I, The Legendary Jim Standley, grew up on the outskirts of Oak Ridge, Louisiana, picking up guitar at around the age of 12.  By age 20, I had already sold my soul at a crossroads on at least two occasions: once to become a marginally-acceptable guitar player and once for an unopened bag of Doritos®. 

In 2009, I began turning up at open mic events around Baton Rouge and eventually began playing original songs.  This led me to Lynn Anselmo’s open mic at a little bar called Heaux Jeaux’s, which was not far from where I was living. 

Another regular player at Heaux Jeaux’s was Matt Laborde, who was writing and playing original material as well.  On one occasion, Matt and his cousin Nick had decided to perform a full band show and invited me to play guitar with them and Jim George to play drums.  When I walked in this tiny bar to set up my amp and saw what looked like Alex Van Halen’s drum kit on the stage, I knew there was about to be some serious music being played that evening!

A few months later, Matt and I were talking about the idea of playing original music as singer-songwriters, but in a more rock and roll band fashion.  That’s where this whole crazy idea came up.  We decided that we’d approach the best drummer we knew and bass player we knew to see if they’d be interested in putting a full band together.

Jim George was the first choice for a drummer, since Matt and I had played with him before and decided that, in addition to being the most talented drummer in town, he had the same sense of humor we did.  From there, we needed a bassist.  Having played in the great Dennis Ledbetter’s WTF band, I had come to know Bill Grass, who played bass with just about every band in Baton Rouge. 

We were extremely lucky that Jim and Bill were both enthusiastically interested in this project, despite their already busy schedules.    Also, as a huge bonus, both Bill and Jim were incredible songwriters in addition to being incredible musicians.

I think what makes The VOID so enjoyable is the fact that we take the music seriously but that we all have a lot of fun making it.  I really think that the positive energy that’s present in the individual band members really shows through the music and that those who hear it can instantly feel that enjoyment.

Matt, Bill, and Jim are some of the best musicians I have had the honor of knowing, and I am blessed and humbled to be a part of this band with these guys!