When asked at age ten what instrument he wanted to play, Michael Patrick Galante simply replied "the drums".  Unfortunately the politics of a northern California elementary school kept him from doing so until a year later.   After leaving that school Michael began his first round of private drum instruction which, surprising to some, did not turn him away.   His family moved to Maryland shortly there after, where Michael continued to learn the art of drumming in the school bands.   By 16 Michael realized that music was to be more than just a hobby, and began studying with Berklee College of Music graduate Grant Menefee.   Forming several bands through out high school, he spent many weekends performing in the Baltimore area, taking influence and inspiration from drummers like Stephen Perkins, Jimmy Chamberlain, Chad Smith, and John Bohnam.   After high school Michael spent a year playing in the jazz ensemble at the local community college.

He then headed for Boston to study at the Berklee College of Music.   Learning from teachers Giovanni Hildalgo, Robert Tamagni, Joe Hunt, and Skip Hadden, Michael was able to expand musically in blues, latin, jazz, and funk.   He also found many other students to play with almost everyday of the week, doing everything from hard core to pop, and just some wild experimentation. After three full semesters at Berklee, Michael returned to Maryland where he played with several Baltimore bands and gave private lessons.   Michael's band "Oellablue" was able to share a show with Jill Sobule, Joy Askew, and Abra Moore.   Looking for a side gig to help keep up his chops, Michael responded to an add for a "Smiths" cover band.   There he met Sean Michael Dargan, a D.C. area singer/songwriter.   Sean, impressed by Michael's performance, asked him to join the "Sean Michael Dargan Band." With the Band, Michael has shared the stage with Paula Cole, Yes, and Francis Dunnery.

In hopes to spread their music further, the band relocated to Dallas, Texas as "Smd.".   They hit the music scene early, playing Dallas area clubs like Club Dada and Poor David's Pub, but after a few months, various musical and personal differences led Michael to proceed with only the guitarist and bass player.   This newly formed band was called "3 Shot West", a blend of rock, pop, and experimental improvisation.  After releasing their first album "radiophonic" in April of 2000, the band performed in Houston, Austin, and Dallas.  3 Shot West  played such venues as the Curtain Club, Trees, Sidecar Pub, and more.  A live EP is also available.  After two years of hitting the scene, Brian Aldsworth decided to leave Dallas for Austin.  A short lived new line up for 3 Shot West resulted in a 4 song EP which can be heard on mp3.com. 

In the down time, Michael sat in with friends Foursidecircle, who recently parted ways with their drummer.  The night went well, and ended up with Michael joining the band permanently.  The debut album "Figure 1-a" was recorded during the winter of 2001 and is available now.  They have been very successful on the local scene headlining the Liquid Lounge and playing all over Dallas, Tyler, Stephenville, the Northgate Music fest in College Station, and Bayfest in Corpus Christi.  The band will be branching further out into Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nashville and more.  

Michael can also be heard on several debut albums of local songwriters including:   Marilyn Duncan  - "old friends and lovers" featuring Graham Duncan of 3 Shot West, and bassist Harry Dailey formerly of Jimmy Buffet;  Annie Benjamin  - "Life's Blessings"; and Jeff Jones self titled debut.  Aside from giving some percussion lessons, Michael continues to prove himself as a professional by sitting in with other Dallas Area Musicians (such as Naked Singularity,  Tarrytown and Hi Fi Drowning ), which has enabled him to share the stage with Deep Blue Something, as well as gain more experiences with new music.