Road Abutin

ROAD ABUTIN The Road To Music

There is this song by Jackson Browne in the 70’s from the his seminal album ‘Running On Empty’ entitled THE ROAD. The song gives importance to the production crews, soundman, light man, production assistants and like, without whom, a concert gig will not material. Same goes for Road Abutin of San Roque, Cavite City, his contribution to the local and international music scene cannot be ignored.

“I was born and raised in Cavite City. Studied Aviation Electronics & Communication in PATTS College of Aeronautics in Pasay, graduated and continued studies in Philippine Merchant Marine School in Las Piñas with a course of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, graduated, worked and took Recording Engineering and Music Production in a Recording School suburb of Columbus Ohio”, explains Roderick Abutin.

Road’s success story did not come that easy. When one would try to scan his achievements and contributions in the music field on paper, one can surmise that  he has enough experience good for 10 persons! He is a Professional Musician, Technical Adviser, Head Sound and Light Technician, Theater Sound Engineer, Audio Specialist, Technical Manager, Entertainment Technical Head of Operations, Entertainment Technology Manager, and the Owner and Managing Director of his own company RACKTRACK ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT. Along the way he has, to name a few, worked with prominent musical personalities here and abroad; Herb Reed and The Platters, Bill Pinkley and the Drifters, Mark Preston of The Letterman, Peter Noon of Herman’s Hermits, The Fifth Dimension, Bowzer of Sha Na Na, Jacqui Scott of Evita, Judy Garland’s hdaughter Lorna Luft, Marty Allen, The Happenings, Lenny Welch, JJ Downs, the Foundation. But his most prized friendship and collaboration would be none other than Juan Dela Cruz. “The closest would be Pareng Wally Gonzalez, as he is the godfather of my daughter. Pepe Smith and Tata Mike Hanopol are also among my close friends. I had the honor to host and have them stay in my place for their gigs or vacations both in Singapore and Macau”, marvels Road.

His technical skills in the recording field had yielded him enough experience to be considered the top brass. “I acquired my recording, engineering and incidental skills and techniques from Matt Curry who happens to be the Audio Engineer of Metallica, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and others”, says Road.

Road was the original bass player of the band ‘Critical Amnesia’ which was formed by Kokok Parales in 1985. “Sadly, I have to leave the band due to a job offer in Los Angeles”, laments Road. 

Road’s diversified musical influences is as many as genre there are. “As much as I like rock the most, I do listen to any kind of genre. I have the weirdest playlist, as my friends say, as I have Black Sabbath, Chopin, Gloc9, Nirvana, Ruben Tagalog, Enya, System of A Down, and many more”, confesses Road.

Road’s offsprings is also involved in music. His daughter, a music teacher in the day and a musician by night, and his son is the production and stage manager of concerts and performances, both in Singapore.

An accomplished man in his stature, In his nearly 40 years in the music industry, he is a multi instrumentalist. He plays the guitar,  bass, drums, the keyboards and the ukulele. Road had been to 58 countries, thus far. Asked when he will slow down? “No plans in the immediate future and will probably be involved in music until my last breath!”, declares Road. As of now, i am enjoying the fruit of my labor and it is relaxing to me to run this business.

Road’s ROCKTRACK ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT produces shows, concerts and performances covering technical, stage management and production. Audio and lighting rentals. And many more pertaining to music.