Business owner by day and drummer in a band by night—proof that life doesn’t have to be lived on repeat. While most people hang up their work boots or shut down their laptops when the clock strikes five, others are just starting their second act. In a world that often tells us to choose one path, one passion, or one version of ourselves—some people boldly select all of the above.
One of those people is the man behind the drum kit and under the hood: James Presta, owner of Presta Automotive Repair. Known locally for running an honest repair shop, James also fuels his lifelong love of music as the drummer for the high-energy cover band Alter Ego. “By day, I’m a mechanic. By night, I play drums in a band,” he says. “Everybody has an alter ego—we just gave ours a name.”
His passion for music started early. “The first band that got me into music was KISS,” he shares. “But honestly, it depends on the mood. Some days, it’s Kenny Rogers radio; other days, it’s Judas Priest or 80s hair metal.” His first live song? “Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes with his first band, Four Past Midnight. “That one always stuck with me.”
James' hands-on career began just as early. “The first car I worked on was my dad’s 1981 Ford Granada,” he recalls. “I’ve loved working on cars since I was a kid.” That passion became a business in 2007 when he partnered with his cousin to open a shop. “He had the money, I had the knowledge,” he explains. “By 2009, it became mine. I’ve been running it solo ever since.”
A typical Friday for James is anything but ordinary. “I get into work at 8, and Fridays are always chaotic,” he says. “If we’re playing that night, I leave early, shower, head to the venue, set up, play, and come home. By Saturday, I’m dead to the world.” Luckily, Presta Automotive is closed on weekends. “That helps. I need that time to recover.”
Music and mechanics may not seem related, but they serve a common purpose for James. “If I’m having a bad, frustrating day at the shop, I go home and let it out on the drums. Within an hour, I feel so much better. It’s therapy.”
One of his biggest challenges is managing people—both in the garage and on stage. “You’ve got to be diplomatic,” he says. “Four other people are in the band, just like four mechanics in the shop. Everyone has their own opinions. You can’t just say, ‘It’s my way or no way.’ You have to listen, reason, compromise.”
James’ customers are often surprised to learn about his alter ego—but they’re also supportive. “A lot of them come to shows. They think it’s awesome. It’s cool to see that side of someone they usually only see in a work uniform.”
The band plays at well-loved venues across the region, including Bourbon on Main, Overtime on 52, Ukulele’s in Land O’ Lakes, and Pete’s Place in Tampa. “We’re all over. We have a great booking agent who believes in us.”
Giving back is also essential to James. He supports the Shriners organization, which helps children with disabilities. “Every year, I donate to their circus event. My donation helps send six to ten kids to the show. That’s something I’m proud to be part of.”
From fixing cars to firing up the crowd, James Presta shows us that passion doesn’t need to end when the workday does. “It’s not about living two separate lives. It’s about doing what you love—and not letting life get boring," he emphasizes. For him, the rhythm of life is simple: work hard, play harder, and always make time for the music.
Want to catch a show? Find out where Alter Ego is playing next at alteregoband.live.
“It’s not about living two separate lives. It’s about doing what you love—and not letting life get boring,"