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===Comparisons to other female-led rock bands===
===Comparisons to other female-led rock bands===
The band's sound has often been compared to that of other female-fronted [[rock music|rock]] bands, particularly [[Paramore]].<ref name="CR profile" /><ref name="CR review" /><ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|title=Scripted|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/scripted-r2229035|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|accessdate=February 6, 2012|first=David |last=Jeffries}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Scripted|url=http://christianmusic.about.com/od/Christian-Cd-Reviews-I-J/fr/Icon-For-Hire-Scripted.htm|work=[[About.com]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|accessdate=February 6, 2012|first=Kim |last=Jones}}</ref> Nathaniel Schexnayder of [[Jesus Freak Hideout]] went so far as to label the band's debut album ''[[Scripted]]'' as generic, saying that the band "borrows their elements from other female fronted acts like [[Flyleaf (band)|Flyleaf]], [[Fireflight]], and Paramore at an alarming degree.".<ref name="JFH">{{cite web|title=Scripted|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Scripted.asp|last=Schexnayder |first=Nathaniel|publisher=''[[Jesus Freak Hideout]]''|accessdate=February 6, 2012|date=August 2011}}</ref> Ariel has taken issue with these comparisons, citing the band's "unique combination of programming/pop elements, mixed with a commercial rock sound" as a distinguishing element, in addition to the band's [[concert|live performances]]: "We've never had someone come see us live and compare us to other bands." She has also noted such comparisons as unfairly [[sexism|discriminatory]]: "It frustrates me how in so many other industries you are acknowledged for your skill and education, but in music somehow if you're a chick you better be bringing something extraordinarily mind-blowing to the table in order to have a shot. It's a bit sexist I think."<ref name="CR profile" />
The band's sound has often been compared to that of other female-fronted [[rock music|rock]] bands, particularly [[Paramore]].<ref name="CR profile" /><ref name="CR review" /><ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|title=Scripted|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/scripted-r2229035|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|accessdate=February 6, 2012|first=David |last=Jeffries}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Scripted|url=http://christianmusic.about.com/od/Christian-Cd-Reviews-I-J/fr/Icon-For-Hire-Scripted.htm|work=[[About.com]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|accessdate=February 6, 2012|first=Kim |last=Jones}}</ref> Nathaniel Schexnayder of [[Jesus Freak Hideout]] went so far as to label the band's debut album ''[[Scripted]]'' as generic, saying that the band "borrows their elements from other female fronted acts like [[Flyleaf (band)|Flyleaf]], [[Fireflight]], and Paramore at an alarming degree.".<ref name="JFH">{{cite web|title=Scripted|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Scripted.asp|last=Schexnayder |first=Nathaniel|publisher=''[[Jesus Freak Hideout]]''|accessdate=February 6, 2012|date=August 2011}}</ref> Ariel has taken issue with these comparisons, citing the band's "unique combination of programming/pop elements, mixed with a commercial rock sound" as a distinguishing element, in addition to the band's [[concert|live performances]]: "We've never had someone come see us live and compare us to other bands." She has also noted such comparisons as unfairly [[sexism|discriminatory]]: "It frustrates me how in so many other industries you are acknowledged for your skill and education, but in music somehow if you're a chick you better be bringing something extraordinarily mind-blowing to the table in order to have a shot. It's a bit sexist I think."<ref name="CR profile" />

== Religious affiliation ==
Like many Tooth & Nail artists, Icon for Hire have had complicated relations with the [[Christian music]] market. Since early in the band's career, they have denied that the group is a Christian band, with Ariel stating, "We are very intentionally not trying to [[salvation|save]] the church; we are trying to save the world. We believe that if we follow the pathway of a typical Christian band and stick to only playing [[church (building)|churches]] and stick to being signed to a Christian label, we're not going to fulfill the purpose that we are [[religious calling|called]] to fulfill. That's great for a lot of bands, and I'm really glad that there are bands doing that, but we know why we're here, and we're not here for that."<ref>{{cite web|title=Icon for Hire|type=video interview|url=http://videos.herald-review.com/p/video?id=5229941|work=[[Herald & Review]]|accessdate=August 15, 2012|author=Rueff, Ashley|coauthor=Sullivan, Hugh (videographer)|date=July 2009}}</ref>

The band largely maintained this attitude into their Tooth & Nail years. On her [[tumblr.]] blog, Ariel explained that "the average rock music lover will never have a chance to be impacted by our music if all these Christians keep calling us a christian band online and scaring them away. Posting that we’re playing 'Holy Tabernacle Christian Fellowship' on our [[facebook]] is a death sentence for us, it alienates us from our potential or realized non-christian fans."

