing a new novel.
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Head of Shipping and Receiving
Named after the hero of Evil Dead, Ash lives up to his namesake with his playful, goofy nature. He is the friendliest cat in Almaden Valley and greets every new client with a meow. He is sweet and enjoys playing fetch with any toy. He protects his sister, Miso, and will always look for her if she strays too far. A good boy indeed!
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Director of HR
Miso is Cactus House’s resident shy girl. When she is not playing with her favorite mouse toy or waiting for salmon treats, she can be found observing her parents from the highest perch on her cat tree. She is skittish when meeting new people but once Miso likes someone, she will follow them around with loud meows and a catnip mouse in tow.