James "StickNasty" Small

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 sense of taste as a producer and depth 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. Gospel was his first introduction to music, and it was in the church that he developed a love and understanding of music.


Small’s love and sense of music was further enveloped with his parents' careful selection of styles and tastes ranging from Disney Radio to smooth Jazz to Gospel. 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.


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 the world renowned Berklee, Small was approached in his first semester by a student who was the musical director for a group called Bedroc which set Small on the rocket ship trajectory of touring. Bedroc’s first show was opening for 2 Chainz to none other than a sold out arena. This launched the band to full time touring with Small dropping out of Berklee to pursue his musical dreams. As also often happens, Bedroc broke up in 2013, with Small finding himself at a key life crossroads. Out of school, out of a band, and now living in Cleveland with no job, 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.


Upon his return to the Bay Area, Small immediately jumped back to playing shows every night. Building his chops and skill, Small became a member of several bands, including Sal’s Greenhouse, Kezar, STANG, Mama’s Soup, and Liberation Movement just to name a few. His next break would come In 2016 when Small received a call to come in and audition for acclaimed artist, Fantastic Negrito. With his skill and affable charm, Small quickly became a fixture behind the kit and began touring with Fantastic Negrito. After two long years of touring, Small had to take a step back and focus on recovering from substance abuse. These types of moments often build deep emotional ability to craft music that resonates with so many. After making a recovery and implementing life changes, Small was welcomed back into Fantastic Negrito and has been touring internationally since. Small is proud to have recently celebrated five years of sobriety.


As seasoned a drummer as they come, Small has played on some of the biggest stages in the world including Red Rocks, Radio City Music Hall, The Greek Theater (Los Angeles and Berkeley, CA), and the Boston Symphony Hall. He has played at many notable festivals including, Afro Punk in Paris, North Sea Jazz Festival, Hollywood Bowl Jazz Fest, and Monterey Jazz Festival. He has also appeared on several Late Night TV shows, such as Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert. He has shared the stage with several celebrated artists including Train, Lyrics Born, Taj Mahl, Rexx Life Raj, Ariana Afsar, Fantastic Negrito and more.

In 2022 his professional acting career bloomed when he was cast as the starring role alongside his wife, 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.