Born and raised in Kotzebue, Alaska, the twenty-seven year old Alaska Native (half Inupiaq Eskimo, half German/Irish) moved to Anchorage at the age of fourteen. In and around that time, James slowly traded in his basketball obsession for music. Dabbling in drums while in Kotzebue is where the bug was caught. Studying jazz drums and playing in the jazz band at Bartlett High School is where his musical world was hugely expanded. Growing up listening to the classic rock and blues of his parents record collection and putting it through a 90’s grunge and gangsta rap filter, Dommek started creating his musical identity as a drummer. Getting an acoustic guitar at 16, he immediatly began writing songs. After meeting Evan Phillips at an open mic at the age of 19, the two quickly became friends over a shared interest in Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Along with Aaron Benolkin, they went on to become founding members of the Anchorage based rock band the Whipsaws. They have since recorded two full length albums, (10 Day Bender and 60 Watt Ave) toured Alaska and a large portion of the lower 48, and have shared the stage with Wilco, Lucinda Williams and the Hold Steady. They are currently signed to Blue Rose records (Europe).

James Dommek Jr currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska.