A Dirty Dozen with MICHAEL MYERS from SLIK HELVETIKA – March 2026

According to a recent press release: “One of the heaviest bands to emerge from the Philadelphia rock scene is Slik Helvetika. From the glory days of the Philadelphia and New Jersey rock scene of the 80s that spawned Cinderella, Britny Fox, Pretty Poison, John Eddie, and an entire laundry list of artists who went forward to be stars, there was a band called Destroyer. Led by Michael Myers, the band had unknowingly sidestepped all the woes and pressures of being “that commodity” and unwanted influences. Taking some time to let the songs and playing develop to be the best it could resulted in that band today called Slik Helvetika. Lots of driving energy, melody, memorable chorus hooks, great playing and strong lyrics.” We get Michael to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Fans of Slik Helvetika and my former band Destroyer may have seen a mainstream of themes about both laughable, unsensible behavior and then content erratically jumping to a high level of deep thought. This time around most of the content is deeper yet. Yes, the songs groove and plow you over with energy and have strong hooks you can sing along with, but contain messages within about life, consciousness, human potential and what the mainstream may consider magic, but those who bridge the gap of quantum physics and hidden knowledge find commonplace to the human. There are hidden messages everywhere.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I always loved music as far as I can remember. When I was pre-teen I almost couldn’t get to sleep at nights because I kept hearing original concertos in my head sometimes for hours. I became the rock-n-roll rebel when I reached teens and got my first taste of heavy metal and was hooked. I loved the power I could feel through the music and the magic way it made me feel.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

The most memorable song for me was live Judas Priest “Green Manilishi.” Typical story of listening to it on a bedside crappy radio but being so excited I had a hard time falling asleep.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I’ve never collaborated with anyone or had the desire to. I never even have had that thought. I still have about 100 songs to finish and record. I guess since you made me think about it I do like the stuff Butch Walker comes up with.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

My favorite activities when not doing music are mountain biking and martial arts. I’m a fitness oriented person who eats right and has always had robust physical activity as a part of my life. I did motocross for years at an amateur level but it is a very dangerous sport if you go full out and I’m that type of person. I have a lot of titanium in my body from that era.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Without comparison to anyone else, I would describe it as hard driving and intense but very musical and melodic. I hope it makes you want to move and I hope the thoughtful lyrics make you question things or laugh. There’s some humorous content. I thought a creative comparison a reviewer gave it was pretty accurate when they said it was like if Motley Crue had teeth and balls.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

The current live line up isn’t confirmed quite yet so I’ll have to save that question for later.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I can’t remember ever being starstruck. I think I’m too analytical. I’m always watching every move a performer makes and studying it and the effect it has on the fans.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

I think the thing I like the most is constantly becoming a better musician. There is no limit. I have delved into classical guitar and released an original piece called Tristo Attesa. Since being a musician is sometimes not the most glamourous or lucrative unless you make it BIG, I do own a small retail bicycle business and teach many instruments at a local Rock School. The bike business is fun and pairs up with my hobby pretty well.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

The question that gets old quick is one you haven’t asked [Thank you] – Influences? The question I hope for is – Have you ever been driving down the road over 80mph and accidentally shifted into reverse by accident? Answer – No.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Maybe, just maybe should have moved to LA in the late 80s rush of record companies signing copious amounts of metal bands. That could have turned out bad though. In the early days we were dangerous and if we had the money and success, we probably would have done something stupid on a large level.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Sweet – Desolation Boulevard. Probably my favorite of all time. I’d just watch. That member line up was perfect.

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Category: Interviews