Label News – FiXT Music

FiXT Expands Label Team, Welcomes Dave Hansen as A&R Manager

August 29, 2022

FiXT, the artist-owned, independent record label, publisher, and merch company from artist/producer Klayton (Celldweller, Scandroid), has added Dave Hansen to the company’s label team as the company’s A&R Manager.

Reporting to FiXT’s owner/founder and A&R Director Klayton, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge across the worlds of rock, metal and EDM, and multi-genre combinations thereof, for which FiXT is known.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the FiXT team as the new A&R Manager! I’ve been a fan of Celldweller ever since 2004 when I was handed his 4 track demo CD on the street outside of a Chicago concert. I’m a vocalist and producer, as well as a huge fan of electronic metal, so I couldn’t think of a more perfect job for myself. Everyone on the staff has been extremely welcoming, and I can’t wait to get to know the artists more and see how I can help them grow in their music careers.”
– Dave Hansen

Besides heading up his own solo project BVLVNCE, Dave also has an extensive background in the music industry as a vocalist, producer, and audio engineer. He’s spent many years in metalcore bands but moved into the EDM/Metal fusion space in 2017 with BVLVNCE. He’s also worked as a technician, operations manager, and sales manager in the corporate audio/visual event production industry in his professional history.

“Knowing that Dave has his ear to the ground with emerging artists and musical styles, as well his ability to listen to music critically from a producer’s standpoint, gets me excited about having him on the FiXT team. I work the closest with FiXT’s A&R department and having Dave in this role is a critical step for the growth of the label.” – Klayton (FiXT President/Owner)

As A&R Manager at FiXT, Dave will be working closely with the company’s executive team, including Vice President & Co-Founder – James Rhodes, Label Manager – Heather Johnson, and Operations Manager – Kurtis Redden.

“I’ve had the immense pleasure of working with Dave as both an artist and as an industry professional. Not only does he have the creativity of a talented artist and producer but he also has the business acumen of an entrepreneur who realizes that part of being an independent artist means running your own business. I believe he will be an invaluable asset to the team as we grow and develop our current roster and the next generation of FiXT artists.”
– Heather Johnson (FiXT Label Manager)

“The addition of Dave to the FiXT team is also a testament of our commitment to our 25+ artist roster, to better serve and support their careers, as well as pave the way for more artists to join the family. Dave has incredible knowledge across not only the metal and EDM landscapes, but an ear for new genres and trends that will surely lead to exciting new artists on the roster. I’m excited to see the value he will bring to not only the company and our artists, but to the entire FiXT community and fanbase!“
– James Rhodes (FiXT Vice President & Co-Founder)

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Get to Know Our Staff: Lindon Martin

August 17, 2022

Label News

Get To Know, Lindon Martin

Current Location:
Kingston Upon Hull, United Kingdom

Favorite Artist When you were in High School?

I listened to a LOT of Celldweller during high school and I’d argue that Celldweller was my favourite artist during high school. Though, I’ve always leant towards video game soundtracks for my music listening, so it’s possible that I’d have said something else back then!

Who was the first FiXT artist’s Music You Heard?
I believe it was Celldweller via the debut album, but it honestly could’ve been early of End of an Empire songs and I’m getting my memories mismatched.

Interesting Fact About Something You Do or Have Done that is non-music related:

I got my job at FiXT through creating memes. I’m not joking about this and I’ll always love that. Of course there’s more to it than that, but that’s about the general TL;DR of the story.

Dream Collab You’d Like to See a FiXT Artist Work On

I’d love to see a collab between Klayton and CAPCOM in some fashion! Daedric and Jeff Rona for a cover of “Crimson Cloud” is pretty high up there too.

Favorite Video Game:

ELDEN RING. I love the world, the art, the visuals, the combat, almost everything! I even 100% the game (achievement wise) recently and I’m still interested in playing more. Many people tend to have a character in various media (games, films, etc.), that really sticks with ’em for various reasons and ELDEN RING gave me that character in the form of Ranni the Witch, who I’ve developed a particular affection for. Sorry if that’s all you’ve seen on your end from me recently!

Team Fortress 2 holds a special place in my heart, separate from my tier list of favourite games due to the great memories I have with it. Honourable mention to Monster Hunter: World (w/ the Iceborne DLC) for keeping my attention for over 1000 hours and counting to this day.

Favorite Movie:
Legend (2015) with Tom Hardy. I adore the comedic scenes in that film and the serious scenes of the film are a good balance to the comedy. The film features some upsetting moments but I highly recommend it!

