As long as you're not in a cabin in the middle of nowhere recording, how could Kris just absolutely not attend an AMA that could be done remotely from almost anywhere on a cellphone, laptop, etc.? Something's not adding up here. Maybe I'm missing something?
How disappointing. Car Song is terrific and I'd have loved for the momentum to be built upon. While I respect his creative decision to release the album at the time of year he envisages and ultimately that should be the driver, the other part of me is thinking that the audience for this is going to be so small anyway that it wouldn't make a huge difference when it comes out. For example, they are unlikely to have a summer radio hit.
Doesn't mean they shouldn't try (if that's their intention), and we should want the best for the bands we appreciate and want them to be in the best position for success.
Recording studios cost a lot of money and engineers/producers/etc don’t have infinite time. Especially if he’s working on someone else’s dime, I wouldn’t have done the AMA either.
I can wait. I’ve spoken to Kris intermittently over the years, and this is the most driven he’s been in some time. Previously, he would second guess everything, which often resulted in unfinished songs, ideas, and lyrics. The negative reaction to Welcome the Night seemed to really affect him creatively, hence why they reverted to being a touring legacy act for so many years. It feels like he’s passed that now. I love what we’ve heard so far and trust it’ll be worth the wait. Also, reach out to Kris. Tell him you’re excited. He’s super friendly, humble, and responsive. Loves talking all things music, be it gear, influences, and so on. Thanks for coming to my Ataris Ted talk.
That is the most Ataris ass title ever. Makes sense why he wouldn't put that out in Fall or Winter then.
Is this supposed to be out there yet? I assume so given your relationship with this business, I was just surprised to see this post haha
I've long thought that album would have been received very differently had it been released under a different name. That album was doomed from the jump and I will stand by the sentiment that it's not the fault of the songs themselves in any way. So its unfortunate that the response led his songwriting/confidence to take a hit.
Kris replied to an IG comment with the title and some more info: "Thanks for the question. The record is done, I finished it in September. The album will be called “Revolution Summer” which is a small nod to D.C. and the Dischord records folks but more so for me personally is about this past summer where I truly found myself again, one of deep soulful growth and meeting the greatest love of my life. It’s also a very “summer” feeling record. If you liked “Car Song” or “All Souls Day” I feel you will most definitely dig the record. As for when it’s finally going to be released? Right now we are currently in talks with several labels working to finalize the logistics of which label it will be coming out on. Once all of that all gets locked in you can expect a more proper update. Music industry stuff unfortunately still just moves kinda slow (as does pressing vinyl.) But the good news is that it’s done and I feel it’s really good. I honestly wish I could play it for all of you right now. I’m very proud of it and feel it’s personally one of the best records I have ever made. Can’t wait for everyone to hear it. Thanks for the question.
Car Song is one of the best songs he's ever made, so I'm inclined to believe the new album will be great. When you put everything into your art, I can only imagine how deeply it could impact you if it wasn't well received, as was the case with Welcome the Night. Seeing them last autumn was a bit of a revelation for me. Kris just sounded so great, both instrumentally and vocally. Here's to hoping for a mainstream hit Ataris record next summer.
If it wasn't for The Ataris' music, and especially Kris' ethos, I wouldn't be quite the person I am today. I'm just continually in awe that a musician who has inspired me so much is so personable and gracious with his time to even reply to comments. He could tell me the album won't be out for 3 years, and I'd still make a paper chain counting down the days. I really want this to be a win for him, like genuinely. The little engine that could. I just want him to feel the love, rather than the disappointment he's surely been feeling from fans for the last 20 years or whatever of us waiting for new music from the band.