Kristopher Roe of The Ataris on Riot and Reverie: Punk Rock, Purpose, and Staying Inspired

If you came of age with a burned CD in your car stereo and The Ataris on repeat, this episode of Riot and Reverie is for you. I sat down with Kristopher Roe, frontman and founder of The Ataris, for a raw and reflective conversation about the highs, lows, and full-circle moments that come with nearly three decades of making music and staying true to your voice. Since starting the band in 1995, Kristopher has remained a fiercely independent force in the punk world — evolving without ever losing sight of what matters. We talked about the deeply personal songs he’s working on now and what it means to create from a place of vulnerability, even when it hurts. His upcoming record explores themes of grief, memory, and family. One track in particular, “Car Song,” honors his late father and marks a powerful turning point in both his life and his art. One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was when Kristopher talked about the new single, “Car Song.” He mentioned that it feels like a natural progression from So Long, Astoria — a record that defined an era for so many fans, myself included. That really hit home for me. This track lands deep, stirring up all those memories and emotions I’ve carried with me since discovering The Ataris. You can watch the official video for “Car Song” here, and I can’t wait to see the band bring it to life on their fall tour. It’s a full-circle moment that reminds us how music shapes our stories, and how those stories keep evolving.

From Basement Dreams to Global Stages The Ataris began the way many iconic punk bands did — with nothing but passion, a few chords, and a dream. Kristopher started the band in Anderson, Indiana, recording demos in his bedroom. Those early DIY roots weren’t just a phase; they were the foundation. From cramped basements to sold-out venues, Kristopher stayed grounded in the belief that honest music finds its way. He shared stories from the early touring days with the Vandals, couch surfing, and writing songs that would go on to be anthems for an entire generation. These weren’t just coming-of-age moments; they were milestones of creative grit and camaraderie.

Punk Rock Fueled by Emotion and Heart What sets The Ataris apart has always been Kristopher’s writing. His lyrics capture what it feels like to grow up, lose your way, fall in love, fall apart, and try again. Songs like "The Saddest Song," "In This Diary," and "All Souls Day" didn’t just resonate with fans, they stayed with them. In our conversation, he talked about how those early emotions — heartbreak, longing, nostalgia — still inform his songwriting today. But the lens has changed. Life experience, loss, and perspective have deepened the message. The upcoming album is proof: not a reinvention, but a maturation. A continuation of the story.

Unexpected Influences: WWII-Era Jazz One of the most surprising turns in our chat was Kristopher’s love for WWII-era jazz. It’s not what you expect from a punk frontman, but that’s what makes it meaningful. For him, that music represents storytelling, mood, and timeless emotion—the same things he strives to create in his own work. That wide range of influences from punk to jazz to indie folk is what keeps him inspired. It’s also what helps The Ataris remain relevant in a scene that’s constantly shifting.

Touring in 2025: The Ataris Hit the Road Despite changes in the industry and the natural wear of time, The Ataris are still touring. Their 2025 fall tour includes stops across the U.S. and Canada. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to reconnect. For new listeners, it’s an invitation into a community that’s been holding space for vulnerability and rebellion since the '90s. Seeing The Ataris live isn’t just a nostalgia trip, it’s a reminder of how music connects us, grounds us, and moves us forward.

Why This Conversation Matters This episode of Riot and Reverie isn’t just for Ataris fans. It’s for anyone who’s ever created something without a roadmap, who’s stuck with a passion long after the world told them to grow out of it. It’s about staying the course, even when the course shifts. Kristopher’s story reminds us that you don’t need a major label or a viral moment to make a lasting impact. You just need heart, hustle, and a reason to keep going.

Tune In and Join the Conversation Whether So Long, Astoria was the soundtrack to your youth or you’re just discovering The Ataris’ timeless energy, this episode of Riot and Reverie offers an unfiltered, deeply personal look at a punk rock legend’s journey. Don’t miss Kristopher Roe’s story of resilience, creativity, and staying true to your voice.

Watch the official video for “Car Song” here to experience the powerful new single that’s connecting past and present in a way only The Ataris can.

You can listen to the full episode on Riot and Reverie exclusively on Spotify.

The Ataris are hitting the road this fall — check out their full tour dates and tickets and don’t miss your chance to see them live across the U.S. and Canada. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes moments, follow The Ataris on Instagram and Facebook.

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