Events
Martin will be presenting the keynote seminar at the Baltimore Music Conference this year.
Check out ticketing information at the BMC Web Site
Saturday, Sept.20 7pm-11pm
@ The Showroom NYC - 117 2nd Ave at 7th St. - 2nd Floor NYC
Featuring the awe-inspiring Rock & Roll art of Stainboy, Josh Bernstein, Erik Rodriguez, Martin Atkins, Joe Simko, and many more. Visit THESHOWROOMNYC.COM for more info
OPEN BAR!!!
Martin will be the featured guest on MusicansStudio, an hour long television program hosted by Adrienne Hughes. Its mission is to produce an educational television series featuring interviews with emerging and prominent musicians and music managers who discuss their artistic and business careers. Episodes are broadcast on WYCC Channel 20, as well as cable and DVD. (Think Actor's Studio, but for musicians).
After the interview portion there will be time for Q&A as well as a mini Tour:Smart presentation. We've scored a limited number of seats to the private taping.
Email musicians.studio@gmail.com to get on the list.
Tour:Smart Band Summit - Make More Money on the Road
Mandatory for all local bands – FREE Registration!
a
Thursday December 4, 2008 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Reggie’s Music Joint 2105 South State Street Chicago, IL
You must register to attend. Seating is limited so reserve your space NOW by clicking "Join" underneath the flyer.
Agenda:
• State of industry
• Strategies for success
• Why you must book yourself
• Marketing
• Packaging
• Screen printing
You Get:
• Concrete ideas and the knowledge, information, and confidence to start this process now!
• Proven strategies on how to make more money on the road
• A coupon for 50% off mastering package From Mattress Factory Studios (That’s right, only $150 to master your album!)
Check out the Five Pointed Star Inward Facing Crush strategy – there will be loads more strategies just like this one discussed at the Summit:
Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx4gqAqD0QQ
Perhaps, the greatest obstacle for artists right now is standing on their own feet, rejecting the major label and industry hysteria to look backwards and seek protection in rules and regulations. The only protection is ideas, momentum, and looking forwards.
If you can sustain, you can succeed. You’ll get good ideas to use or inspire you to create your own: new packaging, new partnerships, and new ideas in new markets. As Bruce Lee said, “you must learn to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.”
The seminar will be taught by Martin Atkins, who for the last 30 years has embodied the DIY spirit. Most recognized for work as owner of Invisible Records, author of Tour:Smart and for his involvement the Chinese music scene as well as his work with bands such as Public Image Limited, Pigface, The Damage Manual, Killing Joke, Ministry, and Nine Inch Nails.
Registration is free, seating is limited. Reserve your space NOW by adding yourself as a participant to this event!
Press:
We always have a few reserved seats for bloggers and press. Drop us a note at office@invisiblerecords.com if you want a pass.
Testimonials:
• “The first seminar was $400 - I got my money’s worth in the first five minutes” – 2005 seminar attendee
• “Martin Atkins is the best speaker on the planet” – Paul Natkin, Chicago Music Commission
• "ATTENTION ROCK BANDS: THIS IS YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL" – Joel Selvin (Senior Pop Critic, San Francisco Chronicle) • "Four Stars! The ultimate touring manual...." - MOJO
• "If you don't buy this book you will work a lifetime playing catch-up to the bands who do." - Lee Popa
• “The best book ever written about touring (and more) Paul Natkin, Chicago Music Commission
• "The bible of touring- Goldmine Magazine • "Four Stars! One of the year's essential books." - Record Collector
• "A vital repository of hard-learned lessons and essential pointers." –Terrorizer (UK)
• “Valuable insider information” – Cara Burpee, Ponzi Scheme Productions
• “Martin makes sense of things that seem to have no answer, has the ability to inspire and encourage constant self-education” – Jon Allegretto, A Friend Called Fire
• “Tour:Smart and Martin Atkins probably just saved my band's life.” – Tristan James, Proletariat Productions
The Business of Touring (8 p.m.)
Martin will be on on the Business of Touring panel as part of Remix Magazine's Remix Hotel Seminar. He will discuss his own experiences and strategies along with those of the other panel members.
