Martin Atkins on Sobriety, Creativity, and the Music Industry
The Punk Ethos of DIY and Independent Thinking
I have known Martin Atkins for close to 30 years and have always been impressed that his businesses and bands have consistently incorporated the DIY methodology, From his days living in a Chicago loft, home to Invisible Records, a studio, and various DIY spaces filled with an eclectic collection of industrial music memorabilia, to his current museum dedicated to all things Post-punk, Martin has come full circle, hand-making nearly everything possible along the way. A true renaissance man, he has lived it all (he was even on American Bandstand ) and has literally learned the music business from the streets.
Musically, Martin is best known for his contributions to post-punk and industrial music. He has played with influential bands like Public Image Ltd, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Pigface, and Killing Joke. In addition to his musical career, Atkins is an author, consultant, and educator, serving as the music industry studies coordinator at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. He also owns and operates the Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music in Chicago.
Atkins has been a part of a music scene that glamorizes excess, but he has carved a different path, embracing sobriety while maintaining his artistic intensity. In a candid conversation, he shared insights on his journey and how he has navigated the pressures of the industry without succumbing to its more destructive tendencies.
Breaking Away from the Culture of Excess
When asked how he avoided the expectation that drugs and alcohol are integral to the music lifestyle, Atkins emphasized the punk ethos of independent thinking.
"Well, punk has always been about thinking for yourself too. At first, there were all kinds of excesses, but the DIY mindset really served us well, I think. Maybe simply because there was so much DIY work to do that you had to choose between drinking and getting things done. With so many of us making homemade sleeves or merchandise, the focus naturally shifted. At some point, all that thinking, I guess, led many of us to embrace 'straight edge.' There’s still excess, though. Pigface’s last incarnation had seven drummers and three bass players! We just do it in different ways now."
Creativity and Sobriety
Some argue that sobriety stifles creativity, but Atkins sees it differently.
"Yes, it's easy to be a maniac when you're high on something. It’s definitely a challenge to find your creative, 'freer' self when sober. But once you do, at least for me, you’re connecting with all these things that are inside of you anyway. And I’ve found that I can be more in every way and be more in control of being out of control, if that makes sense.
As for the other things, like anxiety and nervousness, alcohol doesn’t really help because of the adrenaline that anxiety creates. It burns off the alcohol, so you need more. When I’m nervous before a gig or a speaking event, I tell myself, Good! That’s the energy that pushes me to double-check my work and strive to be better."
The Challenges of Staying Sober on Tour
Touring can be grueling, with long nights, constant travel, and plenty of temptations. Atkins acknowledges the challenges but views sobriety as a necessity in today's industry.
"The enormity of the task these days makes it pretty much essential, to be honest. Meet-and-greets, interviews, social media posts about last night’s show, the one coming up in two weeks, someone’s birthday, and on and on…it all adds up. Most of these things now require sheer force of will just to stay in the game. Practicing sobriety for months beforehand is definitely recommended."
Dealing with Skepticism from the Scene
Atkins recalls a time when not drinking in the UK music scene was almost unthinkable.
"There used to be a strong peer group vibe, especially in the UK for me. Not drinking in the '80s was practically unheard of, and there weren’t many, if any, alternatives. These days, I’m pretty open about my sobriety, and many of my friends are sober too, whether by choice or out of necessity due to medical reasons. So it doesn’t feel like it comes up as much anymore."
Advice for Musicians Struggling with Sobriety
When asked what he would tell his younger self or a musician afraid to take the step toward sobriety, Atkins keeps it simple.
"Always take the step. I mentor people here and there, just as I’ve been gently mentored myself. Nothing preachy, just someone to talk to, really. If I could go back… honestly, I don’t know. FFS, what the actual FUCK? But then again, I wouldn’t have my GG Allin story.
I think each of us gets to the point when we’re ready, when we get to the point."
Key Figures in His Sobriety Journey
Atkins credits several people with helping him along the way, including Michael Alago and Randy Blythe.
"Michael Alago was chatting with me one day about a conference we were doing. I mentioned that I was having a drink (I had been sober for 16 years before my dad died), and he didn’t say anything, but his thoughtful pause said a lot. So much more than if he had just handed me an AA pamphlet!
Also, Randy Blythe from Lamb Of God. He’s celebrating his sobriety too. It’s nice when there are a few of us!"
Michael Alago is a former A&R executive best known for signing Metallica and working with artists like Nina Simone and White Zombie. His influence in the music industry is legendary, and his personal journey has also included struggles with addiction and recovery. Randy Blythe is the frontman of Lamb of God, a highly influential metal band. He has been open about his sobriety and how it has positively impacted his life and career.
Martin Atkins’ story is one of resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt without losing artistic integrity. In an industry where excess is often the norm, his journey proves that sobriety and creativity are not mutually exclusive. Whether mentoring younger artists or continuing to push the boundaries of music and education, Atkins remains a vital force in the world of post-punk and industrial music.
For more about Martin Atkins, visit his official website, check out the Chicago based Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music, or read his book Tour: Smart for an in-depth look at the music industry from someone who has lived it all.
This is an inspiring and insightful little interview. I have spent more time in a bus with Martin Atkins than almost any other artist I've worked with. Martin has always driven us to push ourselves - by believing that we can - to try harder, to be more "industrious" and most importantly to be kind with an open mind of understanding. Good stuff and great title for your substack.