Michael J started his musical career as the lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter for the Rochester, NY band Exploding Boy in 1987. In their 13 years together the band performed thousands of shows all over the Eastern US and opened for A Flock Of Seagulls, Joe Walsh, Billy Squier, Cheap Trick, and The Goo Goo Dolls among others.
In 1991, Michael J and Exploding Boy made their national television debut in "YAMAHA'S SOUNDCHECK Rock Music Showcase" in Hollywood, CA ranking in the top five from a field of over 2,500 unsigned bands. The show was hosted by Dweezil Zappa and Holly Robinson-Peete and judges included Robin Zander of Cheap Trick, the late John Entwistle of The Who, and Randy Jackson of "American Idol" fame. Michael J and Exploding Boy also appeared as musical guests on "The Jenny Jones Show" in 1998.
Shortly before disbanding in August of 1999, Michael's song "Every Mistake" earned Exploding Boy the honor of being named one of the "Top 12 Best Unsigned Bands of 1999" according to Billboard and Musician magazines.
In Late 2001, Michael composed the theme song for a sitcom pilot written by Paul Guay who wrote the hit films "Liar, Liar" and "Heartbreakers".
Michael went on to write and record with Stan Lynch, legendary drummer for Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, producer/songwriter for Don Henley, Bob Dylan, and the late George Harrison among many others. During this time he opened shows for Howie Day, Angie Aparo, and Art Alexakis of Everclear and also performed and recorded with Ken Block and Andrew Copeland of Sister Hazel.
Michael's songs have been featured in the film "3 Needles” starring Lucy Liu, Chloë Sevigny, and Sandra Oh, and ABC Family's hit television series "Falcon Beach" which is still in syndication.
Michael’s latest release “Through The Medium Of Noise” features Eric Stock and Jens Funke of Stroke 9 on drums and bass respectively, and Steve Schiltz of Longwave and Hurricane Bells who appeared on the “Twilight-New Moon” soundtrack on guitar.
Michael is currently performing over 300 shows a year in the Eastern US.
