BITE ME! Ataris Interview

An e-interview with John Collura of The Ataris -by J

This is your first major label CD. Describe how the process of making it was different from making a CD for Kung Fu.

Well first off, we took a year off to concentrate on writing. Then we started doing our own pre-production, we recorded the songs 2 or 3 times to really listen to them and let them sink in, so if we needed to make any changes we could. Then we did a final pre-production session with our producer Lou Giordano. The difference between making this record and the Kung Fu records was that we actually had time to write and record. In the past the band would tour non-stop and then take 2 weeks to record everything, there was no time for pre-production, which is important, because you never want to have any regrets after you finish recording. On End Is Forever, Kris will admit that he was not 100% happy with his lyrics or different parts of the recording because they had no time to work out the kinks that you are usually faced with when making a record.

What were your reasons for moving on to a major label? Would you recommend it for other bands that were in your position?

The band had fulfilled it's contract with Kung Fu, so we were free to explore other offers from different labels. Columbia was one of the only Major labels that understood what The Ataris were about. We still run our website, we still control our merch, we still write our own music, we pick what tours we want to do and what bands we want to take. We are still free to release 7 inches with indie labels. Basically nothing has changed internally with the band. We wanted to make our music available to as many people as possible and if we were to stay on Kung Fu we would only be able to reach a certain amount of people. We would have been content, but we are band that wants to be more than content and take a chance. We have a great relationship with Columbia and they are doing a great job in advertising our band and keeping our integrity. I think if a band can keep their integrity, then going with a major is a good idea.

You found some airplay success earlier in your careers with "San Dimas High School Football Rules". How different do you feel about that and the success of your new song "In This Diary"?

Well “San Dimas” may have been played sporadically, but it was never really a force on the radio. But I think the difference between the songs is that “In This Diary” has a really defined chorus that repeats 4 times. It's a sort of song that has lyrics that can relate to a wider audience as well.

Does it feel weird to finally see one of your videos on MTV?

Honestly, it's a great feeling to see our video on MTV, we are really proud of it and thankful to everyone that helped make the video such a great experience and a great video! I also think that going to major, we wanted that kind of exposure, so it's not too much of a weird feeling...well kind of!

You are so fan oriented as a band. With your fan base growing so much, do
you see that changing in any way?

I think the only thing might be that we won't have enough time to talk to every one of them! There has been a noticeable difference with the amount of mail that we receive. It's really hard to respond to all of it...it's almost impossible to respond to all of it, but we try our best and we really do read our mail and listen to all the demos that we get.

How is everything working out with your new guitar player? Are you guys still in touch with Marco? [Editor’s note: this was an e-mail interview, and we didn’t know who we’d get! Who knew. –ed]

Well....I'm the new guitar player, so I hope things are working out!! But seriously, we still have a good relationship with Marco. He has a space in the back of Down On Haley(The Ataris record store) where he uses it as a practice space with his new band.

How is the record store doing? Any plans to open up more in other cities?

The record store just barely gets by, but the band never intended to have a store to make money. It's a great place with lots of rad stuff..CD's, shirts, posters..etc. There are no plans to open up anymore, but you never know!

What would be the top 3 things you would recommend a band starting out do?

1) Get a van. 2) Buy decent gear. 3) Tour, tour tour!!

What is the worst/best thing about being on the road?

Worst thing is missing your friends, family and girlfriend. The best thing is playing a show every night and meeting new people and seeing the world!

Where are some of your favorite places to play live?

Manchester, Chicago, Salt Lake, last time in Austin was great, New York, San Antonio, Seattle, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, London, Italy and Germany...just to name a few!

What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I guess just falling down is the worst thing, although once I jumped and when I landed the guitar ripped right off the strap.

For a 2003 "Mix Tape" what would you put on it?

Well lately I would put some Thrice, Finch, Descendents, Misfits and maybe one of our new songs!

What is the best advice you have ever received?

If you are doing something you're not supposed to be doing, you're going to get hurt or in trouble...or both.

If you could form a side project with any musicians living or dead, who would be in it?

Kurt Cobain, Fat Mike and any good drummer would do!