fixt-music

FiXT Academy Releases The Rhodes Report

“My name is James Rhodes. I’m the President of FiXT – we’re an artist-owned, independent record label, as part of FiXT Academy I’m putting together a FREE monthly newsletter, sent out the last Friday of each month sharing 5 personally curated items for a dose of inspiration, education and connection, from articles, podcasts, videos and books to recommended profiles to follow.”

FiXT Academy is a new suite of services led by FiXT Co-Founder and President, James Rhodes – designed to empower aspiring musicians and producers with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to elevate their careers. Launching in April 2025, FiXT Academy offers a comprehensive range of products, including engaging webinars, a membership community, dynamic mastermind groups, personalized coaching, and consultations tailored for artists and independent labels. With a mission to educate, develop and inspire, FiXT Academy serves as a one-stop resource for creatives aiming to refine their craft, build sustainable careers, and connect with like-minded professionals in the music industry.

Sign-Up for Free at:
https://mailchi.mp/efe316b2d81a/rhodesreport

Check out FiXT Academy!
https://www.fixtmusic.com/academy/https://www.fixtmusic.com/academy/

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FiXT New Noise: Izzy Reign (The Queen of Horror) in the Spring Time

It may sound cliche, but when it comes to Izzy Reign and her debut album, she really did give it her all. The self-titled full-length was released last week via FiXT Music, a culmination of her genre-defying approach to songwriting. Genre is at best a secondary consideration for Izzy on this record. Each song blends metalcore, alternative metal, and hard rock. Each song is remarkably accessible as she bends each genre to her will, making it all fit together. On a more personal level, Izzy’s album reflects her struggles, as well as the general struggles that most people experience…

Check out the rest over at V13.net
FiXT New Noise: Izzy Reign (The Queen of Horror) in the Spring Time

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FiXT Labs: Upgrading Your Mental Operating System for Success in the Modern Music Industry

The modern music industry is as rewarding as it is demanding. For every artist trying to break through the noise, every label scouting new talent, every publicist securing a coveted press feature, or every touring band grinding through long hours on the road, the challenges are relentless. A composer may spend days crafting the perfect pitch for a film or TV sync placement, only to face rejection, while a graphic designer revises artwork for the 13th time in pursuit of perfection. These stories are all too familiar, underscoring the difficult reality of working in this industry…

Check out the rest over at V13.net
FiXT Labs: Upgrading Your Mental Operating System for Success in the Modern Music Industry

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FiXT & V13 Media Announce New Partnership

By Leasia Korbel

Twenty Years In The Making

FiXT, the independent record label dedicated to artist development and genre innovation, and V13 Media, the established media outlet showcasing independent voices in music and entertainment, are proud to announce a new strategic partnership aimed at amplifying independent music on a global scale.

This collaboration brings together FiXT’s cutting-edge approach to artist growth with V13 Media’s expertise in music promotion, editorial coverage, and media outreach. Through this partnership, both companies will work to provide unparalleled exposure and promotional opportunities for FiXT artists, bridging the gap between creators and fans worldwide.

Under the partnership, FiXT will provide two monthly columns. FiXT Labs will serve as an industry column offering educational and informative articles on the music industry, targeting artists, musicians, and industry professionals. Additionally, FiXT New Noise will feature a monthly spotlight on a FiXT artist, sharing in-depth insights into their creative world.

FiXT and V13 Media have a long history together, starting from the first article on Celldweller posted in 2005 when V13 Media was known as PureGrainAudio. Over the last 20 years, V13 Media has covered multiple FiXT artists through premieres, features, as well as conducting interviews with the label’s staff.
 

As a trusted name in music journalism and promotion for two decades (celebrating its 20th anniversary on March 31st), V13 Media offers in-depth artist features, reviews, interviews, and has recently expanded into artist development (V13 Promo) and book publishing (V13 Press). This partnership will strengthen V13 Media’s ability to showcase FiXT’s diverse roster while ensuring that independent musicians receive the attention they deserve in an ever-evolving industry. 

“Our relationship with V13 has a rich history, and I’m thrilled to embark on this next chapter. Through FiXT Labs and the upcoming FiXT New Noise columns, we’re eager to expand FiXT’s mission of development and education to a broader audience. We look forward to sharing valuable insights and tips drawn from our decades of experience, helping others navigate and grow in their career journeys.” – James Rhodes, FiXT President

“For 20 years, V13 has championed independent music with relentless passion, and this partnership with the venerable label FiXT represents the next evolution of that mission. Independent artists don’t just need visibility—they need a movement behind them, a force that believes in their art as much as they do. Together, we’re perpetuating that movement, ensuring that boundary-pushing musicians get the recognition, opportunities, and support they deserve.” – Christopher Gonda, Publisher & CEO, V13 Media

The FiXT x V13 Media partnership launches today with the inaugural FiXT Labs column, available now here. Music fans, industry professionals, and artists alike are invited to explore this groundbreaking collaboration that will reshape how independent music reaches global audiences. Audiences can follow both FiXT and V13 Media on social media to stay updated on exclusive content drops, artist features, and industry insights that will emerge from this powerful alliance. This partnership represents not just coverage of independent music, but a commitment to propelling it forward on a global scale.

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FiXT Announces FiXT Academy

By Leasia Korbel

A Groundbreaking Initiative Designed To Educate, Support, and Empower Artists In The Modern Era

FiXT, the pioneering independent record label known for its cutting-edge approach to music and artist development, is proud to introduce FiXT Academy, a new suite of services led by FiXT President & Co-Founder, James Rhodes, designed to empower musicians and producers with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to elevate their careers. To learn more, visit fixtacademy.com and join the FiXT Academy Waitlist and Newsletter and receive a free New Release Action Guide for Artists.

