Posted: Jul Wed 2009 10:04 AM CDT
Fringe Magazine Is A Must Read
Looking for something to refresh your sputtering spirit, clear the creative cobwebs, heal your hurting heart, and shake your sorry soul into good gracious gratitude?
I’ve found something that caught me off guard, pulled me up by my self-pitying collar, and slapped me sensible with encouragement, hope, new ideas, music to check out, and artists to pull up chairs for and connect to my circles of connection. That something that set my sights and senses clearly upward and onward is a brand new, bi-monthly Nashville publication called Fringe Magazine. And I’m not kidding when I say it moved me.
Two Sundays ago I was meeting with a few friends at one of Nashville’s truly artsy, laidback hang, rich in personality, character and heart. It’s called Café Coco (www.cafecoco.com), and it’s within kicking and screaming distance of Baptist Hospital, Centennial Medical Center and Vanderbilt University. Best of all it’s open 24 hours, a rarity in Music City.
My friend, Leon, plopped a copy of Fringe Magazine in front of me and said, “You have to read this, man, it’s right up your alley.” Of course since I was caffeine-deprived and also in need of a chocolate fix I thought he was handing me something hype-injected, dull, deadbeat and maybe even more than a touch out of focus. Little did I realize that what was laid out in those 50-plus pages was something more powerful that the sum total of my 50-plus years of caffeine intake.
Meet The Owner-Editor
David W. Kiggins is the magazine’s owner and editor-in-chief. I think the W stands for Wow or Wonderful or Wisdom-Beyond-His-Years. And that’s an understatement.
The mission of the magazine reads as follows. Fringe Magazine exists to inspire, mentor and promote up-and-comers in Nashville while building a network of business professionals who are passionate about using their resources to give talented dreamers a shot at success. After reading the first copy of Fringe, I have to say that mission statement is even an understatement.
Just reading Kiggins’ opening editor letter touched my heart and prompted me to get off of my assets and write two songs. But beyond that his words rang true in a deeply personal and profoundly universal way. He speaks of having hit rock bottom and having worked his way back up. He talks of not looking for others to hand your career to you but to truth that what you need is inside you and it is your passion that is needed to feed, engage, and extend your gifted self to others.
“I have experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows,” Kiggins said. “I have been dragged through the trenches, laughed at, written off, and even told that I would never amount to anything. I know what it’s like to be mentally lying in the middle of the ring, lifeless and hopeless, praying for someone to throw in the white towel.”
As I read his words I thought how in the world can this kid know my heart as well as he does. But frankly, after working through this first copy of his publication, he knows far more about what I should have been, could have, and can be that I ever dreamed. And again, I believe that’s an understatement.
Each Issue Is Golden
Every issue of Fringe features at least two successful Nashville models (one male, one female) who are on the fringe of making the NY and LA print, media and runway scenes. There’s a section devoted to successful chasing and engaging seemingly impossible dreams - you know, those situations where it seems everything is stacked against, but you press on anyway? Like every day!
The magazine showcases business owners or entrepreneurs that are realizing their dreams in Music City and not necessarily in the entertainment business. But, as I’ve said before, these circles are all connected. There is even a section on taking simple, proactive steps to shake your dreams awake and true. We all need that!
There is financial advice and engaging articles on artists and bands from a variety of genres, both up and comers and those that are well established. These articles get to the heart and soul in ways that you not only feel the pulse rate and longings but you know the blood type, how well it circulates, and what stirs the soul to inspire and encourage others. And yes, once again, that’s an understatement.
Go There, Read It, ASAP
You want to feel good about being an artist and feel better about the dreams that are your right to living a life filled with unlimited potential fully engaged? Visit www.fringemagazine.com and become completely engaged in your path to singing success, wherever it takes you. This publication has healing as well as rocking and reeling powers! And, yes, well, you know. Just check it out, and rock on!
I know David personally from a few years back. I have watched this magazine go from a peice of Davids mind to an actual product to the printing press. He needs no introductions. He will be successful, I know this. After seeing the first issue of The Fringe, I am not suprised. He has done an amazing job and is a true inspiration.
Amber
I read the first issue as well, and I think this is exactly what Nashville needs! It brings such timely and positive message. Very inspiring, indeed!
I worked for David when he was a manager at Hollister and he kept talking to me about the Fringe. He even made little post card flyers promoting it. I’m glad his dream came to fruition.