- 2025-05-05
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MUSIC
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The Ataris Returns with New Song “Car Song”
American rock band The Ataris, consisting of Kristopher Roe (vocals/rhythm guitar), Mike Davenport (bass), Dustin Phillips (drums) and Brian Bonsall (lead guitar), returned with a new song “Car Song” on May 2, 2025.
The song is the first single off of their upcoming album. It is their first music in eight years since the 2017 album “Silver Turns to Rust”.
Additionally, the song is accompanied by a newly re-recorded 2025 studio version of “In This Diary”.
The track is dedicated to the band frontman Kristopher Roe's late father, William Roe, who passed away in 2014 due to complications related to alcoholism.
In his honor, the band released 7-inch single of the song, incorporating William Roe's ashes.
A portion of the proceeds from 7-inch release will go to Shatterproof, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending addiction. The funds raised through this release will benefit Shatterproof through 2025 and 2026, helping those affected by substance use disorders.- Kristopher Roe said of the song, “I've always been so lucky to have my dad's unwavering support for The Ataris. He wasn't just a fan—he was a fixture of our community. He would often interact with fans on the band's message board, film live sets, and share them with everyone—everyone knew him. He was a huge part of the band's journey.”
He continued, “When I read about a service that would press a loved one's ashes into vinyl, it instantly hit me. What better way to honor my dad than making him a permanent part of the music he always loved? It felt like the most meaningful tribute I could give him.”
He added, “For anyone who knew my dad, they'd agree this would be the most fitting tribute for him.” -
The band's return to the studio was sparked by an unlikely source: Kristopher Roe's purchase of Walter White's iconic Volvo from Breaking Bad's final season. He later traded the car to his producer Bob Hoag in exchange for studio time-an exchange that led directly to the creation of “Car Song”.
Kristopher Roe said, “I like to say that Walter White's Volvo was the catalyst for 'Car Song' and the new album. It all just came together from there, and now, here we are.”
Photo by Aaron Ehinger - source : Apple Music
