After moving on from Zappa's employ in 1983, Vai bought a house in Sylmar, Los Angeles, where he built his first professional studio. During this period, Vai formed two bands (The Classified and 777) as well as writing and recording a large amount of music that was not originally intended for release. Out of this material, Vai compiled his first studio album "Flex-Able". He created his own record label, Akashic Records (later Light Without Heat Records), which he used to take "Flex-Able" directly to distribution channels. "Flex-Able" was released in January 1984.