Martin Atkins

Martin Atkins is a British musician, record producer and author best known for his work as a drummer with post-punk and industrial bands including Public Image Ltd, Ministry, and Nine Inch Nails. His career spans over four decades, during which he has contributed to numerous influential albums and toured extensively. As a producer and label owner, Atkins founded Invisible Records and Mattress Factory Studios in Chicago, working with artists in the industrial and experimental music scenes. He has produced and engineered recordings for bands like Killing Joke, Pigface, and The Damage Manual. Beyond his musical work, Atkins is an educator who has taught music business at Columbia College Chicago and other institutions. He has authored several books on the music industry including "Tour:Smart" and "Welcome to the Music Business...You're F**ked!", which draw from his extensive experience in touring and music production. His collaborative project Pigface, formed in 1990, became known for its revolving lineup of musicians and its influence on industrial rock. Atkins continues to be active in music production, education, and writing, sharing his expertise through lectures and workshops.

Readers value Martin Atkins' direct, no-nonsense approach to music industry advice. On Amazon and Goodreads, his book "Tour:Smart" receives praise for practical touring knowledge and real-world examples from professional musicians. Readers liked: - Detailed budgeting and planning information - Personal anecdotes from touring experience - Actionable steps for independent artists - Honest discussion of industry challenges - Raw, humorous writing style Common criticisms: - Some find the tone too cynical - Content can be repetitive - Dated references in older editions - Organization could be clearer From online reviews: Amazon: "Tour:Smart" - 4.6/5 stars (150+ reviews) "Welcome to the Music Business" - 4.4/5 stars (80+ reviews) Goodreads: "Tour:Smart" - 4.2/5 stars (200+ ratings) One reader noted: "Finally, someone telling it like it is instead of sugar-coating the realities of touring." Another mentioned: "The financial breakdowns alone are worth the price."

Tour: Smart Touring for Musicians - A guide covering the logistics and practical aspects of planning concert tours, including budgeting, scheduling, and transportation.

Band:Smart - A handbook detailing strategies for band management, career development, and music industry navigation in the digital age.

Welcome to the Music Business... You're F**ked! - An examination of music industry challenges and realities for emerging artists in the modern era.

The First Year in Professional Music - A step-by-step guide for musicians transitioning into professional careers, covering business fundamentals and industry practices.

Studio:Smart - A technical manual covering recording studio procedures, equipment usage, and production techniques for musicians and producers.

William Gibson writes cyberpunk fiction focused on technology's impact on society and human consciousness. His works like Neuromancer share thematic elements with Atkins' exploration of underground culture and digital frontiers.

J.G. Ballard examines psychological effects of modern urban environments and technological change. His experimental narrative style and focus on industrial landscapes parallel Atkins' documentation of subcultures.

Mark Fisher analyzes popular culture through philosophical and political frameworks. His writing on music culture and social theory connects to Atkins' work on industrial music and alternative scenes.

Genesis P-Orridge documents experimental music and occult philosophies through personal narratives and manifestos. Their published works cover similar ground to Atkins' writing about industrial music history and culture.

Simon Reynolds chronicles post-punk and electronic music movements through cultural criticism and historical analysis. His books examine many of the same scenes and artists that appear in Atkins' work.