In addition to playing drums Kottak also provides backing vocals. He also has his own band named Kottak which was formerly known as KrunK. He endorses Yamaha and Ddrum drums as well as Zildjian Cymbals, Aquarian and drumheads, Ahead drumsticks, and Danmar percussion. Kottak was arrested in Dubai in April 2014 for drunkenness, insulting Islam, and offensive behavior. He was sentenced to one month in jail. James was married to Tommy Lee’s younger sister Athena Lee and has three children.