James Sloan was born and raised in Billings, Montana. Originally self-taught on the drums, his first major influences included Kiss, Aerosmith, Rush, and Led Zeppelin. James' professional career began in 1985, touring with the band Soma R&R, which started as a cover band then later performed original material. That band remained together for ten years with two cds to their credit. It provided James with experience, and memories to last a lifetime.

After Soma, James decided to further his music career through education. He enrolled at MSU-Billings for a degree in music with an emphasis on percussion, where he became president of the percussion club. Then it was off to Pasadena, Ca. to the L.A. Music Academy for a one-year program. After graduation, James took a job on a cruise ship, playing in the show band. It was the perfect opportunity to utilize all the techniques he had been studying.

James played drums & percussion for the Tony Award winning musical Falsettos for seven weeks, and then later relocated to Las Vegas in 1999. Soon afterward he landed a job with the American Superstars show in Greece and spent the next six months overseas. After he returned to Vegas he got the call from YBR for an audition, where he was hired on the spot. James' attention to detail, solid playing style, and years of professional experience are apparent with each song he plays. A master of tempo and groove, he is the foundation for which YBR builds each song upon. Back to Band Bio >>