Label News – FiXT Music

We’re All In “Danger” From The Plague

June 7, 2022

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: 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

FiXT Signs Concept-based Electronic Rock Band CANTERVICE!

April 12, 2022

Artist News, Label News

CANTERVICE

FiXT is proud to announce the exclusive signing of CANTERVICE, an American concept-based electronic rock project, its core concepts being centered around a future dystopian world, plagued by a government that has assumed control over all technology and information. The signing kicks off with a re-release of two of CANTERVICE’s earlier singles “Void” and “The Machine” ahead of new original material and a multi-album deal.

“Initially we were intent on never signing with a record label,” states CANTERVICE. “With our experience and the experiences of our peers, we’ve developed a bit of a bad taste with them and wished to keep CANTERVICE independent indefinitely. FiXT offered us more than a simple record deal, but a partnership. This partnership would allow us to accelerate our output and help us spread our message further and faster than before, and without sacrificing our authenticity. This is only the beginning, and we are truly eager to find what the future holds for us and FiXT.”

“Void” and “The Machine” are out now from independent multi-genre label FiXT.

“FiXT is proud to add CANTERVICE to our roster of genre-pioneering future-rock artists. Our reputation as an artist-friendly home with industry recognized artists like Celldweller and The Anix, opened the door to working with CANTERVICE as they were already fans of the label and some of our roster. That led to a very synergistic convergence and we can’t wait to see where CANTERVICE will go in the next several years!” – James Rhodes (FiXT VP & Co-Founder)

Stream/Purchase “Void”:
https://outnow.io/t/void

Follow/Support CANTERVICE:
Facebook
Instagram
Spotify
SoundCloud

Get to Know Our Staff: Chantal Holmes

March 15, 2022

Label News

Chantal Holmes, Get To Know

Title: Metadata Manager
Joined FiXT: 2019
Current Location: Somersworth, New Hampshire

First FiXT Artist You Heard?

Even though it wasn’t part of FiXT at the time: Circle of Dust. Sometime around 2005, a buddy of mine had stopped by the local second-hand store (Toys from the Attic. Yes, it’s an Aerosmith reference) and told me he’d found something he’d thought I’d like. He hand-delivered it in the school library the next day, saying “it has you written all over it” – and it did: it was completely wrapped in post-its with the word “You” Sharpied on them. Under that magnificent wrap job was a limited edition remaster of the Mindwarp version of Brainchild. It turned into my go-to CD for the trips to, from, and during the bus rides to and from school pretty quickly.

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

Someone hit up Irving Force sometime, pretty please?

Favorites:

• Thing To Collect: At the risk of sounding super morbid: decorative skulls. I currently have a total of nine of them. Eight are chilling in my office with me: one solid acrylic, two with octopi, a small steampunk one and his non-steampunk brother, something that I think is supposed to be a goblin, a gold ”Aztec” one (even though most of the symbols on it are Mayan), and this really cool purple and blue one with light-up eye sockets. The ninth is a pumpkin with a raven on it, but I haven’t found a way to safely fit him on the shelf yet.

• Video Game: Fatal Frame

• Movie: I’m terrible at choosing favorites, but the two that tie for “closest to favorite” would probably be Event Horizon or The Fallen.

• Non-Music Related Hobby: I’ve been crocheting plush toys since late middle school. They’re small, usually adorable, and are amazing mood boosters: both as gifts, and during the entire process of making them.

• What Have You Enjoyed Most About Working With FiXT: Having come from the dreaded Cubey Land: I’m working with actual human beings instead of human-like number crunch machines, and it’s amazing. Everyone here’s so talented and supportive of one another, a combo I didn’t think could coexist with the working world.

Closing Message:

The journey from being a fan and follower of the label and its roster, to actually being a member of the staff, has been absolutely crazy. I feel both flattered and honored to be able to be here, and to work with all of the insanely talented and hard-working folks who’ve played a huge role in keeping my own creativity going for years. Don’t you guys ever stop being awesome.

Get to Know Our Staff: Kurtis Redden

February 15, 2022

Label News

Get To Know, Kurtis Redden

Title: Operations Manager
Joined FiXT: Nov 2019

Favorite Band From High School?

I think I listened mostly to Front Line Assembly, but my old high school CD case was equally loaded with Metallica, Disturbed, Good Charlotte, and Black Eyed Peas. The look on people’s faces when they saw “Monkey Business” next to assorted Metal for the Masses albums was priceless every time.My friends and I would spend hours watching random music videos and one night “Devil In Jersey City” by Coheed and Cambria came on. Everyone else hated the super high pitched vocals but something about it stuck with me. They’ve been my favorite band ever since.

First FiXT Artist You Heard?

