PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM 103 John knows a little something about collaboration, having grown up in a musical household that Tom jokingly describes as the “Partridge Family.” Largely self-taught, John and his eight siblings would often make music together. At one point, he and six of his siblings played in the aptly named Avilla Family Band. “Music has always been a part of my well-being,” John says. “I started as an eight-year-old singing in the family band. We played for family and friends at parties for a few years. That experience ignited a lifelong passion for music.” In his Santa Clara County hometown of San Martin, he joined the high school jazz band, played the snare drum in the marching band and percussion in the orchestra. “I grew up with a very competitive school band experience. We won national band championships,” he reveals. “I also played in the jazz band at UCLA.” Tom brings technical expertise to the partnership and focuses on sound engineering for Sound Union members. “We have a good yin and yang,” says John. “Tom is the guy who will figure out a tech solution faster than most people I know.” Having Apple Computer headquarters in his backyard inspired Tom to pursue his interest in computers, and he spent the early part of his career at Apple and eBay. “In our neighborhood, we were surrounded by tech entrepreneurs. I was playing with a Mac before it was released,” reflects Tom. “I got excited about what was happening in the Valley. I was hooked.” Tom and John searched for 18 months until they found Sound Union’s current location in the heart of downtown Redwood City. They spent six months completely renovating the space and manufacturing the custom sound studios. “Our soundproof studios are the most impressive element in our clubhouse,” John adds. “They are the recording and broadcast industry standard used at KQED in San Francisco and SiriusXM in Florida and Nashville.” While the founders completed the renovation and finishing touches, adding color, texture and soundproofing, they hosted soft-launch jam nightly sessions for new members. “We were put-
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