Every Idea Is A Good Idea is the most useful book I have read in a very long time.

It is a book you won’t want to put down, but that you absolutely must. You must stop reading so you can process and maybe even record the thought bursts that undoubtedly explode, setting off a ripple of “thought harmonics.” It has large margins so you can do exactly that, actually. One moment you’re reading about the natural genius of Itzhak Pearlman and then suddenly you have figured out how to fix the broken gate in the back garden without spending any money. You’re reading about Dr. Dre’s creative process and you finally totally get why Jeff was disappointed in the project you handed in 8 years ago. Where did that come from? Tom Sturges is like a wizard.

Well, actually he’s just been paying attention and asks a lot of questions. He is enticed by the mystery of creativity and has dedicated a rather large portion of his adult life to working with creative people and learning more about how they do what they do. As a Senior Executive with the likes of Chrysalis and Universal, signing some massive acts, Tom Sturges has been up close and personal with some of the most prolific creative minds in the world today. They are the wizards and they have more wisdom for us than they probably even realize. God bless Tom Sturges for writing it down.

Every Idea is as much inspirational as it is educational, each section triggering new thoughts and ideas or drudging up memories. While songwriters are the primary subjects of his case studies on creativity, what he uncovers are universal truths. It is all at once a book about how to succeed in business, how to have a stronger marriage, how to make friends, how to be a better parent, how to know yourself in a profoundly spiritual way, and yes, also, some tips on encouraging your artistic self. Creativity is a necessity for humanity, but how to access our creativity is an ability so few of us learn. Perhaps we don’t even realize how badly we need it.

This book provides one epiphany after another as he names and explains the aspects of creativity and success that are so often left solely to instinct. In the A&R business, or really the music business, in general, we know greatness when we hear it. We can tell when a new artist has the potential to be successful based on very limited information, and we know when an artist simply doesn’t have what it takes. In Every Idea Is A Good Idea, the distinction is made clear. The markers that A&R folks see instinctually and can rely on sensing are given names and descriptions. Creativity isn’t magic, and those who have a road map to their creative well and understand their personal process are simply more likely to succeed. It’s that easy.

But beyond understanding why things are the way they are, Sturges is a motivational speaker. Understanding creativity is only useful if it can be used to spark more creativity. Throughout the book he provides a series of exercises that get the brain in gear and help fire off creativity, and these exercises absolutely work. You must do these things. You must read this book. Regardless of your profession or season of life, we all could use a bit more creativity to help navigate the waters we’re in. But creativity is so much more than imaginative problem-solving. Creativity is freedom. The ability to access our creative center, no matter how we go about it, can be the most liberating and life-changing thing we ever learn.

I cannot recommend Every Idea Is A Good Idea enough. We should leave it on people’s doorsteps instead of the phone book.

Buzz Track: Chemistry

Plaid Brixx has become a Kings favorite and the band has been added the 2014 CMJ Music Marathon. They will perform October 22nd, at the Living Room. Their debut EP, Chemistry, which was co-produced by lead singer Chris Duggan and producer Richard Baronenk was highly received by Artist Direct where the band exclusively premiered the lyric video for the title track. Duggan has worked and studied with well-known industry figures such as Grammy Award winner Carl Glanville (U2 – How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb) and Neil Perry (Smashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness) and gained performance experience at NYC venues such as Arlene’s Grocery, The Bowery Electric, Piano’s and Tammany Hall, to name a few.
Contact: erika@bigpicturemediaonline.com

Madi Dean is a 17 year old country music artist who’s original song writing abilities range from thoughtful ballads to cheerful melodies. Hailing from Houston Texas, she already has several live performances under her belt. She has been featured on The Lonestar Internet Radio Show and performed at the Montgomery Freedom Fest. Check out the track Storm Chaser.
Contact: nursenmom@consolidated.net

Buzz Track: Best I Never Had

Colin Huntley’s video “Best I Never Had” has been nominated as a Finalist in the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Colin has become a Kings favorite and is an emerging singer/songwriter & guitarist based in Austin, TX. He released his first EP “ECLECTIC” in December, 2012, and his second EP “Best I Never Had” was released March 2014 along with the official music video for the lead single Best I Never Had. The band also released “Live At Roots” with 10 original songs recorded at Roots-Bistro in Georgetown, TX. Colin is currently writing material with members of Blue October. Colin is an artist to watch.
Contact: colin@colinhuntley.com

Buzz Track: Contagious

Night Riots have just premiered their brand new song, “Contagious” on KROQ. The band just kicked off their Fall Tour with K.Flay, the 21-city tour will run through November 1st, with Night Riots making a pit stop for their highly anticipated New York show debut during this year’s CMJ Music Marathon. The band has received critical praise from MTV, FUSE, Huffington Post, Nylon, FILTER, etc. Night Riots is an artist to watch.
Contact: jimmy.throgmorton@gmail.com