Icon For Hire

Icon for Hire is an American rock band formed in Decatur, Illinois in 2007, fronted by vocalist Ariel Bloomer alongside guitarist Shawn Jump. The band built its identity around an eclectic mix of alternative rock, electronica, hip-hop influences and post-hardcore energy, anchored by Bloomer’s dynamic vocal range that shifts from melodic singing to aggressive delivery. Their lyrics frequently confront mental health, self-worth and personal struggle, giving the band a devoted following among listeners drawn to emotionally direct songwriting.

Signed to Tooth & Nail Records, a label historically associated with Christian rock, Icon for Hire nonetheless resisted being categorized within that genre, insisting their music spoke to universal struggles rather than a specific faith audience. Their self-titled album «Icon for Hire» followed their debut «Scripted», cementing songs like «Make a Move», «Hope of Morning» and «Under the Knife» as fan favorites.

After parting ways with Tooth & Nail, the band released independent singles including «Now You Know» and eventually became a fan-funded duo, crowdfunding their album «You Can’t Kill Us» which reached the lower end of the Billboard 200. Their trajectory from label act to independent artists reflects a broader shift among rock bands toward direct fan support.