Celldweller & James Rhodes: Fair Artist Deals & FiXT Music 20th Anniversary | #100

Heartdea13r Podcast with Christopher Gonda // Episode 100 // Klayton aka Celldweller (Artist & Producer, Founder & CEO at FiXT), James Rhodes (President & Co-Founder, FiXT), and Lance Marwood (President & Co-Founder: V13 Promo + V13 Press, Dir. of Comms: V13 Media)SummaryIn this milestone 100th episode of Heartdea13r, FIXT co-founders Klayton and James Rhodes unpack two decades of building an independent music company around fairness, artist ownership and genuine relationships. They discuss the failures that shaped FIXT, their commitment to 50/50 artist deals, streaming fatigue, the resurgence of physical music and why direct-to-fan relationships may define the industry’s next chapter. Alongside Christopher Gonda and Lance Marwood, the conversation explores entrepreneurship, adapting through failure and why people—not profits—remain at the heart of sustainable creative businesses. Ultimately, Klayton and James make the case for patience, trusting your instincts and building something that lasts without sacrificing your values.Key TopicsKlayton's journey reflects the struggles many artists face in the music industry.FiXT Music Group was founded to create fair opportunities for artists.The label operates on a 50/50 deal structure, prioritizing artist rights.Communication and transparency are key to maintaining artist relationships.The music industry is evolving, and labels must adapt to survive.Success is measured not just in profits but in artist satisfaction.Building a positive reputation takes time and consistent effort.The importance of direct fan relationships in the current music landscape.Advocacy for independent music rights is crucial for industry change.Learning from mistakes is essential for growth and improvement.Building a strong foundation is crucial for long-term success.Good art is the primary motivator for music labels.Patience is essential in achieving success in the music industry.Communication and transparency foster better relationships in business.Artists should focus on small wins to build momentum.The importance of people in the music industry cannot be overstated.Learning from failures can lead to unexpected successes.Creating value for artists is a key focus for labels.The future of the music industry requires adaptability and foresight.Heartdea13r theme song by William J. Sullivanhttps://linktr.ee/wjpsullivan https://williamjsullivan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wjpsullivan/ https://x.com/wjpsullivan https://www.tiktok.com/@wjpsullivan https://www.youtube.com/@wreckinjoint