Since the 4th grade marching band on Long Island, NY where Michael was raised, had no more saxophones, he tried his hand at drumming and never stopped. Some years later, he moved to Albany, and, as a student at Siena College in Loudonville, New York, he became involved in the local music scene. Shortly afterward, he met John and become one of the founding members of IMI. He has been providing the big beats ever since. Influences range from Jerry Marotta (of Peter Gabriel) and Stewart Copeland, to leaky faucets and typewriters. He really likes turtles.