Hometown: Auburndale, Mass.

Family background: I was born and raised in Newton, Mass. My dad was a drummer, so he got me started early listening to the big bands-Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, etc. My parents always have supported my music. Even after my dad passed away when I was 10, my mom still kept me involved with music. My brother and I used to jam-he would play guitar. When I graduated high school, I didn't go to college. I decided to make it happen with music.

Birthday/sign: March 16. I'm a Pisces.

Musical influences: Buddy Rich, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Roger Miller, Sam Cooke, Jeff Buckley, James Brown, The Police, Paul Simon, Huffamoose, Blue Nile, Innocence Mission, The Sundays.

Favorite record(s)/why: Rush's Moving Pictures-it was the first record I learned to play every song note for note on the drums. Miles Davis' Kind of Blue-it was the first jazz album I ever bought. It's a masterpiece. Huffamoose's We've Been Had Again-they're the first band I've heard in years that I like every song.

Career aspirations: To make great music that will always be around.

Good habits: I think I'm pretty neat and tidy. I always try to go out of my way to help people and to listen to someone when they're down.

Bad habits: I'm late a lot. I probably shouldn't mention the others.

Recent job(s):The Other Side Cosmic Cafe (Boston).

Worst job: Bruegger's Bagel Bakery. I was the low man on the totem pole and did all the shit jobs like scraping the old cream cheese out of the bins.

Favorite hangouts/why: The beach, because it's relaxing, and I love the sun and water. I'm also a big fan of palm trees.

What's so special about the band? I think we have a good chemistry together, and we make music that most people can relate to.

What does being in the Push Stars mean to you? It means a lot of hard work and not much pay.

Three things you'd take with you to a deserted island: (1) My drums; (2) a lover; (3) some suntan lotion.

Three words you'd use to describe yourself: (1) I'm (2) not (3) gay.

Three words your close friends would use to describe you: (1) Wicked (2) fu#!*king (3) pissa.

Something about yourself not many people know: I can breakdance, and I love Moxie soda.

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

Nickname(s)/who calls you this? My close friends usually call me Ry, Ry Guy, or daddy Mac.