Static: The Entertainment Specialists

By Cassondra Guilbeau
The Times of SWLA

Static

All too often, cover bands are given the stigma of being unoriginal or not quite as talented as other bands. And usually, that stigma is given by other “original” bands.

Southwest Louisiana has plenty of musical acts that are dispelling that stigma, and leading the charge is Static. The Lake Area favorite is celebrating 10 years on the scene this year, and was voted favorite band by the readers of The Times of Southwest Louisiana.

Several band members have come and gone over the past decade. But Static today, still has its two original core members, Alastair White, bass and vocals, and Jamie McCabe, guitar and vocals. The rest of the band includes Jonathan Johnson, lead vocals and guitar; Garrett “Possum” Judice, accordion and vocals; and Jacob “Lil Jackob” Robles, drums.

For the last ten years, Static has “been there and back.” In their early days, the band had the notion that they would “make it” in the music business. They had their share of that type of success. In 2004, the band peaked.

“Static was ultra legitimate. I have the income tax records to show we played over 200 shows,” White said.

Jonathan Johnson, lead vocals, guitar

During that time, the band had a staff, merchandise…and problems. “I’ve paid for this franchise three times,” White said. According to Johnson, different members left at different times, with White and McCabe buying the other original members out each time. “At one point it seemed like we had different members at every gig,” Judice noted.

But, time heals old wounds and current band members get along well with former band members. Many of them play together on other projects. “There are many avenues and offshoots of the Static story,” Johnson said.

Well, simply put, that is the history of Static, but there is much more to the story. “This era of the band, to me, is defining,” White said. The guys have a very realistic and appreciative view of Static. They no longer have that notion to make it big in the music industry.

“In my opinion, there are two types of bands out there. There are people who are trying to make it in music, and more power to them. But, there is also a market for, and something to be said for, those weekend warriors who go to work every day and then on weekends they are playing your Mardi Gras ball or your wedding,” Johnson said. “They show up at your event, and you have a really good time because, man, that band was good.”

This attitude is exactly why Static has been voted best band. When you book Static, you know you are going to have a good time. They are self-described “entertainment specialists.” And they want to give a shout out to their “compatriots” like Soul Vacation and the Kadillacs, who focus on bringing a good time to the area.

Alastair White, bass and vocals

“This is a customer-service industry,” Johnson said. And they know their industry well. As a “cover band,” and this is a title they wear proudly, they have a wide array of not just songs, but musical genres in their repertoire. You want an 80s rock band? Call Static. You want a hard rock band? Call Static. You want a Cajun band? Call Static. You want punk or country? You get the point.

So, beyond having an extensive playlist of your favorites across all genres, what is so unique and creative about Static? Glad you asked. Static created a sound that is all its own. It's a sound that blends these genres. A sound they call Zydecore. They describe the sound as “a progressive mixture of Cajun and rock that thrills audiences and fills the dance floor all night long.” Imagine metal guitar juxtaposed with an accordion.

“We are Zydecore man,” White joked. But Johnson added, “In our mind, it fits.”

The guys brought their sound to the recording studio in the past. Of course, in the earlier days of the group, the idea was to sell as many albums as possible and get their music out to the world. They have a different approach these days. They want to have fun, make the music they love and hope other people enjoy it.

Jamie McCabe, guitar and vocals

It helps that members of Static have their own recording studio. They can record their music on their own and in their own way. “Recording is grueling. It’s not easy,” Johnson said. “When you are in a studio, you are in a stale environment, and you are not amped up at all.”

But, what makes it easier is the experience they bring to the table. “You learn a little bit each time,” Judice said. The accordion player recorded his first cd when he was just 13. He then recorded his next cd when he was 14 at Lake Charles Music. So, the guy knows a thing or two. As a matter of fact, other band members compared acquiring “Possum” to the Black Eyed Peas bringing in Fergie. “Static is extremely lucky to have acquired his services,” White said.

Static has recently recorded another album. They are currently putting those finishing touches on it. “You want to put something out there, and say ‘this is something we created,’” Johnson said. “The idea that we are doing all of this stuff so we can create something new and make a buck off of it, that is not what we are about.”

The fact is, the guys don’t make their living from their music, and that isn’t what they want. Judice is a student at McNeese and all of the other band members have careers that they don’t see as an avenue to the music. The music is just something they want to do.

“Ultimately, this is about enjoyment,” Johnson said. “Everyone likes to make a little cash, so to say it’s totally not about the money is naive.”

Garrett “Possum” Judice, accordion and vocals
Well, if it is about the enjoyment, Static is having a blast. They have built a brand in this market and are booked consistently in the Lake Area. Even if you haven’t actually heard Static play before, you may know them by reputation. They built a foundation on professionalism.

But, they also pride themselves on knowing their audience. Their gigs usually consist of multiple sets. During the first set, if the crowd isn’t “feeling it” they can look ahead and make changes to fit the crowd. This is something that bands that strictly play original music can’t do.

“Sometimes there is a struggle between what the audience wants and what the band can provide so that both are having a good time,” Johnson said. This seems to be a problem Static has solved to perfection.

This isn’t to say you won’t hear original songs when you go to a Static show. They are pretty good at reading the crowd to know when to break out the original music. “Sometimes when they get it, they stay on the dance floor and dance because they have to,” White said.

Jacob “Lil Jackob” Robles, drums

The creative pursuits and originality of this band isn’t confined to the musical stage or the studio. They are currently working with White’s cousin to develop a comic book featuring aliens (the little green men kind) based on members of the band. Just like the musicians themselves, the aliens each do their own thing by day, but at night they come together for a common purpose. Their purpose is to introduce this new form of music—Zydecore—to the world.

So, if you ever hear someone say that cover bands aren’t original, take them to a Static show. They won’t see little green men take the stage, but they are likely to have a blast and quickly agree with the readers of The Times.