A family rooted in music..
James “StickNasty” Small is an Oakland based, Grammy nominated Drummer, Producer, and Actor known for his artistic dexterity whether leaning into his deep pocket behind the kit, unique and great taste as a Producer or his and depth of emotion as an Actor.
James hails from a musical family with strong Church roots, with Pastor Mother directing the Church Choir and father as Musical Director and Pianist. Small grew up playing alongside them both in the Gospel music tradition from the young age of two years old. As Small continued through schooling, his musical repertoire expanded, landing him at Berkeley High School and as the percussionist for the acclaimed Berkeley High Jazz Program under the tutelage of Charles Hamilton. This experience was formative in shaping Small into the drummer, pianist, and producer that he is today.
To Berklee and The Rise Of Touring
With his heart set on only one place, Small was accepted into the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2009. As often is the case at Berklee, Small was approached to join an upstart touring band, Bedroc, as the opening act for a 2 Chainz tour in 2012. Like a match, Bedrock’s flame burned bright and fast, with the band breaking up in 2013. Now at a crossroads, Small looked inward to a deep passion he had for uplifting and supporting community youth. Feeling called, He took a job as an after-school program counselor at The Haley School of the Performing Arts for a year before moving back home.
Back to The Bay and the start of Something New
Upon his return to the Bay Area, Small immediately jumped back to playing shows every night, joining Sal’s Greenhouse, Kezar, STANG, Mama’s Soup, and Liberation Movement. In 2016 Small was selected to join acclaimed artist, Fantastic Negrito. With his skill and affable charm, Small quickly became a fixture behind the kit and began touring with Fantastic Negrito. Small’s rise and fast success found him stumbling with substance abuse after 2 years of hard touring. After taking, a step back to focus on recovery, Small rejoined Fantastic Negrito and has been touring internationally since. Small is proud to have recently celebrated 4 years of sobriety.
Life, Acting and A New Album
In 2022 his professional acting career bloomed when he was cast as the starring role alongside his Fiancé, Sahra Brubeck, in Fantastic Negrito’s visual Album “White Jesus Black Problems.” Today, Small is an after-school teacher at Emerson Elementary School where he teaches drama class, dance class, and writes musicals. Small specializes in music production, drums and percussion, as well as being a music director and bandleader. He continues to tour with 3x Grammy Winner, Fantastic Negrito, and he works with several other artists as a studio musician and performer. Small is currently working on his debut album, which is set to be released May 3rd 2023.
