Michel was born and raised in Québec city.

Believe it or not, (he openly admits this?) his first records were the Bee Gee’s and Donna Summer. In 1978, a friend had him listen to Boston’s « new » album “Don’t Look Back”. For Michel, that was the day that Disco was out and Rock and Roll was in. His record collection switched overnight to artists like B.T.O., Fleetwood Mac, Boston, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC.

In 1981, he joined a small garage band named “Alien” and started playing guitar. His brother was the singer in that group. His parents eventually let the brothers turn the garage into a practice studio. “Le Local” was born, and the band moved in, much to the relief of Francois’ (Alien’s bass player) father. Prior to that the band was rehearsing in Francois’ basement.

Alien’s playlist had stuff like Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Metallica on it. Michel’s new favourite musical genre became Heavy Metal.

“Le Local” was a place of music and parties. There was seldom a week without at least two parties. Life was simple there, just having fun listening to or playing music, while quenching one’s thirst by knocking back a few cold ones, of course. After a few years and a couple of changes in band members, the band stopped playing. Michel then moved to Montreal to seek fame and fortune.

He invested a lot of his time in his guitar playing, but without a band, he lost interest and eventually gave it up. Michel’s musical hiatus lasted about 13 years. He got a day job in electronics, where he fixed sound and lighting equipment for the show business industry. He also eventually got a Master’s degree in Information Technology and a job as a software developer. Somewhere along the way he also got married. His wife and two kids are the biggest part of his life.

It was while working for a software company, that Michel met up with Mark (drummer) and Garry (guitar). Mark had been nagging at Michel for a few months to pick his guitar and join them for a couple of jam sessions. Michel stubbornly rejected his offers, until Mark mentioned that they were now looking for a bass player. For reasons not clear even to Michel, he decided to take up that challenge. He borrowed Garry’s bass and learned a few songs. After a few jams, it was a done deal and the boys (and girl) are together still.

Michel had to learn a bunch of songs very quickly as the band was asked to be part of the entertainment at a corporate show for the company they were working for. The show was a blast (in a good way). The no-name band was comprised of Michel, Mark, Garry and Kathryne, the female singer. All 4 band members were employees at that same software company and they rocked out the outdoor show, poolside, on the roof of a downtown Montreal hotel. Michel was solid in the rhythm section…and having a great time.

Sherry joined the band a few months later and they officially became Loose Change for a live performance at a New Year’s 2002 party.

Looking back, Michel is now very proud of his musical achievement. A self-taught musician, he took 2 or 3 guitar lessons in the early 80’s but dreaded playing scales and quickly gave them up. Michel also has a great ear for music. He learns all the songs by listening intently, dissecting, counting beats and practising in front of his computer.

This learning regimen makes Michel the definitive “song structure” authority in the band. If there is ever any dispute about this, Michel is ‘da man. He also enjoys the danger of “winging it” ; learning songs he’s never ever played before, live, during one of the 30 second huddles with the rest of the band.

As far as the music he enjoys playing, U2, Led Zeppelin, No Doubt, George Thorogood, Colin James, SRV figure prominently. Really, Michel digs any song that really rocks people out of their chairs and onto the dance floor; Classic Rock, New Rock, even the occasional dance tune; anything that gets people (and himself) shaking their booty.

If he had to list his best bass player influences, Michel would go with John Paul Jones, Adam Clayton and a handful of others. Players who create distinctive and very musical bass lines are the ones who most influenced his playing and the ones he prefers to listen to.

Like probably everyone in every “covers” band, there are a few tunes on the list that he wouldn’t be too sad to see go. He sums it up like this, “Don’t get me wrong, Dreams by Fleetwood Mac is a great song, but playing 2 notes for 4 minutes? I tend to doze off playing that one ;o)”

Michel is usually the most animated player in the band. With a fun crowd and when the band gets into “autopilot” mode and he gets “happy feet”, bopping all around his part of the stage; possibly a hold over from his disco-loving days?

At club gigs, if there is a restaurant close by there’s a good chance that you will catch Michel and Mark together eating a quick snack between the second and third sets. Submarines or pizza are the usual suspects.

Michel’s plays either a magnificent 4 string Fender Precision Deluxe bass or a very stylin’ violet colored 5 string Jackson.

Michel uses Trace Elliot amps (it must be that cool green and purple glow they give off). For small rooms he’ll use his Trace combo amp. For bigger gigs he’ll drag out his big (and heavy) 4 x 10” cabinet and head.

That’s all he needs to rock the house.