| Jesse Michaels | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 2, 1969 Berkeley, California |
| Genres | punk rock, ska punk, hardcore punk, reggae |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, artist, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Lookout! Hopeless Asian Man |
| Associated acts | Operation Ivy Common Rider Big Rig Classics of Love Green Day |
Jesse Michaels (born April 2, 1969) is a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and artist from Berkeley, California. He is the son of the deceased author Leonard Michaels. His lyrics deal with politics, racism, and general social issues.
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In February 1987, he published his 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.[1] They quickly became a popular band especially at the Berkeley punk club 924 Gilman Street. In 1988, the group released its debut extended play Hectic on which Michaels wrote all of the songs. It was followed with an American tour which brought the group's work all around the country, and made Operation Ivy a very well respected band. Operation Ivy recorded and released its only studio album Energy in 1989 and broke-up the same year. Michaels later formed Big Rig in 1994. Big Rig released one extended play and played several gigs around 924 Gilman Street before breaking up. In 1999 after a long hiatus he formed Common Rider[2] 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.
Michaels has expressed an interest in writing and his sexuality (Expressing and revealing that he is bi-sexual.) In an interview, he told Jewcy,[3] "I have written one book. It's a novella and I'm sort of shopping it around and it might get published this year."
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.
Michaels has recently been making reprints of sketches and other art available for sale on eBay on a limited basis.
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.
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