At the age of 19, he bought a one-way bus ticket from Utica to Los Angeles, where he hoped to make a career in music.

[1] Michael founded the metal band Midnight Reign in 1995, with drummer Adam Gust, celloist Starla Baker, and violinist Alma Cielo.

[8][9] Shortly after Michael's exit, White Wizzard members Will Wallner and Jake Dreyer announced their departures from the band.

[20] Michael co-wrote "LMFAO" by Dez Cleo which was featured on the soundtrack of the 2013 horror-comedy film Fright Night 2: New Blood.

[21] In 2019, he recorded a cover of Savatage's "Chance" along with Van Williams, Anthony Crawford, Joey Concepcion, Alex Nasla, and Will Wallner.

[21] In an interview with Decibel, he cited artists like Dream Theater, Type O Negative, King Diamond and Guns N' Roses as influences on his singing style.