"Frank O'Hara, Patti Smith, Stevie Smith, Richard Brautigan—these have always been my angels in times of writer's block."

Crocodiles are a fuzzed-out garage rock band hailing from San Diego, California. The band is headed by Charles Rowell and Brandon Welchez, and recently released their fifth full-length album Boys on May 12. Crocodiles's 80s post-punk influences are apparent in one listen, and after interviewing Brandon Welchez, it's clear just how much of an impact literature and poetry has had on the band, too. Read on to learn more, and rock 'n' read forever!

What role did libraries play in your youth?

Libraries played a big role—both my parents were big readers. They read to me before I could read to myself and they enrolled me in a program to learn how to read prior to 1st grade so I'd have a head start. I'm terrible at math and science but always was good in English and creative writing classes and that's what I attribute it to. We would do weekly library trips to stock up as a kid. 

What was your favorite book growing up? How do you feel about this book today?

I remember really loving this book Seven At One Blow which I think was just a slightly updated version of the Grimm Brothers' Valiant Little Tailor. I haven't read it again since I was a kid but I suppose it's a good lesson to teach children: brains are more important than money, power and might. 

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

When I was a teenager and becoming politically aware I used to read stuff like Noam Chomsky and really anything from AK Press that looked interesting. I don't know that any one of those books changed my life completely but they certainly helped me see the world and our country differently than if I was just getting my information from my teachers and from mainstream news media. 

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

Oh there are so many! The Brothers Karamazov, Don Quixote, stuff like that. Hopefully I have plenty of time to do that. 

What genre do you prefer? Are there any you can't get into? 

I prefer literary fiction and poetry. I can't really get into fantasy. A lot of science fiction rubs me the wrong way but there are a few I love. 

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

I'm about halfway through Henry Miller's The Air-Conditioned Nightmare. He's definitely one of my favorite authors. 

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

I read Suicide and Autoportrait by Edouard Levé and was blown away by both, particularly Suicide. A collection of his poetry is supposed to be published in English soon and I am eagerly awaiting it. 

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

Yes, I get tons of reading done on the road. At home I maybe average a novel a week or week and a half but on the road it's easily three a week depending on how long the drives are.  

Do you have any tour memories involving books or libraries?

We produce our own poetry chapbooks and sell them alongside our records and t-shirts. If we sell 5 on a whole month long tour it's a smash success. As Richard Hell says "No one reads poetry." 

Do you do any other writing aside from songwriting? 

Yes we both write poetry and short stories and occasionally participate in readings around NYC. 

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

When I'm writing lyrics I'm also constantly reading poetry and other people's lyrics for inspiration. Frank O'Hara, Patti Smith, Stevie Smith, Richard Brautigan—these have always been my angels in times of writer's block. I even stole a line from Mayakovsky once haha...

Do you have any favorite memoirs by musicians?

Patti Smith's Just Kids, John Lydon's Rotten, Miles Davis's autobiography.

Have any liner notes stayed with you over the years? 

The used copy of Nation Of Ulysses's 13-Point Program to Destroy America that I bought had a copy of their zine Ulysses Speaks! in it and as a kid I found it very intriguing and entertaining. I still love looking at it when I'm listening to that record. 

Do you prefer physical books, e-books, or no strong opinion either way?

I strongly prefer physical books but I don't have any problem with e-books or anything. I just like the feel and smell of the paper in my hands.

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

I actually don't have a library card but it's because, like records, I am an avid collector. I like owning the books I love and sharing them with friends and trading them. And if I buy something I don't like I sell it for credit to used book shops. I'd save a lot of money if I had a library card but I can't help but hoard them. 

NYPL currently carries four CDs by Crocodiles. Place a hold on one or all albums, and see if you can catch  the "stolen" Mayakovsky line!