ArtistDirect News
FiXTs President James Rhodes Reflects on Indie Week, AI, and the Labels 20th-Year Milestone
From the neon glow of Times Square to the quiet corners of LaGuardia Airport, FiXT President James Rhodes returned from Indie Week 2026 with a clear assessment of how the conference is reshaping independent music—and how FiXT is positioning itself for the next decade.
Indie Week, organized by the American Association of Independent Music (A2iM), ran June 8‑11 at the Intercontinental New York Times Square. Rhodes described the event as “a concentrated gathering of the top businesses making an impact in the independent music industry ecosystem.” He noted that the venue’s sleek layout and the recently renovated LaGuardia Airport gave the experience a welcome polish that differed from his first attendance in 2017.
The conference’s energy shifted noticeably from a panel‑heavy schedule to a meeting‑centric one. Rhodes observed that seasoned attendees spent most of their time in the lobby or bar, arranging face‑to‑face conversations rather than attending scheduled panels. "It felt like a networking festival," he said, adding that the shift will lead him to prioritize meetings over panels on future trips.
A highlight for FiXT was the physical‑media panel featuring A to Z Media and Kit Better. The label, long known for collectible releases, found the discussion a perfect reinforcement of its strategy to deepen that focus. Rhodes even toured the A to Z Media office during the event and praised the showcase of FiXT’s cherry‑blossom pressed vinyl gatefold for the artist Daedric.
AI and fan monetization also dominated the agenda. Rhodes clarified that FiXT uses AI tools for research, presentation formatting, and data analysis but rejects AI‑generated creative output. The label is actively participating in lawsuits against the use of its catalogue in AI training datasets and is pursuing licensed opportunities that respect artist preferences.
Independent labels now account for 46.7 % of globally recorded music—a fact Rhodes said was evident at Indie Week. He highlighted the presence of major DSPs and non‑indie companies at the conference, noting that their engagement validates the influence of the indie community. FiXT’s membership in MERLIN and its participation in A2iM events underscore the label’s integration into the broader independent network.
Rhodes also reported new connections made at the conference. He re‑met Randall Foster, Chief Creative Officer at Symphonic Distribution; met Nicholas Mishko of 10&8 Management in person for the first time; and spoke with Daniel Turcotte, President of Monstercat, with whom FiXT has collaborated on releases.
The label’s 20th anniversary was a recurring topic during partner meetings. Rhodes said the milestone surprised some partners who were unaware of FiXT’s longevity. The anniversary has prompted the label to plan new partnerships and to "try new things" in the coming decade.
Looking ahead, Rhodes outlined FiXT’s next chapter: signing more artists, exploring fresh industry relationships, and maintaining its mission to empower artists with sustainable careers. He emphasized the importance of world‑class label services and fostering lifelong fan relationships.
For independent artists and small labels, Rhodes urged attendance at Indie Week, describing it as a "huge shot of motivation and validation." He noted that even labels based outside major music hubs can build a name within the independent community through events like Indie Week.
FiXT, founded in 2006 by Klayton—known for Celldweller and Scandroid—has grown into a global brand with a catalogue that has earned billions of streams. Its roster includes The Anix, The Browning, Fight The Fade, and ENMY, and its fanbase spans over 150 countries.
In summary, James Rhodes’ experience at Indie Week reinforced the value of networking, highlighted the evolving role of physical media, and underscored FiXT’s commitment to navigating AI challenges while celebrating its 20th anniversary and preparing for future growth.
Indie Week, organized by the American Association of Independent Music (A2iM), ran June 8‑11 at the Intercontinental New York Times Square. Rhodes described the event as “a concentrated gathering of the top businesses making an impact in the independent music industry ecosystem.” He noted that the venue’s sleek layout and the recently renovated LaGuardia Airport gave the experience a welcome polish that differed from his first attendance in 2017.
The conference’s energy shifted noticeably from a panel‑heavy schedule to a meeting‑centric one. Rhodes observed that seasoned attendees spent most of their time in the lobby or bar, arranging face‑to‑face conversations rather than attending scheduled panels. "It felt like a networking festival," he said, adding that the shift will lead him to prioritize meetings over panels on future trips.
A highlight for FiXT was the physical‑media panel featuring A to Z Media and Kit Better. The label, long known for collectible releases, found the discussion a perfect reinforcement of its strategy to deepen that focus. Rhodes even toured the A to Z Media office during the event and praised the showcase of FiXT’s cherry‑blossom pressed vinyl gatefold for the artist Daedric.
AI and fan monetization also dominated the agenda. Rhodes clarified that FiXT uses AI tools for research, presentation formatting, and data analysis but rejects AI‑generated creative output. The label is actively participating in lawsuits against the use of its catalogue in AI training datasets and is pursuing licensed opportunities that respect artist preferences.
Independent labels now account for 46.7 % of globally recorded music—a fact Rhodes said was evident at Indie Week. He highlighted the presence of major DSPs and non‑indie companies at the conference, noting that their engagement validates the influence of the indie community. FiXT’s membership in MERLIN and its participation in A2iM events underscore the label’s integration into the broader independent network.
Rhodes also reported new connections made at the conference. He re‑met Randall Foster, Chief Creative Officer at Symphonic Distribution; met Nicholas Mishko of 10&8 Management in person for the first time; and spoke with Daniel Turcotte, President of Monstercat, with whom FiXT has collaborated on releases.
The label’s 20th anniversary was a recurring topic during partner meetings. Rhodes said the milestone surprised some partners who were unaware of FiXT’s longevity. The anniversary has prompted the label to plan new partnerships and to "try new things" in the coming decade.
Looking ahead, Rhodes outlined FiXT’s next chapter: signing more artists, exploring fresh industry relationships, and maintaining its mission to empower artists with sustainable careers. He emphasized the importance of world‑class label services and fostering lifelong fan relationships.
For independent artists and small labels, Rhodes urged attendance at Indie Week, describing it as a "huge shot of motivation and validation." He noted that even labels based outside major music hubs can build a name within the independent community through events like Indie Week.
FiXT, founded in 2006 by Klayton—known for Celldweller and Scandroid—has grown into a global brand with a catalogue that has earned billions of streams. Its roster includes The Anix, The Browning, Fight The Fade, and ENMY, and its fanbase spans over 150 countries.
In summary, James Rhodes’ experience at Indie Week reinforced the value of networking, highlighted the evolving role of physical media, and underscored FiXT’s commitment to navigating AI challenges while celebrating its 20th anniversary and preparing for future growth.