After spending his teen years in local bands, Tabakin had a motorcycle accident at the age of 19. This experience turned his attention inward, focusing on musical composition and poetry rather than performing. After graduating he wanted to sell the songs he had written during that time, which would become his sole record.The record was pressed up under the banner of Larrow Records and sold a few copies locally, but ultimately went nowhere. Disheartened by the lack of interest, Tabakin switched his focus from pop writing to more classically-influenced piano improvisations.