ROADKILLER
Interview conducted on June 6, 2022
By Dan Locke
Phillipa Tank is ROADKILLER. Phillipa is the vocalist, singer and composer of the music and lyrics of all of the songs on the record. She is also the guitarist and founding member of all girl Motorhead tribute band, Motorbabe.
Five guest drummers participated in the recording of the upcoming ROADKILLER album, Pick of the Litter: Dave Witte (Municipal Waste), Jess Margera (CKY), Donald Tardy (Obituary), Tommy Akerholdt (Turbonegro) and Adrian Aguilar (Exmortus). Phillipa invited each drummer to record a song that best fit each drummer’s style of playing. Each session was filmed and a total of five videos will be produced.
How did you discover music?
As a teenager. My best friend at high school and local street press were the beginning of the end.
How did you start to write music?
Barely being able to play my guitar. Power chords and an older bass player I met who just let me write everything.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
I bought it off of craigslist and yes.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model? And does it have a name?
I have another Black Gibson SG Standard. I think this one is a 2011 model. No.
You were one of the founding members of the all girl Motorhead tribute band MOTORBABE. How was that part of your musical career?
I saw my drummer Janna’s videos playing Van Halen and I wanted to start a band with her. She was down. Then I found Rachel and the rest is history. It’s a fun tribute band that I like to do on the side.
Did anyone in Motorhead ever check you out and give you their blessing for your version of their music?
Yeah Lemmy’s friend Scott comes to our shows sometimes and digs it. Thanks Scott!!
What was your first performance at like?
It was some outdoor hippy party and we played punk. It went down well enough for a first show so I booked more.
You are from Philly. What was it like to tour with Tiger Sex?
We didn’t tour with them, we just played one Kung Fu Necktie show with them. It was great, the singer climbed all over the bar and sang.
Why did you decide to start this new project?
Because I wanted to start up a new band in Philly and play to the punk scene. It’s been a lot of fun.
How did you get your bands name?
It was Roadkill, but then I saw there are like 8 Roadkills already out there. My friend suggested just to put an “ER” on the end and that just made it sound so much cooler. So here we are.
Describe your music.
Hard rock meets heavy metal with a punk twist.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP ?
Yes
What makes a good songwriter?
Someone who just keeps at it.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I see you round town. Yes, probably.
What is the process of writing your music?
Riffs first, everything else falls into place after that. Lyrics always come last and the words are written to fit the sound of the drafted vocal noises.
What is your favorite track on your album?
Probably Back with a Vengeance
Why 5 guest drummers?
Because it challenged me to write better songs and write songs in different styles. It was also a really fun process, albeit long, and it enabled me to steal a bunch of cred…
Tell me about the making of the video “Back with Vengeance”?
I found Hannah Hamilton through a friend. She was the creative director and built the sets. There were three. It was a pretty DIY process, set up in a warehouse. I found the Doberman/s through a Doberman adoption agency. It was done in a day. Hannah and her crew were amazing.
Tell me about “Pick of the Litter”?
It’s my first LP and it has 5 guest drummers.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Musicians have never been ripped off so hard.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I’d love some Vinyl right now but I cannot afford it. So digital it is.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
If you’re talking about listening to older music, I’ve been rocking T.D.S (Take It As You Will) by Vio-lence lately. I don’t usually pay much attention to song lyrics, the riffs in it are insane and have my full attention.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Probably
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?
No.
On your upcoming tour will you be having 5 different drummers playing with you?
No, just my sick local line up.
Are you ready to play Motorfest in Pittsburgh?
Yes!
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Naw, live and sweaty is the way to go.
In the past if a musician stop doing music they find a new career. For example David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
Making lots of money
What is your happy place?
Watching the Sopranos
