Anyway, the thought went like this (hit it): what if you modeled your life after the concept of “no waste”? I had that phrase in my head and was really only focusing on sustainability and the natural environment. But as I thought about life, I thought “no waste” could apply to the way I live life. Here are the levels of this mantra that I can see (so far):

• Environmental- This one seems obvious but to really lessen the negative impact of my life on the world around me.
• Resources- Try not to waste anything (food, money, energy, breaths, etc.).
• Perception- Not every idea or goal will be successful but “no waste” means thinking of them as successes in the sense that I’ve learned something from them.
• Music- Working on refining the art and becoming more lean and more mean(ingful) with my songwriting, guitar playing and singing.

Also, stay tuned for a very special and possibly unflattering video documentary on yours truly! You may even get to see my terrible poison oak rash!

When I decided to be a musician, I don’t think I was fully prepared for the kind of rejection I would face on a daily basis. And before we go any further, let’s be clear that just because someone is occasionally passed over, that does not degrade there skill, talent or worth. That’s a common misconception and a dangerous one for anyone who is pursuing an art.

Truth be told, I thought becoming a musician was going to be “easy”. How naive. I thought, at worst, I’d cut my teeth for a few years but still be able to support myself full-time and be comfortable. Needless to say, that was my biggest mistake. Three years later and I catch myself thinking that I haven’t progressed at all and that I’m still fighting for the same shows, desiring for acceptance from the same people and still working to prove myself to an audience that really couldn’t care that I’ve sacrificed a huge portion of my life to music.

Obviously, that’s a bit extreme- but the sentiment is there. In fact earlier this week, I was sent an email essentially saying that the annual gig I’ve played for the past two years and I have always felt a vest interested in has decided to pass on me as a performer. While frustrating, I understand that nothing is a guaranteed. And instead of getting angry, I’ve decided to work harder.

But I wonder what it’s like for people who rise to meteoric heights in industries based on mass acceptance without encountering a good deal of resistance. Reject develops character and resolve. It reinforces the will power that a person already has to stand up every night and be judged by people who know nothing about you. Ironically, Bitter and jealous musicians say things like, “They don’t deserve fame because they didn’t have to go through the club scene to get to where they are.” While I don’t subscribe to that thought, there is definitely a ring of truth in that statement, at least in terms of working through the struggle of being a musician.

I don’t want to discount the struggles people have whether they are better off than I am or not. But personally, I’m glad to face rejection and sometimes, I welcome it as a galvanizing tool in life. It’s not only natural, but it is essential for developing into a well-rounded person. Anyone who doesn’t face rejection on a regular basis needs to put themselves into situations where they will. Besides, it makes the successes all the more sweet.

Everything is a Remix Part 3 from Kirby Ferguson on Vimeo.

I thought I’d share this in part because I think I’m not the only one who struggles with self-confidence and also with the hope that people understand that every time I get up onstage, I’m fighting (and hopefully winning) a battle with myself. Stage time is finally getting to the point where I can relish in the little victories.

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Kenny,

This is your pre-gig pep talk. Take it seriously and read this out loud because in this moment, you are writing to yourself from a place that you should be in!

You are going to go out to PERFORM for these people. You are going to play your MUSIC and music you BELIEVE in. Don’t just stand still and keep your eyes shut. Be calm. BREATHE. Move. Feel the music. Feel your voice! Feel how good it sits in your soul.

Smile! It’s ok to be suggestive! Be engaging and confident! Be honest. Be fun and playful. Be HAPPY. Even on your worst days, you are all of these things. Show everyone that you are intelligent, loving and a CREATIVE person. Don’t just assume that they’ll “get it eventually”; help them understand!

This is your punk rock moment. This is your rebellion. You have something SPECIAL and it needs to be shared with the world. You can have attitude and still be you! You have nothing and everything to prove to anyone and everyone.

You are talented. You are a great guitar player and a formidable singer/songwriter. Your songs are honest, insightful and speak about personal experiences that EVERYONE has. Be PRESENT in the moment instead of going into auto-pilot! Embrace every moment. Enjoy your time to shine! If you have a bad moment, laugh about it and move on! It’s in the past, so there’s no use wishing you could change it. Just focus on constantly being BETTER!

Don’t worry about what other people are thinking of you, either. All your life, you’ve been in other peoples heads worrying about what they think of you. This is your dream and you are doing what you love. And you do it INCREDIBLY. You own the mic, so speak your mind! Be bold and daring with your thoughts. But also talk with purpose. Do everything with purpose!

If you are having a bad day, just remember that every little thing is going to be alright. Don’t worry about a thing!

In a little while, you will be standing in front of people who want to hear what you have to say. Share your soul with them. That’s what this is all about.

I’m very proud of you and I love you.

Have a great show!

Kenny