Interview with John Collura, Guitarist for the Band The Ataris

It was only four years ago that The Ataris said "So Long Astoria", and now they are saying, "Hello, Hurricane, West Virginia." The Hurricane community filled with the sounds of the pop punk group September 25. The band is plowing down a list of obscure venues schedule exclusively through MySpace.

Formed, in L.A. in 1995 the Ataris experienced a quick climb up the charts with singles off of their sophomore album, "So Long, Astoria". I recently had the opportunity to lead a forty minute interview with lead guitarist, John Collura. He had plenty to say about the bands new style of playing small venues, their new album, "Welcome to the Night", and his mixed feelings about the release of "Boys of Summer".

Graffiti: So, most of your tour consists of small venues with local talent. How has that affected the way you tour and what kind of show you are playing?

Collura: It has been a really tame tour thus far, but we have really enjoyed the exploration side of playing these small towns. It really gives perspective as opposed to playing L.A. shows. Most people from L.A. don't even know about Iowa or West Virginia, let alone be there. We get to see these real Americans coming to our tours. I believe this will actually be our first show in West Virginia. We also get to listen to these bands we never heard of and it's just so exciting to think that they could be the next big thing. We have seen a lot of talent on this tour.

Graffiti: So, are you nervous about coming to West Virginia? There are a lot of negative stereotypes about what happens on these "back roads"?

Collura: Nah, you have those stereotypes for almost every state and we find that you can find some really great people no matter where you go.

Graffiti: Are there any downsides to living the dreams of every guitar wielding teenager who wants to grow up to be a rock star?

Collura: Of course, now don't get me wrong I appreciate where the fans have put us so far, I don't want to get a job, but it's a lot of work bro. Some days the band just wants to choke each other...we don't get pension checks or 401K's and it can be tedious at times. I have been doing this for more than a decade now.