A rock band is a mysterious thing. Somehow, every once in a while, a few individuals bump into one another, and they look exactly right together and share a focus and an aspiration and the right balance of musical similarities and differences.

He graduated from Yale University in 1988 majoring in American Studies and wrote his senior thesis on Licensed to Ill by the Beastie Boys. He has worked as consultant for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He is also heavily involved in assisting homeless people with the Housing Works AIDS charity.

He left Spin in March 2002. He has worked as consultant for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He is also heavily involved in assisting homeless people with the Housing Works AIDS charity.