FiXT Academy is a comprehensive range of products, including engaging webinars, a membership community, dynamic mastermind groups, personalized coaching, and consultations tailored for artists, producers and labels. With a vision to educate, develop and inspire, FiXT Academy serves as a one-stop resource for creatives aiming to refine their craft, build sustainable careers, and connect with like-minded professionals in the music industry.

“The idea for FiXT Academy came from years of providing similar resources of webinars, mastermind group sessions and community fellowship for our internal staff and artist roster. We would talk with industry colleagues about what we were doing and would consistently get positive feedback on how cool it was along with external artists telling us they wish they had access to the same resources and opportunities. I’ve always had a passion for using the resources available to me to bring educational and inspirational content to the FiXT team and artists, and now I’m extremely excited to bring that to a much larger audience. Along with sharing my own 20+ years of experience, I get to invite amazing guests to share their knowledge and wisdom. In the past we’ve hosted such incredible guests as Dustin Boyer (Venture Music), Hisham Dahud (Artist Pro), Nate Sirotta (Impulse Artists), Michael Lau (AIMP), Michael Levine (Levine Pictures), Mark Garrett (Kardavox Academy), and talented composers / producers such as Tom Salta, Joey Sturgis, Eyal Levi, and Jon Eberhard, and of course FiXT Owner/Founder and artist/producer mastermind Klayton (Celldweller / Scandroid),” said James Rhodes, President of FiXT.

FiXT Academy will feature exclusive video tutorials, webinars, workshops, in-depth resource guides, live Q&A sessions, mastermind groups, and access to 1:1 coaching and consulting plus direct access to an entire network of  industry professionals. Whether an artist is just starting out or looking to refine their craft, FiXT Academy will offer guidance from experts who understand the challenges and opportunities of today’s music business.

“Working with James and the FiXT team has been one of the absolute highlights of my career so far. James has a unique style of giving direction that’s both real and kind. He’ll tell you what you need to hear, but in a way that leaves you feeling motivated instead of down. That kind of support has been a huge part of helping me level up as an artist.

What I really admire about James and FiXT is that they actually live by the values they talk about. FiXT doesn’t just slap some nice-sounding principles on their website, they actually back them up in what they do. As an artist who has worked with 10+ different record labels in my career, I can say it’s rare to work with a team that aligns their actions with their ideals, and it makes the whole collaboration way more enjoyable and productive.

If you get the chance to work with James, take it! He’s one of the best in the business, and working with him and FiXT has made me a better artist and person.” – James Guttman (HIGHSOCIETY) Artist / Producer / DJ

As a FiXT Academy member, you gain exclusive access to high-impact webinars designed to elevate your knowledge, skills, and career. Led by industry experts, successful artists, and thought leaders, these in-depth sessions cover everything from music production, branding, and marketing strategies to business growth and industry trends. Whether you’re an aspiring creator or a seasoned professional, our webinars provide actionable insights, behind-the-scenes knowledge, and real-world strategies to help you stay ahead in a competitive industry. Plus, with live Q&A opportunities, you get direct access to experts who can answer your questions and provide personalized guidance.

“James is one of the best label executives I’ve had the pleasure of working with. His top-tier communication skills and approachable demeanor make every collaboration seamless. James is a person of unwavering integrity—someone who consistently delivers on their word, a rare quality in today’s world. Working with him is always a privilege and something I enjoy a lot.” – Joel Wanasek (Nail The Mix | Drumforge) 

“Over my 18 years in the music industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless independent and major label executives, but I’ve never encountered anyone quite like James Rhodes. His passion, kindness, and relentless drive set him apart in every way. James’s dedication to FiXT and the artists he works with goes beyond the surface—he’s deeply invested in educating, empowering, and guiding artists to achieve lasting success. It’s rare to work with someone who genuinely cares about both the craft and the creator, and James embodies that rare blend of integrity and commitment.” – Michael Money (Beyond Unbroken) | Artist/Producer

FiXT Academy is launching in April 2025! Join the FiXT Academy Waitlist and Newsletter and receive a free New Release Action Guide for Artists at fixtacademy.com.

James Rhodes is the President of independent record label FiXT, an artist-owned label which he co-founded in 2006 alongside respected artist, producer, and composer Klayton, best known for his solo projects Celldweller and Scandroid. Building the company around the strength of Klayton’s projects, James and Klayton have turned FiXT into a global brand with dozens of artists, millions of monthly listeners, and thousands of die-hard fans in over 180 countries.

Some of Rhodes’ accomplishments at FiXT include notable artist signings such as The Browning, Fight The Fade, ENMY, and The Anix to making key personnel hires including Kurtis Redden (Vice President), Travis Brockett (Administrative Director), and Michelle Steer (Merchandise & E-Commerce Manager). In 2015 he spearheaded FiXT’s move to join the American Association of Independent Music (A2iM), become MERLIN members and move FiXT’s digital delivery business to FUGA. Rhodes is also credited with moving FiXT’s e-commerce operations to Shopify in 2015 and later negotiating direct deals with multiple DSPs including Amazon, and Pretzel. In 2022 he set up FiXT’s global publishing administration deal with SENTRIC and in 2023 co-led FiXT’s sync catalog expansion in a deal with APM Music paired with a global sub-publishing network of 20 territory based partners. He has served multiple terms on the A2iM Mentorship program, and been a guest on numerous industry podcasts, including the Top Music Attorney Podcast, The Music Industry Blueprint Podcast with Rick Barker, Burn This World Podcast with Jonny McBee, and Headliner Mindset Podcast with Nik Cherwink.

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Join the FiXT Academy Waitlist and Newsletter!