Hometown: Poughkeepsie, NY

Family background: My grandparents were born in Ireland and met and married in the Bronx, NY. That's where my mother and father grew up and met. I have four brothers and three sisters, and they're all into music, but none of them took it up as a profession, like me. (I guess that means they're pretty smart.) I was in a band with my brother when I was 15, and that's what really got me into wanting to be in the music business. My whole family is very intense about music and what its value is in the world. They have supported my dream since day one.

Birthday/sign: June 4 / Gemini

Musical influences: I started playing piano when I was about 6, and most of what I learned to play were melodies my mother would sing to me until I picked out the notes. So my earliest influences were Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Jules Styne, Richard Rodgers, and Lennon and McCartney. Later as I got into playing bass, they were Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, REM, the Beatles, and the Jam (all had phenomenal bass players).

Favorite local band/why: Buffalo Tom-for their great melodies and emotional songs. As a three-piece, their live show is full of energy and great harmonies.

Favorite record(s)/why: Some of my past favorites have been REM's "Murmur", Aztec Camera's "High Land Hard Rain," and My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless". At present, though, it's Radiohead's "OK Computer" because of its beautiful guitar arrangements and vocals. It's almost classical in musical intelligence. And, besides, it totally rocks, dude!

Career aspirations: To have a long, healthy career with this band where we have freedom to be creative in other areas of art, including film scoring, writing, producing, and maybe even a little acting. Mostly, to become a musical influence on someone else.

Good habits: Trying as hard as I can to not impose my bad habits on other people.

Bad habits: I thought what Sally Field wore in "The Flying Nun" was simply dreadful. No, seriously, one is mixing up all the CD's and cases. It drives me nuts, yet I still do it.

Hobbies: I collect dust and keep it scattered around my room. I also have a large collection of pennies, which I keep in my car.

Recent job(s): I currently work as a part-time recording engineer in the Boston area.

Worst job: Climbing under trailers and installing central air-conditioning. That summer I simultaneously conquered my fears of bugs, small-dank-dark places, razor blades, and air conditioning.

Favorite hangouts/why: The produce section of Star Market. It's so cool and fresh there. I love breathing in the clean, mountain-like air. Sometimes I'll walk up and down the aisle late at night, occasionally steal a grape or two or rearrange the broccoli display. Say hi to the bananas-"How are we tonight, my little friends?" Ahh, yes...maybe one of these days I'll buy something.

What's so special about the band? The fact that there was a natural musical friendship from the very start. Ryan and I already had a great love and respect for Chris' songs. I think when you grow up learning about the great songwriters, you hope that you could somehow be a part of their songs someday, musically. When we met Chris, we realized that he IS a great songwriter. For me and Ryan, the chance to be a part of making great music hopefully better was a great challenge and joy. When three people have common enthusiasm and goals, it's bound to click.

What does being in the Push Stars mean to you? The chance to play my favorite songs in the world and expand my musical horizons. To become what I was destined to become with guys I love playing with. Also, sometimes we get these deli platters with those tiny little chicken rolls with dipping sauce. I LOVE those.

Three things you'd take with you to a deserted island: (1) A piano; (2) every Simpsons episode; (3) a signed congressional bill prohibiting anyone from asking the "desert island" question again.

Three words you'd use to describe yourself: (1) Day-dreamer; (2) sentimental; (3) friendly.

Three words your close friends would use to describe you: (1)Unorganized; (2) romantic; (3) funny, but not ha-ha funny.

Something about yourself not many people know: I bit Marv Albert once.

If you weren't in a rock band, what else could you see yourself doing job-wise and enjoying it? Composing for film.

Nickname(s)/who calls you this? When I grew up, I was so poor I couldn't afford a nickname. Heck, I could barely afford to pay attention.