An integral promotional tool for any artist or band, touring has become a viable source of revenue for artists—and increasingly their sole burden—as labels and other supportive agencies continue to implode. This panel of artists, tour managers, label reps and others discusses what you need to know to take your act on the road and turn a profit.
Panelists: Martin Atkins, Guns N Bombs (Johnny Love + Filip Turbotito), Thes One, more TBA
YOU MUST REGISTER HERE - http://xboxhack.eventbrite.com/
Over at revolution number three we're not only hacking education, we're hacking the x-box. We'll teach you how to modify your controllers and Do It Yourself. Also, learn basic soldering skills.
It's free to learn, the class is open to all – if you want to mod a controller there are options. Just bring a controller and we’ll provide a mod kit for $20, OR, we’ll provide a controller and a mod kit for $75!
From the co-founder and director of the original legendary New Music Seminar comes a seminar for the new business of music.
This low-cost one day event will give you the knowledge and the tools to step into tomorrow’s music business today.
The day will kick off with a keynote speech, followed by four sessions filled with vital information on how to see it and how to do it, accompanied by the New Music Seminar Guide Book filled with important contact information and vital new music business basics.
The Schmoozatorium will have important industry exhibitors and an opportunity for you to network with the other Seminar delegates. Delegates will also receive the NMS Directory, an invaluable guide filled with vital information, including forms, contacts and discount offers worth well over $100.
(Registration Begins at 7:30 A.M.)
July 24-25, 2009 | Tulsa, OK
What is the Conference?
The Dfest Music Conference exists to connect music industry professionals with emrging artists and those who aspire to have a career in music. Since 2004, our conference has been educating and empowering attendees to take their musical endeavors to the next level.
Keynote Speaker

ANDREW W. K.
Songwriter, performer, producer, speaker, entrepreneur... this wild man has done it all. Dfest welcomes Andrew W. K. as our 2009 Keynote Speaker.
Business Series Keynote
MARTIN ATKINS
Martin is the definition of entrepreneurial activity in cultural arts endeavors. His three decades in the music business spans across genres, borders and industries. Dfest welcomes Martin Atkins as a 2009 Business Series Keynote Speaker.
July 24-25, 2009 | Tulsa, OK
When & Where
When & Where
Dfest is July 24-25, 2009 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The
conference is held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel located at 100 East Second
Street in downtown Tulsa. The festival grounds are within walking
distance to the entertainment district known as the Blue Dome District
located between 1st and 2nd and Detroit and Elgin Streets.
Registration for Dfest Music Conference
Place: Located in the upper lobby of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 100 East Second Street
Hours: Thursday, July 23, 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Friday, July 24, 10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 25, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Music Conference
Place: Located in the Promenade Ballrooms of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 100 East Second Street
Doors: 11:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily July 24-25
Hours: 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. daily July 24-25
Martin Atkins Presentation and Panel Discussion at Canadian Music Week
(Time Subject to Change)
"If you KNOW that you're screwed then you're not. If you think that you're not, then you are." - Martin Atkins
These zen-like words of wisdom come from one of the music and art industry's most outspoken contributors, Martin Atkins. Martin will be giving a presentation and participating in the panel discussion Bar Band Confidential: Breaking 300 at the Canadian Music Week Conference in Toronto. For over three decades Martin has been at the cutting edge of where the entertainment industry is and where it's headed, whether through his work with Johnny Rotten's band, Public Image Limited, playing with Nine Inch Nails, Touring the world with his own band Pigface, or working with Beijing's emerging Indie Rock scene.
Martin Teaches Musicians:
** Time-tested industry tips & techniques **
** How to market oneself as a musician **
** Touring strategies designed for touring the US **
** How to get more people to come to your shows in the UK **
and much more!!
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in learning the latest music marketing techniques successful musicians use in the US to build a buzz, grow their audience, and sell more CDs.
Who should NOT attend?
Anyone who thinks they know it all.
Agenda will cover:
- State of industry
- Strategies for successful touring in the US & Canada
- Marketing
- Packaging
- Questions from the audience
Register Here: http://r3weekend0809.eventbrite.com/

After Tour:Smart PLUS! you will be able to:
- screen print your own merchandise and promo material
- design simple graphics (logos, t-shirts, and postcards)
- write a bio other people will want to read
- engage your online community in tangible ways
- use audio and visual tools to market yourself and your stuff
- hack xboxes and traditional business models
- launch an actionable plan that you can do yourself!!
