Oklahoma native, James McAlister, is a Los Angeles-based drummer who, also, is a composer, producer, and engineer. James joined the group, Ester Drang, in the 90's. He has done session work and toured with several recording artists, including Sufjan Stevens, Pedro the Lion, Aqueduct, Avril Lavigne, and Eric Hutchinson. 

A vinyl reissue of Ester Drang's 2001 landmark album, Goldenwest, was released last year.