Why 'Pillbox'? I mean, it's a cool name, I'm just curious.

Pillbox comes from Bob Dylan's 'Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat', I decided to draw my band name from a genius. I also loved Jackie O's fashion style and she was a big fan of Pillbox hats.

Go on then, namecheck a few of your influences. You know you want to.

Sex Pistols, The Clash, XTC, Pretenders, Nine Inch Nails, Hole, Nirvana - angry music with a message.

Why do you think there are (comparatively speaking) very few front-women in bands, or in other words, why does the girl play bass?

Because men are so chauvinistic and this whole business is ruled by bastards who don't want to see women get ahead. Men see women as sex-objects, and the business men see women as novelty acts, "Oh I just signed a girl fronted band." Most women can't persevere amidst all the odds, it's a very difficult business and unless you are willing to give up control and become a puppet, you are out for a long hard drive.

What's it like being an American rockstar in London?

 I like it, but I wish more guys would ask me out! The British guys I have met don't seem to be curious about the American factor. And I wish I really was a rockstar in the true sense like Chrissie Hynde - I keep running into her everywhere I go but I'm too awestruck to say "hello."

 I've heard it said that British bands always want to be American, and American bands always want to be British. Do Pillbox fit in with that at all?

I would say that maybe in the past that was true of Americans trying to emulate British bands but right now in this particular climate it is very much one sided with British bands wanting to sound American - take Feeder, Ash.

Pillbox captures the best of both worlds, since we are an international band. We still sound a lot more American than British and I must admit that I am the guilty party.

Why did you choose you come to the UK, aside from the fact that we don't have George W Bush here?

Funny! I love that. British punk rock ruled my life. 78 & 79 were the best years for music and London ruled then. I came here for the memories of Camden Palace, Kings Road & the Batcave. Nostalgia.

Do you find it hard to be part of the 'music industry'?

It is totally naturally to me now. I have become as asshole as well (just kidding). Since I run my own label I am immersed in it.

What's your opinion on the current state of music in general?

I think a lot of artists are really frustrated because they can't make the music they want and make a career out of it. All the record companies care about is how high your chart position is rather than the quality of your music. Even a genius like Trent Reznor is complaining about it. Radiohead are just about the only band lucky enough to find themselves in such a unique position.

 Do you think the internet will revolutionize the music industry, or just kinda piss it off for a bit?

I think it has revolutionized it already, but I think shortly the internet will be just like major labels, controlled and stale. It is an open game for conartists and hustlers.
 

The Pillbox EP 'Sterilise Me' was out this April. And very good it is too.
Visit the Pillbox website
 

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