That’s right. “Live at Lestat’s” will be/was the last physical CD I make as an independent artist.

It just makes sense for me. It’s environmentally friendly, it’s less stuff to lug around in my gig bag (and to store at home) and ultimately, it’s cheaper for me to make an album. I know it might sound like a bad idea, especially to my music friends who have been selling CD’s for as long as they’ve played music. But this is the right choice for me and for my generation (as far as I know). Maybe I lose that immediacy of having something to put into someone’s hands at the end of the show and I lose that opportunity to make a fan. But there’s always other merchandise ideas that can be created in the physical CD’s place like shirts (which I’ve been talking about forever) and posters, etc.

Luckily the next album is still a ways off and I’ll have time to think about this particular issue more. I’m sure I will find a way around that and I’m sure that technology will as well.

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

It’s been a tricky line to approach and cross because of the implications from doing something like this. Again, my only goal was to get my music into people’s hands and especially to people who want the music but don’t have the immediate means to take it home. That being said, I cannot express my gratitude enough to people who are generous enough to purchase my music. It is one of the many ways I know people appreciate what I do and they support my dream.

Here’s to another amazing year and many more to come! Thank you and happy holidays!

A few years ago, Radiohead implemented the idea of “Pay What You Want” for their outstanding album “In Rainbows” which people went onto their website and had the option to literally pay what they wanted to pay for their new album. It was revolutionary, not just in concept but in exposure and implementation. Radiohead’s decision as one of the biggest and most respected rock bands of the last two decades to practically give away their music in an era when pirating is a major source of concern for the music industry has galvanized many artists of similar statures and even those who haven’t gotten there yet (like me).

What I am planning to do from now on is to sell my CD’s at live shows in a similar fashion. Any CD from here on out. There will not be a price on the CD’s. Just pay what you want. It could be $20 or it could be free. You decide. Unfortunately, I can’t promise the same for digital downloads or in physical stores yet but as soon as I figure that out how, I’ll let you know. All that I ask is if you do take a CD for free, that you share it with someone you love (or like).

I don’t make music to make money. I make music to make music. I’ve always been conflicted about the idea of asking people to buy my music and I still am. I’ve made a fair amount of money selling my music but it just doesn’t sit well with my ideals. I know that it is necessary to make money to extend the longevity of my career and to keep recording. Someday, I hope that money is not an obstacle for me but in the meantime, I feel that this is a good compromise.

Hope to see you soon!

I really hope we see you out on the road! The tour starts on June 10th and lasts until June 18th so there will be plenty of opportunities to catch us somewhere. Be sure to check back on Friday to see the full tour schedule!

See you soon!

-Kenny

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