Michael Miley started playing drums when he was just four. In the 8th grade, he tried to join the jazz band but was beaten to the punch by his best friend. Mid way through high school, however, Miley decided to quit football to join the jazz band. He eventually became obsessed with world music, namely Brazilian (samba Batucada, Bossa Nova, Frevo, Folklorico, etc). He studied with Chalo Eduardo and eventually began working with him, playing with Santana, Ricky Martin, Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussein, Babatunde Olatunji, David Garibaldi, Giovanni Hidalgo, Los Lobos, and Bruce Hornsby, as well as the procession for Jerry Garcia’s memorial in Golden Gate Park.
After college, Miley began playing in local Long Beach bands and it’s there that he learned to Rock! Moving to Hollywood to pursue music full-time, he met Bernardo “Bird” Targett and along with Greg Coates, formed Bird3. They were signed and made a record. Around this time Miley also met Jay Buchanan and then began a 5-year stint playing with Joe Firstman. They toured extensively for two years and then Joe got the musical director position for Last Call with Carson Dalyon NBC. Miley did that for a few years while also touring with Veruca Salt.
Around 2005 Miley met Scott Holiday and not long after, Rival Sons was born. Band members include Jay Buchanan (vocals), Scott Holiday (guitar), Michael Miley (drums), and Dave Beste (bass). Miley and Rival Sons have been going nonstop for the past seven years. They’ve been traveling the world, touring, and opening for Black Sabbath on their The End tour.
CURRENT KIT SETUP
- Pearl Drums (Pasic 22)
- Paiste Cymbals
- 16″ 2002 Big Beat Hi-Hat
19″ 2002 Big Beat
22″ 2002 Big Beat
20″ 2002 Big Beat - Aquarian Power Dot heads
- Wincent Signature drumsticks Michael Miley Rival Sons (5A XXL
- DW 9000 Single Pedal