American multi-instrumentalist and band leader of El Michels Affair. Born in 1982, based in New York City. Prolific producer, writer, arranger, and session musician since the late 1990s. Co-founded Big Crown Records and Truth & Soul, after contributing to releases from Soul Fire and Desco Records. Co-owner of The Diamond Mine and sole owner of Diamond Mine North.

Michels is a founding member of soul and funk bands Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Menahan Street Band, and Lee Fields & The Expressions, and has played with Charles Bradley as well as Wu-Tang Clan. A frequent collaborator of Dan Auerbach, Michels was a touring member of The Black Keys and co-founded The Arcs. As a producer, Michels has produced records for artists such as Norah Jones, Lee Fields and many others.