Martin Atkins Shares His 'Tour: Smart' Wisdom

Posted on Mar 25th 2010 12:30PM by Cristin Maher
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After drumming for various post-punk acts like Public Image Ltd. and working as a session musician for a plethora of artists, Martin Atkins has learned a lot about being in a band. Atkins is now a professor at Columbia College in Chicago, where he teaches the course 'The Business of Touring.' He's also finding success as a writer as of late, with his DIY guide called 'Tour: Smart.'

In the book, Atkins shares his insider information on everything a band needs to do in order to find success on the road. Additional outside sources -- like Henry Rollins and Zim Zum, Marilyn Manson's former guitarist -- also give their advice on touring. 'Tour: Smart' has received high praises among critics and readers alike.

Atkins has now transferred his wisdom from the pages of his book to an instructional DVD. In the film, you and your band can learn everything from how to route a well-budgeted tour to screen-printing your own T-shirts. Atkins sums up his philosophies best when he says, "You can build a Great Wall of China, you can succeed on your own -- you don't need a label." Check out the video after the jump, courtesy of our friends at SnagFilms!