A Non-Music related Hobby:

Video editing is really fun and I do it frequently. It’s usually just to shorten a video or make a low-effort funny video but in doing this a lot I’ve learnt several things, all of which have proven useful for work, so it’s a win:win!

What have you enjoyed most about working with FiXT?

This is going to sound cheesy but, growing as a person. When I first started here, I had no work experience whatsoever! Two years have passed and while I still have areas to improve upon, I believe I’ve grown lots in that time and that’s part of the journey. Here’s to more!

Closing Message:

It’s a weird ride, going from a young fan to a staff member (especially with how I got here), but it sure is cool. I may not always show it but I do genuinely enjoy working with the team members and artists we have and I can only see FiXT growing from here, which is a great feeling I’m sure many of us share!

Follow Lindon:
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Get to Know Our Staff: Maxwell Tiedemann

July 19, 2022

Label News

Get To Know, Maxwell Tiedemann

Current Location:
Ames, Iowa, USA

Favorite Band When in High School:
Carly Rae Jepsen

Who was the first FiXT artist’s Music You Heard? Where/How? (even if you didn’t know it was a FiXT artist at the time):
Celldweller. I browsed through his catalog on Spotify after I had my first interview with James back in 2018.

Interesting Fact About Something You Do or Have Done that is non-music related:
I hiked Mt. Bierstadt in Colorado with two college friends back in March.

Dream Collab You’d Like to See a FiXT Artist Work On:
Celldweller x Mick Gordon

Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Golf

Favorite Video Game: Halo

Favorite Movie or Movie Genre:
Inception (Christopher Nolan can do no wrong lol)

A Non-Music related Hobby:
Hiking and Photography

What have you enjoyed most about working with FiXT?:
The wonderful people involved on our label’s team and artist roster! It’s been a blast working with everyone and I appreciate the positivity and comradery we’ve cultivated here.

Get to Know: Kaixo

July 11, 2022

Label News

Get To Know, Kaixo

Where did you Grow Up?
I grew up, and still live in Zutphen, which is an overall boring but historically rich city in the east of The Netherlands.

Current Location:
Still located in Zutphen.

DAW:
When I started producing in 2014/2015 I used FL Studio, but I switched to Ableton back in 2019.

Hardware or Software?
I have some hardware, but practically never use is in any tracks. And I’ve been surviving on mostly stock plugins as well.

Day Job:
I am currently jobless, but studying Computer Science at university.

Dream Collab:
Obviously would love to work with Klayton at some point. But if we’re talking non-FiXT artist, then it’d be awesome if I could collab with MUZZ.

Favorite Video Game:
I’m not much of a gamer, but I’ve played Doom Eternal a lot, mainly because of the OST. And recently played through Alien: Isolation, which I definitely recommend if you like horror games.

A Non-Music related Hobby:
I absolutely love coding.

What have you enjoyed most about working with FiXT?
The thing that truly stood out to me is the dedication of all the staff, and the overall positivity. It’s such an uplifting environment that’s also visible in the entire FiXT community.

Follow / Connect with Kaixo:
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We’re All In “Danger” From The Plague

June 7, 2022

Label News

Artist Signing, FiXT Artists, FiXT Music, Label News, new artist, The Plague

FiXT Signs The Future Punk Pioneer
Resurrects Hope For The F.U.T.U.R.E.

FiXT is proud to announce the signing of future punk act The Plague. After working together in 2017 for The Plague’s remix of “Embracing Entropy” from FiXT-label-owner Klayton’s project Circle of Dust, a friendship was born and has led to a new multi-album deal together.

“Celldweller and FiXT have been an important influence on The Plague’s music and attitude,” states The Plague. “I am so excited to see where the collaboration takes us!”

Trailblazing and fierce, The Plague was created to spread a message of hope, and to rebel against growing self-destructive ideals. The Plague’s post-apocalyptic themes portray the struggles of being human, encouraging people to break free of the superficial and to know they are not alone.

“Those of you familiar with my project Circle of Dust may recognize The Plague from his remix of “Embracing Entropy,” states Klayton (Celldweller, Circle Of Dust, Scandroid) “I couldn’t be more excited to announce his signing to FiXT. His songs are heavy, electronic, extremely infectious, and top-notch from the songwriting all the way down to the vocals, guitar riffs, and electronic sound design. If you don’t believe me, check out “Danger” and you can thank me later.”

