"I've always liked how books tend to just fall into your life whether by recommendation or lending or even trash picking."

Thee Oh Sees, fronted by John Dwyer, are a Los Angeles band whose sound has been described as garage rock, psychedelic rock, post-punk, art rock, noise… am I missing any? It's no surprise Dwyer's literary tastes are just as diverse as his band's sound. The prolific group has released eight full-length albums in six years (how David Baldacci-esque!). Despite this high musical productivity, Dwyer always finds time to read. Check out what books Dwyer is into, and rock 'n' read forever!

Has any one book in particular had a lasting effect on you?

That's a tough one, but I'd have to say Flannery O'Connor's collected short stories. I waited 'til I was in my 30s to read her and I'm not sure why but I felt like a fool for putting her off til then. But really, so, so many writers have had lasting impressions it's not really a true answer.

What is a classic that you've never gotten around to reading but would like to one day?

Faulkner's work in general. I've been told countless times I would love it. I tried when I was younger but didn't slip into it.

What genre do you prefer?

I've been a classic sci-fi freak as of the past couple years. I'm almost through all of Philip K. Dick's work (which I'm sure you know is an army of stories). But, I'll read anything really. I'm a fan of fiction but I have dabbled in non-fiction. Mostly biographies- Miles Davis, Moondog, even Benny Hill.

What are you currently reading? If nothing at the moment, what was the last book you read?

Right now I'm reading a collection of Philip K. Dick stories called We Can Remember It for You Wholesale.

Are you looking forward to any books to be released soon?

As much as I read I don't really keep up with current authors or their releases. I've always liked how books tend to just fall into your life whether by recommendation or lending or even trash picking. I do occasionally go out of my way to find new releases like the Alex Chilton [lead singer of Big Star and The Box Tops] book that came out not long ago called A Man Called Destruction. I haven't gotten around to it yet. A huge pile of books await.

While on tour, are you able to get much reading done?

I read almost every night. Short stories mostly on tour. Exhaustion lends itself well to a brief tale.

Do you have any tour memories involving books or libraries?

Honestly, we used to always go to libraries on the road because they were first to have free internet, so we would do all our routing and advancing for shows there as often as possible. Also, free newspaper reading!

Do you do any other writing aside from songwriting?

Not really. I wish. I would imagine to get skills as a writer, you'd have to be pretty dedicated to it, and music takes up most of my time.

Have any specific authors, books, and/or poems influenced your songwriting in any way?

Absolutely. I am constantly inspired by a line or image in writing. I have a book I keep next to the bed full of seeds for ideas; many are inspired by settings conjured by authors.

"E-books gives me the creeps. I have to look at a screen enough as it is. A book is a break from that side of life."

Do you have any favorite memoirs by musicians?

The Miles Davis autobiography is pretty off the chain.

Do you prefer physical books or e-books?

100% physical books. I'll go to my grave smelling a page and falling asleep with one over my face. E-books give me the creeps. I have to look at a screen enough as it is. A book is a break from that side of life.

Do you have a library card? If so, which library system are you a member of?

The last I had was in San Francisco. Sadly I don't have one in Los Angeles…YET!

Now you know what John Dwyer of Thee Oh Sees reads, but do you know what the band sounds like? NYPL currently circulates two albums byThee Oh Sees. Place a hold today!