Jesse Michaels
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| Jesse Michaels | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 2, 1969 , Berkeley, California |
| Genres | Ska punk, Punk rock, Hardcore punk, Reggae |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Artist, Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Years active | 1987-present |
| Labels | Lookout! Hopeless Records Asian Man Records |
| Associated acts | Operation Ivy Common Rider Big Rig Classics of Love |
Jesse Michaels (born April 2, 1969) is a songwriter, guitarist and artist from Berkeley, California. He is the son of the late author Leonard Michaels and is married to the producer Audrey Marrs. His lyrics deal with politics, racism, and general social issues.
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[edit] Musical Overview
In February 1987 he published his first First Fanzine, "Kill Deal for 50 Cents". Later that year he formed Operation Ivy with guitarist Tim Armstrong, bassist Matt Freeman, and drummer Dave Mello. They quickly became an extremely popular band especially at the Berkeley punk mecca 924 Gilman Street. In 1988 they released their first EP Hectic on which Jesse wrote all the songs. It was followed with an American tour which brought their work all around the country, and made Operation Ivy a very well respected group. After their return they recorded their first LP Energy which is considered the first Ska punk album. In 1989 Operation Ivy broke up, and Jesse later formed Big Rig in 1994. Big Rig released one EP and played several gigs around 924 Gilman Street before breaking up. In 1999 after a long hiatus he formed Common Rider with Squirtgun bassist and renowned producer Mass Giorgini. They released two albums and toured around the country before breaking up in 2003. In August 2008, Jesse went on a short Southern California tour with long-time friend Jeff Ott, playing new solo songs. In December 2008, he participated in a small Northern California tour with Mike Park and Kevin Seconds, as well as formed a new band, Classics of Love.
[edit] Art Overview
Michaels is also regarded as a talented artist, responsible for designing Operation Ivy's well-known and widely-recognized "Ska Man" logo as well as other artwork for the album. In addition to drawing logos, album covers and other assorted art for his own musical projects, his artwork has been used by bands such as Filth, Neurosis, Green Day and Against All Authority.
[edit] Trivia
- He is currently working on a solo project. In late 2008 he played a few acoustic shows around the Bay Area in Northern California as well as a small coffeehouse show in Riverside, CA with Jeff Ott of Crimpshrine and Fifteen. Michaels is also an avid painter.
- It was rumored that during his hiatus in the early- to mid-90's he became a Buddhist monk. According to a 2004 interview with Michaels by The Roots of Rebellion, a Montreal-based underground radio show, he indeed was a monk for about a six month interim. However, during an interview with 'NYC Pinup Magazine', he states that he did study buddhism but did not become a monk.
- In 2005, Jesse collaborated with Chris Appelgren of Lookout! Records to launch Dynaformer, an art/design collective dedicated to showcasing the artwork of both individuals, as well as offering their artistic talents for hire.
- In early 2006 Jesse met up with his former Operation Ivy band mates to discuss business matters; however, no reunion is planned for the band.
- Michaels has a song Titled The Bell Tower on the acoustic compilation album Experiments In Audio Rocketry from 1-2-3-4 Go! Records.
- On December 17, 2006 Michaels joined his former band mates from Operation Ivy, Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, to perform "Unity," for the first time since the late 1980s.
- In November 08 he started Classics Of Love. Classics of Love features Jesse as well as Max, Mike and Morgan from San Jose's Hard Girls. Mike also plays with Shinobu while Max and Morgan are veterans of Pteradon. Classics of Love have an E.P. called "Walking in Shadows" on Asian Man Records. They are also touring July & August 09 and have already toured the UK.