With the announcement of the signing comes the re-release of the debut album Hope For The F.U.T.U.R.E. with brand new art, mixing, and mastering, plus some bonus tracks/remixes, throughout 2022, ahead of a new album coming in 2023. The Plague’s debut single with FiXT, “Danger”, is a turbulent vision of the world around us. Featuring driving guitar riffs, a powerful vocal performance, and thought-provoking lyrics, “Danger” is a warning call to wake up to the reality surrounding us.

“David has been on a short list of artists we’ve wanted to work with for several years and I’m glad the timing finally came together for us to make it happen,” states James Rhodes (FiXT, VP & Co-Founder). “We want to help bring his music to a much bigger audience and get him the recognition he deserves!”

“Danger” is out now from independent multi-genre music label FiXT.

The Plague is the brainchild of producer/engineer David Adam Monroe, a pioneer of Future Punk. The Plague’s post-apocalyptic themes portray the struggles of being human, encouraging people to break free of the superficial and to know they are not alone.

David has been playing music from an early age, highly encouraged by his parents, he received an electric guitar at age ten and took off emulating his favorite bands at the time; Greenday, Smashing Pumpkins, and other 90’s rock bands. His career took off at age 16 when a promoter got his high school band on the Van’s Warped Tour.

As a producer/engineer, David has produced records with many artists including Glen Matlock from the Sex Pistols and multi-platinum engineer Earl Cohen. As a musician, he has toured internationally–including 4 years on Van’s Warped Tour– and has played with bands such as Tony Levin, My Chemical Romance, Story of the Year, NoFx, The Used, Yellow Card, Three Days Grace, and many more. The Plague’s debut album Hope For the F.U.T.U.R.E. was released independently in 2017.

In 2018 The Plague remixed Circle Of Dust’s “Embracing Entropy” (feat. Celldweller), through artist-owned record label FiXT. The Plague eventually signed to FiXT in 2022, and is re-releasing the debut album with remastered tracks, new art and bonus tracks throughout the year, ahead of a new album coming in 2023.

“My goal with The Plague was to make futuristic Christian rock, when I was producing bands in Boston, my assistant showed me Celldweller and said, “This guy is dope and reminds me of you!” I chased Celldweller’s blend of synths and guitars, and that exploration process helped me discover my own sound. When I finished the record I emailed James (FiXT Manager) with the spirit of a little brother and said, “Hey James, look! I self-produced a futuristic rock record that I’m releasing on my label! You guys inspired this!” By some wonderful miracle he was excited too!” – The Plague

Follow The Plague!
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud | Website

FiXT Expands Executive Team, Welcomes Heather Johnson As Label Manager

June 1, 2022

Label News

FiXT Music, Heather Johnson, Label News

FiXT, the artist-owned, independent record label, publisher, and merch company from artist/producer Klayton (Celldweller, Scandroid), has added Heather Johnson to the company’s executive team as the company’s Label Manager.

Reporting to FiXT’s VP & Co-Founder James Rhodes, Heather brings a wealth of industry knowledge and relationships along with her passion for artist development.

“Since 2019, James at FiXT has been one of my most valuable mentors in helping me navigate the music industry. Over the years of getting to know James, I’ve come to recognize FiXT as a label with immense integrity with a team who has a genuine passion for growing and developing a positive and engaging artist community. I am incredibly excited to join the FiXT team and continue to learn from them while sharing my experience, knowledge, and passion for music and tech to their expanding roster and community.”
– Heather Johnson

Heather is moving to FiXT from her role as Director of Owned Music at Songtradr and joins FiXT as an active board member of A2iM, and the CEO of EDM label Ninety9Lives. Prior to entering the music industry, Heather’s background was on the Tech side of entertainment, with terms of service at Mixer and Apple.

“Congratulations to A2IM Board member, Heather Johnson on her appointment to the position of Label Manager of FiXT. Heather has contributed an incalculable amount of knowledge to the benefit of the entire independent community with her deep experience in gaming, licensing, and her representation of independents on the Standard Technical Measures roundtables.”
– Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE (President & CEO, A2iM)

As Label Manager at FiXT, Heather will be working closely with the team’s Distribution, Publishing, A&R, and Marketing teams. Heather brings expertise in rights management and complex future-music tech licensing issues, that will lead the company into the expanding Web3 landscape.

