Besides being a percussionist, Michael spent 25 years as a contributing writer to Modern Drummer, and has also written for AVANT, DownBeat, Rhythm, and other magazines. He has published various books on music and percussion, recorded twelve albums of solo percussion music, and currently obsesses over metal percussion of all types. In 2001, he abandoned working with musical groups to devote himself to performing as a solo percussionist. “I have a form of Autism, called Aspergers Syndrome, in which I find social situations extremely awkward and difficult,” he says. “I just couldn’t deal with being in a group anymore.” Since then, he has gone on tour on his own, playing performance spaces and festivals around the US and Canada. He has also jumped fully into composing for percussion. “I love percussion, it’s my special interest, it’s my religion.” Michael also teaches privately, and presents clinics, workshops, and Gong Meditation Sessions.