I didn’t know it at the time but probably would have been Celldweller when I was playing Need For Speed: Most Wanted back in 2006.

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

I gotta have a collab between The Anix & Celldweller

Favorites:

• Thing To Collect: I wouldn’t say I “collect” animals but I’m starting to think my girlfriend does. Our house is a bit of a zoo. We currently have: 3 Dogs, 2 Cats, 7 Snakes, 1 Bearded Dragon, 1 Leopard Gecko, 1 Beta Fish

• Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

• Video Game: Metal Gear Solid 2

• Movie: Huge horror fan – Evil Dead 2 is probably my favorite movie ever.

Closing Message:

We have an incredible roster of very talented artists and a very passionate, hard working staff that go above and beyond. I look forward to coming to work every day, that’s not something most people can say. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to work with each and every one of you. It’s been crazy to see the growth in the company since I started in 2019 and it’s only going to continue so I’m very excited to be able to help share more of the music with the world.

Get to Know: Toronto Is Broken

February 2, 2022

Artist News, Label News

Toronto Is Broken

Project: Toronto Is Broken
Name: Christian Hoffman

• Joined FiXT: 2021
• Project Growth with FiXT: 26k to 110k Monthly on Spotify

Grew Up: I was born in East London but moved to Leicestershire in the UK when I was about 5 years old and have lived here ever since.
Current Location: Hinkley, UK

DAW: Ableton Live 9 (Still haven’t upgraded to 11 yet)
Hardware or Software: Everything I do is in the box, but the guitars are me and I’m slowly starting to build up a small collection of them as well as pedals

Day Job: Secondary School Teacher

Favorite Video Game:
I’ve not really been into video games all too much since I was a teenager, as I don’t have the attention span, but still to this day I could sit all day just playing Star Wars Battlefront (2004) on the original Xbox, of which I still have! 1v1 me on Bespin Platforms, I dare ya.

A Non-Music Related Hobby:
I’m a big fan of miniature games such as Warhammer and have always been at it ever since I was a teenager. I’ve not done much of the hobby this year due to how busy everything has been on the music front, but I’d consider myself more of a collector and painter than gamer with the hobby. I have a side-Instagram for all of this if you’re interested.

What have you enjoyed most about working with FiXT?
I’ve only been with FiXT for a short time ever since March, but it’s been so amazing to work with their awesome team! There’s so many great plans which have sprung up and so many great resources at my disposal thanks to FiXT. They’re definitely the best label I have worked with so far, and their support for my ideas are second to none. Very excited to be working with them for TIB album #4 and really push the metal aspect of my crossover sound as far as it can go!

Follow Toronto Is Broken:
Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Get to Know: The Anix

February 1, 2022

Artist News, Label News

The Anix

Project: The Anix
Name: Brandon Smith

• Joined FiXT: 2018
• Project Growth with FiXT: 25k to 245k Monthly on Spotify

Grew Up: Southern California
Current Location: Orange County, California

Computer: 2019 iMac + 2021 MacBook Pro
DAW: Logic Pro

Quick Facts: Massive sneaker head, vegetarian, love sports cars
Non Music Hobby: Designing clothes and accessories
Dream Collab: Nike

Favorite Thing To Collect:
Japanese Collaboration Nikes, Fender Jaguars, Acronym clothing.

Favorite Video Game:
No time to play anymore, but when I did it was Grand Theft Auto, Gran Turismo and Forza.

What have you enjoyed most about working with FiXT?
It feels like I am working with my friends who happen to be business partners! The open mindedness and willingness to let me try new things, even if it doesn’t work!

What is one of the biggest successes you’ve had since working with FiXT?
I think it has been my steady rise on Spotify. I now have higher numbers than the artists I looked up to when I was getting into producing music, and they are coming to me wanting to collab now.

What made you excited about working with FiXT to begin with?
It’s a label that feels like the future. It’s like working with a boutique who only specializes in cool shit, rather than going into a department store that carries everything to accommodate the masses. It’s very targeted and it’s not going to appeal to everyone, which is the main reason I like it. All of the brands I like have this in common, that they only appeal to a very small but highly targeted group of like minded people.

Closing Message:
The biggest attitude change I have had, was when I stopped listening to other people (friends, family, etc.) about what they think it is to “make it” in the music business. I defined what it means to “make it” to myself, so in my eyes I HAVE made it already. To outsiders who aren’t in the music industry, they think you need to be famous, or driving a Ferrari to have made it, but that is simply ignorant. My definition of making it, is that I have people actually waiting and excited to listen to a song I make. I remember how hard it was to get ANYONE to listen for such a long time when I first started, and that is something I will never forget.

Follow The Anix:
https://fanlink.to/followtheanix