The Ataris' "Car Song" Is A Tribute to Kris Roe's Father

We recently had the honor of pressing The Ataris’ new single, Car Song. This isn’t an ordinary 7-inch limited edition vinyl we pressed. The single honored Kris Roe’s late father who passed away in 2014 due to complications around alcoholism. The record itself mixes in real ashes of his father. In his father’s honor, a portion of the proceeds from the 7-inch will go to Shatterproof, a nonprofit dedicated to ending addiction.

“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,” Roe said in a press release. “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.”

Kristopher Roe’s tribute to his father through The Ataris’ new single, “Car Song,” is a poignant example of how music can serve as a vessel for memory and healing. By pressing his father's ashes into the vinyl, Roe has created a lasting connection between his father's legacy and the band's music. This act not only honors his father's unwavering support but also transforms personal grief into a shared experience for fans. As listeners spin the record, they become part of this tribute, carrying forward the spirit of someone who was deeply intertwined with the band's journey. It's a testament to the enduring power of music to preserve and celebrate life.

For more information on the limited edition vinyl and to purchase your copy, visit The Ataris' official website or Double Helix Records.