Martin Atkins Words of Advice

In case you don't know who Martin Atkins is then listen up! He's an active guest lecture, instructs at Columbia College (in Chicago), has played in numerous bands, and is an author! Yeah, this guy definitely has one hell of a resume! And as we all know with such a resume, comes experience and advice.


His first words of advice is:


"Be honest-ish,[. . .] [y]ou have to be authentic. The curtain is pulled back now."

"It's tragic when the biggest problem you have is yourself."

"A contract is not protection -- ever! Leverage is. ... Sell tickets and you can get anything you want."

"The need for external validation" has derailed many promising careers.

Other advice is in regards to touring, illegal downloading, technology and a little something extra:

"Somebody should be selling slots on mix tapes." They are key to discovering new music. He dredged up the old music-industry advertising campaign that "Home taping is killing music" and came up with his own equally problematic adage in response: "Home sewing is killing fashion."

"It's not a problem if 20,000 people 'illegally' download your music. It's a problem if they don't."

"Technical proficiency is a dead-end. There will always be someone better. Instead focus on diversifying your skill set."

"[Don't allow] yourself to think that someone else gives a (expletive)."

"[Take chances and don't fear accidents] [i]t's what you do with the accident [that counts]."

"Don't worship technology. There will always be something new." Keep in mind that "it's not how you're communicating, but what."

"Control the means of production. [In other words, make your own tour T-shirts]."

"In conclusion, [i]f in doubt, throw blueberry muffins." 

Don't know about throwing muffins, but keep in mind the other stuff.

(Click the link to go straight to the source.)