Agenda (tentative - more events and special guests coming soon)
| Friday August 21 | |
| 7:00pm - 10:00pm | welcome dinner and screening of 16 days in China |
| Saturday August 22 | |
| 8:30am - 9:30am | morning networking over coffee and donuts |
| 9:00am - 9:30am | welcome and introductions |
| 9:30am - 11:00am | current state of the music industry |
| 11:00am - 12:00pm | marketing yourself |
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm | networking lunch |
| 1:00pm - 3:00pm |
panel: 7 points in 11 minutes (a myriad of speakers from different industries. 7 critical points, only 11 minutes each...there will be a timer): Don Byczynski, Bota Studios, Michael Komessar, Komessar & Associates, Lauren Milligan, ResuMAYDAY |
| 1:00pm - 3:15pm | break |
| 3:15pm - 5:15 pm | basic studio techniques (break into groups) |
| 3:15pm - 5:15 pm | simple graphic design (break into groups) |
| 5:15pm - 6:00pm | snack break |
| 6:00pm - 8:00pm | xbox hacking |
| 8:00pm - ? | special performance by some of our amazing friends...details soon! |
| Sunday August 23 | |
| 9:00am - 9:30am | morning networking over much needed coffee and donuts |
| 9:30am - 10:30am |
using social media to connect to the right people led by our favorite social media ninjas: Brian Mazzaferri, I Fight Dragons and Leah Jones, Natiiv |
| 10:30am - 11:30 | panel: TBA |
| 11:30am - 11:45am | break |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm | basic video editing |
| 12:45pm - 1:15pm | lunch |
| 1:15pm - 2:15pm | screen printing basics |
| 2:15pm - 4:15pm | screen printing workshop (break into groups) |
| 2:15pm - 4:15pm | qiuck and dirty websites |
| 4:15pm - 4:45pm | create an actionable plan that you can start tomorrow |
Register Here: http://r3weekend0809.eventbrite.com/

After Tour:Smart PLUS! you will be able to:
- screen print your own merchandise and promo material
- design simple graphics (logos, t-shirts, and postcards)
- write a bio other people will want to read
- engage your online community in tangible ways
- use audio and visual tools to market yourself and your stuff
- hack xboxes and traditional business models
- launch an actionable plan that you can do yourself!!
Agenda (tentative - more events and special guests coming soon)
| Friday August 21 | |
| 7:00pm - 10:00pm | welcome dinner and screening of 16 days in China |
| Saturday August 22 | |
| 8:30am - 9:30am | morning networking over coffee and donuts |
| 9:00am - 9:30am | welcome and introductions |
| 9:30am - 11:00am | current state of the music industry |
| 11:00am - 12:00pm | marketing yourself |
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm | networking lunch |
| 1:00pm - 3:00pm |
panel: 7 points in 11 minutes (a myriad of speakers from different industries. 7 critical points, only 11 minutes each...there will be a timer): Don Byczynski, Bota Studios, Michael Komessar, Komessar & Associates, Lauren Milligan, ResuMAYDAY |
| 1:00pm - 3:15pm | break |
| 3:15pm - 5:15 pm | basic studio techniques (break into groups) |
| 3:15pm - 5:15 pm | simple graphic design (break into groups) |
| 5:15pm - 6:00pm | snack break |
| 6:00pm - 8:00pm | xbox hacking |
| 8:00pm - ? | special performance by some of our amazing friends...details soon! |
| Sunday August 23 | |
| 9:00am - 9:30am | morning networking over much needed coffee and donuts |
| 9:30am - 10:30am |
using social media to connect to the right people led by our favorite social media ninjas: Brian Mazzaferri, I Fight Dragons and Leah Jones, Natiiv |
| 10:30am - 11:30 | panel: TBA |
| 11:30am - 11:45am | break |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm | basic video editing |
| 12:45pm - 1:15pm | lunch |
| 1:15pm - 2:15pm | screen printing basics |
| 2:15pm - 4:15pm | screen printing workshop (break into groups) |
| 2:15pm - 4:15pm | qiuck and dirty websites |
| 4:15pm - 4:45pm | create an actionable plan that you can start tomorrow |
Register Here: http://r3weekend0809.eventbrite.com/

After Tour:Smart PLUS! you will be able to:
- screen print your own merchandise and promo material
- design simple graphics (logos, t-shirts, and postcards)
- write a bio other people will want to read
- engage your online community in tangible ways
- use audio and visual tools to market yourself and your stuff
- hack xboxes and traditional business models
- launch an actionable plan that you can do yourself!!
