James Rhodes was born in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in Burlington, Iowa. His passion for music ignited during his teenage years, leading him to become an ardent fan of Klayton’s industrial project, Circle of Dust, in the 1990s. This enthusiasm marked the beginning of a journey that would see him transition from a devoted fan to a pivotal figure in the music industry. V13.net+3fixtmusic.com+3fixtmusic.com+3
First Encounters and Initial Collaborations
In 1999, Klayton launched his solo project, Celldweller. James, eager to support, joined the Celldweller Street Team, immersing himself in promotional activities. His dedication bore fruit in 2000 when he met Klayton during a fan meet-and-greet in Detroit. This meeting solidified their connection, leading James to play a more active role in supporting Klayton’s musical endeavors. V13.net+3fixtmusic.com+3fixtmusic.com+3fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1
Deepening Industry Involvement
Pursuing his interest in music production, James attended The Recording Workshop in Ohio in the fall of 2003. Around this time, he organized one of Celldweller’s inaugural live performances at Gabe’s Oasis in Iowa City. His proactive approach and organizational skills caught Klayton’s attention, resulting in James managing Celldweller’s online e-commerce operations by late 2003. V13.net+3fixtmusic.com+3fixtmusic.com+3
Professional Growth at Position Music
James’s commitment and expertise did not go unnoticed. In 2005, Tyler Bacon, President of Position Music, recognized his potential and offered him a full-time position. At Position Music, James gained invaluable experience in artist management, publishing, and licensing, laying the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial ventures. fixtmusic.com
Co-Founding FiXT: A Vision Realized
In January 2006, James and Klayton co-founded FiXT, an independent record label. Their mission was clear: to support artists by providing equitable deals in an industry often criticized for its lopsided agreements. Operating from Iowa, FiXT rapidly evolved into a global brand, boasting a roster of over 100 artists and reaching fans in more than 150 countries. V13.net+3fixtmusic.com+3fixtmusic.com+3fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1
Leadership and Strategic Initiatives
As President of FiXT, James has been instrumental in steering the company’s strategic direction. His notable achievements include:fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1
- Artist Signings: Securing talents such as The Anix, The Browning, Fight The Fade, and ENMY. fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1
- Operational Enhancements: Facilitating FiXT’s membership with the American Association of Independent Music (A2iM) and transitioning the digital delivery business to FUGA in 2015. fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1
- E-Commerce Advancements: Migrating FiXT’s e-commerce platform to Shopify in 2015, enhancing the online shopping experience for fans. fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1
- Strategic Partnerships: Negotiating direct deals with major Digital Service Providers (DSPs) like Amazon and Pretzel, broadening FiXT’s distribution channels. fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1
- Publishing and Licensing: Establishing a global publishing administration deal with SENTRIC in 2022 and expanding the sync catalog through a partnership with APM Music in 2023. fixtmusic.com+1fixtmusic.com+1
Philosophy on Artist Development
James emphasizes the importance of building a comprehensive catalog for artists. He believes that success often requires multiple releases to gain traction with Digital Service Providers (DSPs) and press outlets. This perspective underscores the value of persistence and consistency in the music industry. fixtmusic.comV13.net
Building and Maintaining Industry Relationships
Reflecting on his enduring professional relationship with Klayton, James attributes their successful partnership to effective communication and shared vision. He advises industry aspirants to treat everyone with respect and to be patient, highlighting that lasting relationships are cultivated over time. fixtmusic.com+3V13.net+3fixtmusic.com+3
Vision for the Future of FiXT
Looking ahead, James envisions FiXT breaking new ground by achieving significant milestones, such as having multiple artists surpass the one million monthly listener mark on platforms like Spotify. He is committed to deepening investments in each artist, aiming for substantial impacts rather than spreading resources thinly. fixtmusic.com+2fixtmusic.com+2fixtmusic.com+2
Conclusion
James Rhodes’s journey from a passionate fan to the President of FiXT exemplifies dedication, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to artist development. His contributions have not only shaped the trajectory of FiXT but have also left an indelible mark on the independent music industry.
