Nickalus James was born in San Diego, California, and raised in South Florida, where he developed an early passion for music and storytelling. Immersed in the local music scene, he began writing and experimenting with sound at just 13 years old. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably as a paratrooper and combat veteran, bringing a unique depth of experience and discipline to his creative pursuits.

Following his military service, Nickalus returned to his artistic roots, pursuing a career in film and media. He is currently studying Film and Media Production at Arizona State University, with an expected graduation in Fall 2026, specializing in sound design, and is currently working as a sound assistant at the Sidney Poitier New American Film School. Nickalus has contributed to the sound crew of over 15 short films and is actively involved in two independent feature-length films currently in production, along with a third in post-production as of August 2025.

In 2024, he earned certification as an Avid Pro Tools Specialist and continues to apply his technical expertise and creative instincts across all his projects. In 2025 he interned at a sound design studio in Phoenix, Arizona, under the mentorship of an Emmy Award-winning sound designer. This hands-on experience has allowed him to refine his skills as both a production sound mixer and sound designer.

Nickalus James is credited on IMDb and resides in Phoenix, Arizona.