Agenda (tentative - more events and special guests coming soon)
| Friday August 21 | |
| 7:00pm - 10:00pm | welcome dinner and screening of 16 days in China |
| Saturday August 22 | |
| 8:30am - 9:30am | morning networking over coffee and donuts |
| 9:00am - 9:30am | welcome and introductions |
| 9:30am - 11:00am | current state of the music industry |
| 11:00am - 12:00pm | marketing yourself |
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm | networking lunch |
| 1:00pm - 3:00pm |
panel: 7 points in 11 minutes (a myriad of speakers from different industries. 7 critical points, only 11 minutes each...there will be a timer): Don Byczynski, Bota Studios, Michael Komessar, Komessar & Associates, Lauren Milligan, ResuMAYDAY |
| 1:00pm - 3:15pm | break |
| 3:15pm - 5:15 pm | basic studio techniques (break into groups) |
| 3:15pm - 5:15 pm | simple graphic design (break into groups) |
| 5:15pm - 6:00pm | snack break |
| 6:00pm - 8:00pm | xbox hacking |
| 8:00pm - ? | special performance by some of our amazing friends...details soon! |
| Sunday August 23 | |
| 9:00am - 9:30am | morning networking over much needed coffee and donuts |
| 9:30am - 10:30am |
using social media to connect to the right people led by our favorite social media ninjas: Brian Mazzaferri, I Fight Dragons and Leah Jones, Natiiv |
| 10:30am - 11:30 | panel: TBA |
| 11:30am - 11:45am | break |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm | basic video editing |
| 12:45pm - 1:15pm | lunch |
| 1:15pm - 2:15pm | screen printing basics |
| 2:15pm - 4:15pm | screen printing workshop (break into groups) |
| 2:15pm - 4:15pm | qiuck and dirty websites |
| 4:15pm - 4:45pm | create an actionable plan that you can start tomorrow |
The world of touring musicians is filled with dangers, obstacles, and roadblocks, both literal and metaphorical. Join TOUR:Smart and Break the Band author Martin Atkins for a candid and hilarious discussion of what bands can do to beat the odds and survive on the road intact.
For over three decades, Martin Atkins has been at the cutting edge of where the entertainment industry is and where it's headed, whether through his work with Johnny Rotten's band, Public Image Limited, playing with Nine Inch Nails, touring the world with his own band, Pigface, or working with Beijing's emerging indie rock scene. Martin was a member of Public Image Ltd and Killing Joke, has contributed to Nine Inch Nails and Ministry and founded industrial supergroup Pigface, The Damage Manual, and Murder Inc. Martin is a producer, drummer, documentary film maker, DJ, professor (Madison Media Institute, Columbia College) and most recently started his own entrepreneurial school, revolution number three. He has been organizing, booking, and managing multi-band package tours for over a decade. In discussing his definitive book on touring, Martin will not only share valuable insight into his methods on booking and touring, but also a discussion of mistakes and failures.
These zen-like words of wisdom come from one of the music and art industry's most outspoken contributors: Martin Atkins. Martin will be giving a Tour:Smart seminar on February 4 at Ace Hotel's event space called The Cleaners. For over three decades Martin has been at the cutting edge of where the entertainment industry is and where it's headed, whether through his work with Johnny Rotten's band, Public Image Limited, playing with Nine Inch Nails, Touring the world with his own band Pigface, or working with Beijing's emerging Indie Rock scene.
The world of touring musicians is filled with dangers, obstacles, and roadblocks, both literal and metaphorical. Join TOUR:Smart and Break the Band author Martin Atkins for a candid and hilarious discussion of what bands and artists can do to beat the odds and survive on the road intact.
