The Ataris Share Breaking Bad-Inspired Video For New Single “Car Song”

Car Song, the new single from the Ataris marks the first release from the band’s upcoming as-yet untitled album, their first fill length in more than 15 years. The video’s Breaking Bad inspiration came from a real-life piece of Breaking Bad history; frontman Kristopher Roe purchased Walter White’s actual Volvo from the show’s assistant director and later traded it to producer Bob Hoag in exchange for studio time. “I like to say that Walter White’s Volvo was the catalyst for ‘Car Song’ and the new album”, Roe laughs. “It all just came together from there, and now, here we are.”

While the video is fun, the song carries a deeply personal meaning—it’s dedicated to Roe’s late father, William Roe, who passed away in 2014 from complications related to alcoholism.

“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,” Roe says. “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.”

That connection inspired a profoundly unique tribute: Roe had some of his father’s ashes embedded in a limited-edition vinyl pressing of Car Song. “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.”

In honor of William Roe, a portion of proceeds from the Car Song 7-inch vinyl will benefit Shatterproof.org, a nonprofit dedicated to ending addiction. Funds raised will support Shatterproof’s work through 2025 and 2026.