“I’m incredibly excited to have Heather joining the FiXT Team. This has been a multi-year relationship in the making, and we’re proud to give Heather a home to utilize her full skillset in supporting artist development and representing the rights of the catalog we’ve built over the past 16 years.“
– James Rhodes (FiXT Vice President & Co-Founder)

Heather will be working closely with FiXT’s executive team to build out both the company’s internal Sync program while expanding the number of external Sync partners. She will also be working to maximize FiXT’s direct relationships with several DSPs as well as leveraging DSP deals and relationships through FiXT’s MERLIN membership.

“We’re excited to welcome Heather to the FiXT family. Her experience in music rights and tech at companies like Songtradr, Ninety9Lives, Mixer, and Apple make her a huge asset to the future of FiXT.”
– Klayton (FiXT President/Owner)

Connect with Heather on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

Get to Know Our Staff: Michelle Steer

May 15, 2022

Label News

Get To Know, Michelle Steer

• Current Location:
Burlington, Iowa

• Favorite Band When you were in High School?
I’m probably going to age myself a bit here, but back in my High Schools days was the era of the Columbia House penny CD specials which helped expand my CD collection a lot! I had quite the range of favorite artists as I still do today, depending on my mood. LOL! In High School you could find me listing to Nirvana, Green Day, AC/DC, Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries & Tim McGraw…. Yes, I like Country! Sorry!

• Who was the first FiXT artist’s Music You Heard?
After my first stint in college I landed a job managing our local f.y.e. (music & movie store for those abroad) back in the early 2000’s and my first introduction to a FiXT artist was Celldweller by none other than James Rhodes. Whenever he was in the mall, he would always stop by to say hey & to see if we had any Celldweller CD’s on the shelf. If we didn’t have any at the time of his visit, I would always place a special order for it so that we would always have some in stock.

• Interesting Fact About Something You Do or Have Done that is non-music related:
Outside of work I am a very active volunteer! I am part of our local Pheasants Forever Chapter which focuses on conservation & getting youth outdoors. I also am very passionately involved with the Elks which gives back to youth & Veterans through various programs. I am currently serving the Elks in a position assisting our Grand Exalted Ruler who oversees all of the Lodges in the country and I was also recently installed as Lecturing Knight Division Chair at our Spring Convention, where I will help oversee, train, and guide Lodge Officers and several of our State committees that are dedicated to serving our Veteran & Americanism programs. One of my favorite Elks sayings is “The influence of a good deed, honestly & promptly preformed will continue forever.” Which is something that I try to live by & incorporate into my daily life.

Favorite Sport or Sports Team:
Iowa Hawekeys Football season is THE BEST!! I love either going to games or getting together with family & friends to watch them on tv!

A Non-Music related Hobby:
When I am not volunteering, you can find me spending time with my husband, Scott and our two dogs, Maverick & Jetta. We like to go out boating on the Mississippi in the summer, doing home improvement projects & refinishing old furniture to make it new again.

• What is one of the biggest successes you’ve enjoyed being a part of working on at FiXT?
One of the biggest successes I’ve been a part of was the FiXT Store re-launch. I got to know and work with several more of our awesome team members throughout the project that I don’t normally interact with & it really felt amazing knowing how much team effort was going into getting the re-launch completed. The positive response & feedback from the fans after the re-launch was the icing on the cake!

Closing Message:
I have thoroughly enjoyed being back working at FiXT and getting to know and work with all of the Artists and Team! I am excited for the future of FiXT and all of our Artists & Team and I am proud to be apart of such an amazing group of people all working together to achieve our goals!

Follow Michelle:
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Get to Know: Cassetter

May 10, 2022

Label News

Cassetter, Get To Know

Grew Up: I was born in Warsaw and I live there now.

DAW: FL Studio
Hardware or Software: I recently bought an analog Minilogue xd synthesizer, but I feel more comfortable with software synths – it suits my workflow better.

Dream Collab: Vitalic

Favorite Sports:
Boxing & Football

Favorite Video Games:
Pro Evo Soccer series, Might & Magic series, GTA

A Non-Music Related Hobby
Boxing (I was an editor of a boxing site for several years)
Football
Computer & Board Games
Clubbing
Yerba Mate

What have you enjoyed most about working with FiXT?
I enjoy the balance which FiXT has when it comes to passion & profitability. It still works as a company but consists of people who are not there by accident. I like that FiXT wants to push things forward and not to copy trends. FiXT is always enthusiastic when I try new things / blend genres and it helps me develop as an artist. I am also grateful for staff members for always being very responsive, available and acting pretty fast in all situations.

Follow / Connect with Cassetter:
Twitter / Facebook / Instagram