Biters' and Gunpowder Gray's Joey O'Brien reveals his ultimate summer playlist

• Natalie Fressell

I managed to sit down with Biters and Gunpowder Gray drummer, Joey O'Brien, for about three minutes outside of 529 before his attention span led him elsewhere. His playlist includes classics ranging from '60s rock, Flamin' Groovies, to '70s heavy metal, Judas Priest. Even if you're not turned on by these tracks, I reckon that O'Brien's ditzy demeanor and candid charm will leave you pleased as punch.

What are your summer plans? Any solo vacations, tours, or projects you're working on that the Atlanta community should look forward to?

Biters are putting out a 7-inch and playing some local shows, especially stoked for the Drive-Invasion at Turner Field and the Meltasia Music Festival. Gunpowder Gray has some shows around town coming up. Me and Chase from Dinos Boys have a project we're starting and I'm going on tour with Wyldlife from Jersey City, which should be rad.

What's on your summer playlist?

The Clash: 'Rudie Can't Fail'
Dogs D'Armour: 'Last Bandit'
Lawrence Arms: 'Seventeener'
Judas Priest: 'Tyrant'
Piper: 'Can't Wait'
The Replacements: 'I'll Be You'
High Spirits: 'When the Lights Go Down'
The Raspberries: 'I Wanna Be With You'
Giuda: 'Number 10'
Flamin' Groovies: 'Yes It's True'

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Do you think your musical taste varies from the other guys you play music with?
I share a lot of similar tastes with the people I play with. I'm more into pop-sounding songs, and a few people I play with are into death metal, and I just can't get into it.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Hardworking, shy, and sweaty.

How do you think others describe you?
Awkward?

What are your music icons, past or present, who inspire you as far as your music taste, style, overall attitude and/or life mantra?
I'm inspired by too many bands to name. A lot of '70s punk and rock 'n' roll as far as style goes. Topper Headon has inspired me a lot with drum influence.

Do you have a certain quote that you try to live by?
"You can tune a piano, but you can't tune a fish." - Burt Reynolds

What band would you empty your bank account to see live? They can be dead or alive.
Thin Lizzy

Who/What band would you want to play a show with and why?
There's a lot of bands I'd love to share the stage with ... I don't know where to begin ...We Biters have toured with a handful of bands I grew up listening to and never thought I'd be touring with them. I don't think it's far-fetched for Green Day to take us out on the road. They've named dropped us a bunch so I think that'd be a good move.

If you were trapped in a bunker with only one record to listen to on repeat, which one would you choose?
The Clash's London Calling album. It has everything I love.

Which one would be the most tortuous?
Any given shitty grindcore band would drive me mad.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? For instance, someone you listen to, but wouldn't want most people to know about.
It's not guilty, but the Goo Goo Dolls because a lot of their early stuff sounds like later Replacements.

What's the best thing about playing music in Atlanta?
Playing music in Atlanta.

Don't miss out on these upcoming events:
Gunpowder Gray, Ron Mexico, and the Tip at The Clermont Lounge on Thurs., June 26. $7 Doors @ 9
Meltasia Music Festival 3-Day event ft. Nik Turner's Hawkwind, Cherie Currie, the Biters, the Coathangers and more at Cherokee Farms starting Fri., Sept. 5. $80-$125
15th Annual World Famous Drive-Invasion ft. The Biters, Bigfoot, Gargantua and more at Turner Field Sat., Sept. 6. $25

Also, here's the Biters' "Hallucination Generation" music video, which was officially selected to screen for Atlanta, Memphis, and Philadelphia's 2014 film festivals.