Martin Atkins, a seminal figure in the music industry with a career spanning over four decades, will visit Illinois State University’s School of Creative Technologies March 24-25, where he will engage with students and share his extensive experience during several class sessions. A highlight of his visit will be a free public talk at University Galleries in Uptown Normal on Tuesday, March 25, beginning at 5 p.m. This event will delve into the vibrant history and the explosive evolution of the Chicago music scene as the epicenter of industrial music in the United States. Drawing from his vast experiences—from the punk scene in London in 1977 to the emergence of hip-hop in downtown Manhattan in the early ’80s—Atkins will explore the various cultural movements that influenced his career and led him to Chicago in 1989.
During his talk, subtitled “A Blueprint for Chaos,” Atkins will recount the dynamic mix of creative entrepreneurs and groundbreaking movements that contributed to Chicago’s music ecosystem. These include influential entities like Wax Trax! Records, H-Gun Video, Chicago Trax Recording Studio, and notable figures such as Steve Albini. Beyond reflecting on his past, Atkins aims to use these historical insights as a springboard to discuss broader themes of creativity, opportunity, community, and the transformative power of creative acts. Attendees are invited to bring along any memorabilia or projects related to Atkins’ career for a signing session after the discussion. Whether you’re a fan of punk, industrial music, or interested in the intersections of music and community, Atkins’ talk is an enriching opportunity not to be missed. Join us to gain insights from a man who has not only witnessed but also shaped the music landscape over the years.
This event is a collaborative effort between the School of Creative Technologies and the Department of Psychology. Questions and/or concerns can be directed to Rose Marshack at rmarsha@IllinoisState.edu.
