In 1996, Michaels graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he received a BA degree in Literature.

Less than a week after announcing the formation of the band, the band changed their name to DOOM Regulator due to a band from Seattle already being called Bad Optics. Armstrong promised tons more songs to come. In March 2023, Michaels and Tim Armstrong along with Circle Jerks drummer Joey Castillo and Trash Talk bassist Spencer Pollard formed the band Bad Optix and released their first single called 'Raid'. Michaels collaborated with former Operation Ivy bandmate Tim Armstrong for the 2013 original song, 'Living In A Dangerous Land' as part of the Tim Timebomb And Friends series. Michaels has stated in interviews and biographical material that the reason for his sporadic / intermittent involvement with music is that he does not consider himself a full-time musician, instead preferring to play music as an avocation rather than a career. In December 2008, he participated in a small Northern California tour with Mike Park and Kevin Seconds, as well as formed a new band, Classics of Love. In August 2008, Jesse went on a short Southern California tour with long-time friend Jeff Ott, playing new solo songs. They released two albums and toured around the country before breaking up in 2003. In 1999 after a long hiatus he formed Common Rider with Squirtgun bassist and renowned producer Mass Giorgini. Big Rig released one extended play and played several gigs around 924 Gilman Street before breaking up. Michaels also co-wrote the music to the Green Day song '2,000 Light Years Away' from their second album Kerplunk (1992).

Operation Ivy recorded and released its only studio album Energy in 1989 and broke up the same year. It was followed with an American tour which brought the group's work all around the country, and made Operation Ivy a very well respected band. In 1987, the group released its debut extended play Hectic on which Michaels wrote all of the lyrics. They quickly became a popular band especially at the Berkeley punk club 924 Gilman Street. In 1987 he formed the band Operation Ivy with guitarist Tim Armstrong, bassist Matt Freeman, and drummer Dave Mello. Throughout the eighties he was involved with the publication of fanzines, including 1987's Kill Deal for 50 Cents. Michaels' early musical experimentation involved playing in garage bands including a primitive collaboration with Jeff Ott and Aaron Cometbus who would later go on to form the band Crimpshrine. The Bay Area was also home to a small but enthusiastic second wave ska scene and Michaels was exposed to much two tone ska music, including performances by Berkeley's The Uptones. As a very young participant, he attended performances by many formative punk and hardcore bands. In Berkeley he became involved with the local punk and hardcore music scene in the eighties. Jesse Michaels was born in 1969 and he grew up in Berkeley, California, his parents are professor Priscilla Older and professor and writer Leonard Michaels. He is the son of the author Leonard Michaels, and was married to producer Audrey Marrs. In 2023 Michaels formed the band DOOM Regulator. He is most well known as the vocalist for the ska punk band Operation Ivy (1987–1989), as well as Classics of Love (2009–approx. His lyrics deal with politics, racism, and general social issues. Jesse Michaels (born April 1, 1969) is an American songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, artist, and author from Berkeley, California.

Tim armstrong jesse michaels