For over three decades, Martin Atkins has been at the cutting edge of where the entertainment industry is and where it's headed, whether through his work with Johnny Rotten's band, Public Image Limited, playing with Nine Inch Nails, touring the world with his own band, Pigface, or working with Beijing's emerging indie rock scene. Martin was a member of Public Image Ltd and Killing Joke, has contributed to Nine Inch Nails and Ministry and founded industrial supergroup Pigface, The Damage Manual, and Murder Inc. Martin is a producer, drummer, documentary film maker, DJ, professor (Madison Media Institute, Columbia College) and most recently started his own entrepreneurial school, revolution number three. He has been organizing, booking, and managing multi-band package tours for over a decade. In discussing his definitive book on touring, Martin will not only share valuable insight into his methods on booking and touring, but also a discussion of mistakes and failures.
FREE Tour:Smart Seminar coming to University of Southern California!
"If you KNOW that you're fucked then you're not. If you think that you're not, then you are." - Martin Atkins
These zen-like words of wisdom come from one of the music and art industry's most outspoken contributors, Martin Atkins. Martin will be giving a guest lecture at University of Southern California on February 9, at 2:00 pm. For over three decades Martin has been at the cutting edge of where the entertainment industry is and where it's headed, whether through his work with Johnny Rotten's band, Public Image Limited, playing with Nine Inch Nails, Touring the world with his own band Pigface, or working with Beijing's emerging Indie Rock scene.
In 90 minutes you will learn:
**how to make more money on the road**
**How to get more people to come to your show**
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in learning the latest music marketing techniques successful musicians use in the US to build a buzz, grow their audience, and sell more CDs.
Who should NOT attend?
Anyone who thinks they know it all.
Agenda will cover:
- State of industry
- Strategies for successful touring
- Why you must book yourself
- Marketing
- Packaging
- Questions from the students
The world of touring musicians is filled with dangers, obstacles, and roadblocks, both literal and metaphorical. Join TOUR:Smart and Break the Band author Martin Atkins for a candid and hilarious discussion of what bands can do to beat the odds and survive on the road intact.
For over three decades, Martin Atkins has been at the cutting edge of where the entertainment industry is and where it's headed, whether through his work with Johnny Rotten's band, Public Image Limited, playing with Nine Inch Nails, touring the world with his own band, Pigface, or working with Beijing's emerging indie rock scene. Martin was a member of Public Image Ltd and Killing Joke, has contributed to Nine Inch Nails and Ministry and founded industrial supergroup Pigface, The Damage Manual, and Murder Inc. Martin is a producer, drummer, documentary film maker, DJ, professor (Madison Media Institute, Columbia College) and most recently started his own entrepreneurial school, revolution number three. He has been organizing, booking, and managing multi-band package tours for over a decade. In discussing his definitive book on touring, Martin will not only share valuable insight into his methods on booking and touring, but also a discussion of mistakes and failures.
Martin Atkins to give guest lecture on how to Tour:Smart
"If you KNOW that you're fucked then you're not. If you think that you're not, then you are." - Martin Atkins
These zen-like words of wisdom come from one of the music and art industry's most outspoken contributors, Martin Atkins. Martin will be giving a guest lecture at Cal Poly. For over three decades Martin has been at the cutting edge of where the entertainment industry is and where it's headed, whether through his work with Johnny Rotten's band, Public Image Limited, playing with Nine Inch Nails, Touring the world with his own band Pigface, or working with Beijing's emerging Indie Rock scene.
In 90 minutes you will learn:
**how to make more money on the road**
**How to get more people to come to your show**
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in learning the latest music marketing techniques successful musicians use in the US to build a buzz, grow their audience, and sell more CDs.
Who should NOT attend?
Anyone who thinks they know it all.
Agenda will cover:
- State of industry
- Strategies for successful touring
- Why you must book yourself
- Marketing
- Packaging
- Questions from the students
Friday, March 19
Martin to DJ at Nightrocker in San Antonio, TX
Tour:Smart talk @ 6.30 PM & DJ from 8.30 PM - 9.30 PM



