Turnstile Manager James Vitalo Expands Gold Theory Artists, Adding Two Managers

Max Dubois, James Vitalo and Jack Babnew Photo: Atiba Jefferson

Gold Theory Artists, the Los Angeles-based artist management company started by Turnstile manager James Vitalo, has added managers Jack Babew and Max Dubois, expanding the company’s clients to now include Beach Fossils, Deafheaven, Hana Vu, julie & MSPAint.

“When I set out to start Gold Theory, I knew I wanted to eventually expand beyond myself and my team to include other managers, but only those that felt aligned with the company’s ethos and possess the same all-or-nothing mentality,” Vitalo said in the announcement. “I’ve seen both Max and Jack’s work over the years and deeply respect their knowledge of and passion for the industry, so it was a no-brainer to bring them into the fold when the stars aligned. I couldn’t be more excited to work with them, continue to serve and support our artists, and propel Gold Theory into its next phase.”

Babnew was most recently at management firm TMWRK, where he spent seven years and worked with artists and projects including A-Trak, Animal Collective, Panda Bear, TV On The Radio, Cashmere Cat, MØ, and Surfbort. At Gold Theory. At Gold Theory, he’ll co-manage new client Beach Fossils with Vitalo.

“My whole life, I’ve been drawn to those who do things on their own terms – the risk-takers, the rule-breakers, the people who hear ‘you can’t do that’ and respond, ‘watch me,’ ” Babnew said in the announcement. “James and his roster at Gold Theory embody that spirit. As I grow my own career and define the terms for myself, I wouldn’t want to do it alongside anyone else.”

Dubois’ experience includes at WME, Blood Company and at his own management company, formed in 2020 and representing Hana Vu and julie, which he brings to Gold Theory. He will also co-manage new clients Deafheaven and MSPAINT alongside Vitalo.

“Finding great people who happen to work with great artists is an incredibly difficult needle to thread,” Dubois added. “I’ve always been excited about building something meaningful and impactful with people who push me to be the best version of myself. What James has done with the roster at Gold Theory has been undeniable and the people he’s brought in to drive the machine is exactly the combination I’m grateful to be a part of.”

Vitalo founded Gold Theory in 2022, after spending time on the artist management side with Good Fight Entertainment and 5B Artists. As leader of the hardcore band Backtrack that formed in 2008, Vitalo’s real-world experience on the road and in a band led him to work with Turnstile, Knocked Loose, Gatecreeper and more.

Grammy-nominated Turnstile has blown up as a hard-ticket headline act as well as major festival draw, and is currently supporting Blink-182 on its U.S. arena tour.

ABOUT GOLD THEORY ARTISTS:

Gold Theory Artists is a boutique artist management company protecting artists on the path to creative freedom. With a full-service, hands-on approach, Gold Theory oversees and assists with all elements associated with creative direction, touring strategy and logistics, production, publishing, label deals, and navigation and beyond, with support from some of the most highly respected experts in the industry. While based in Los Angeles, Gold Theory prides itself on its global relationships and puts an emphasis on building artists to have a sustainable worldwide business. In a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry, Gold Theory thrives on finding the most authentic, unique, and strategic ways to build career artists who continue to push boundaries without allowing commercial success to cloud the ethos that established them. We do not take the opportunity to work with our artists lightly and are proud to work with the best and brightest acts in music today.

Gold Theory was founded by James Vitalo in 2022.  Born on Long Island, New York, Vitalo got his start in the music industry by touring with various artists, which led him to start the band Backtrack in 2008. Over the span of 10+ years in a globally touring band, Vitalo learned and experienced every aspect of the music industry and built the tools that would eventually lead him to become a booking agent for Turnstile and later, manager. Throughout his career, he sharpened these tools at management companies Good Fight Entertainment and 5B Artist Management before launching Gold Theory which boasts a dynamic roster including Beach Fossils, Deafheaven, Gatecreeper, Hana Vu, Harm’s Way, julie, Knocked Loose, MSPAINT, Terror, Turnstile, SeeYouSpaceCowboy, and Undeath.