Despite this, several writers have identified Icon for Hire as part of the Christian music scene,<ref name="Sputnikmusic" /><ref name="CR review" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Music: Icon For Hire strives to be worth looking up to|url=http://www.chron.com/life/houston-belief/article/Music-Icon-For-Hire-strives-to-be-worth-looking-2151707.php|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|accessdate=August 17, 2012|author=Matthews, Kent|date=September 1, 2011|quote=Christian contemporary band Icon for Hire has a new CD out, Scripted. (photo caption)}}</ref> and some critics have noted references to the members' Christian faith in their lyrics. David Jeffries pointed out that "Christian ideals are the driving force" in the lyrics on ''Scripted'', though he acknowledged that "you could look at this as a secular rebellion against the mopey '[[hipster (contemporary subculture)|scene]]' bands and still thrill at Icon for Hire’s fresh attitude and sense of purpose."<ref name="Allmusic" /> Schexnayder, while admitting that "the group doesn’t wear their faith on their sleeve in their messages", noted a general encouraging message on the album and singled out the song "The Grey" as containing "spiritual references".<ref name="JFH" /> Kim Jones of [[About.com]] said that the categorization was inaccurate "if you're looking to use the term to put them into a nice and safe box, limited to only a Christian audience."<ref name="About.com">{{cite web|title=Icon For Hire|url=http://christianmusic.about.com/od/I/p/Icon-For-Hire.htm|work=[[About.com]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|accessdate=August 17, 2012|author=Jones, Kim}}</ref>


==Band members==
==Band members==

Revision as of 03:04, 16 February 2014

Icon for Hire
Icon for Hire at The Garage in 2011. From left: Shawn Jump, Adam Kronshagen, Ariel, Josh Kincheloe.
Icon for Hire at The Garage in 2011. From left: Shawn Jump, Adam Kronshagen, Ariel, Josh Kincheloe.
Background information
OriginDecatur, Illinois, United States
GenresAlternative metal, pop punk, electronic rock
Years active2007–present
LabelsTooth & Nail
Members
  • Ariel Bloomer
  • Shawn Jump
  • Josh Kincheloe
  • Adam Kronshagen
Past members
  • Joshua Davis
Websitewww.iconforhire.com

Icon for Hire is an American rock band from Decatur, Illinois. Formed in 2007, the band's current lineup consist of singer Ariel Bloomer, guitarist Shawn Jump, bassist Josh Kincheloe, and drummer Adam Kronshagen. They released two EPs independently before signing to Tooth & Nail Records, through which they released their Billboard-charting debut album Scripted in 2011 and Icon for Hire on October 15, 2013.

History

Origins (2007–2009)

The band was formed in Decatur, Illinois by vocalist Ariel Bloomer and guitarist Shawn Jump. When the two met in 2007, Ariel, upon discovering that Jump played guitar, initiated a musical collaboration between the two of them. When the need for a drummer arose, Jump recruited Adam Kronshagen, an old friend he had held jam sessions with as a member of the local party scene (Jump was six months clean at the time).[1] Bassist Joshua Davis joined and the band was officially formed in November of that year, choosing their name as a satirical comment on the state of the music industry.[2]

The band played their first show in a local club before an audience of family and friends, who gave them a positive reception even though, by the band's own admission, they gave a terrible performance. Ariel has been quoted as saying of the performance, "Our passion for music was there; whatever we lacked in sound we made up for with enthusiasm." Over the next two years, the band toured throughout the Midwest and released two EPs, the self-titled Icon for Hire EP in 2008 and The Grey EP in 2009.[3] During that same year, Davis left the band.

Tooth & Nail and Scripted (2009–2011)

Main article: Scripted
Guitarist Shawn Jump and drummer Adam Kronshagen performing in 2011

In late 2009, the band was contacted by Tooth & Nail Records through Myspace. The label then sent representatives to one of the band's shows, and eventually signed them in July 2010.[3] "We are thrilled to be joining such an established and well-respected group at Tooth & Nail," shared the band upon their signing. "It's a label that has a history of consistently putting out good music and really working side by side with their artists. Because we've been doing this thing on our own for over two years, it feels great to partner with Tooth & Nail. We can't wait to record our debut full-length and see where this road takes us." They spent the last quarter of 2010 in the studio with producers Rob Hawkins and Aaron Sprinkle recording their first full-length album, Scripted, which was released by the label on August 23, 2011. The album made it on the US Billboard charts at No. 7 for Hard Rock Albums, No. 5 for Christian Albums, No. 16 for Alternative Albums, No. 22 for Rock Albums, and No. 95 on the Billboard 200. It also sold more than 4,300 units in the first week of release and broke the record for first week sales on a Tooth & Nail debut album.[4] The band also achieved success with the album's lead single "Make a Move", which peaked at No. 13 on R&R/Billboard's Christian Rock chart and had an accompanying music video exclusively released online by Guitar World magazine's website. Also in 2011, the band acquired current bassist Josh Kincheloe.

Icon for Hire (2011–present)

In December 2011, Ariel stated that, while the band had been focusing on extensive touring rather than writing new music, she had "a feeling that we'll start piecing together some demos shortly."[5] In a later interview with TVU Music channel, she revealed that the band was in the early stages of writing songs for a second album.[6] In an interview with KHRT-FM, the band expressed their desire for the album to be "heavier....more aggressive", with more bubblegum pop production and possible hip hop elements.[7] On August 15, 2013, Icon for Hire premiered their new single "Cynics and Critics" via lyric video and announced their second album, the self-titled Icon for Hire.[8] The album was released on October 15, 2013, whereupon it reached number 66 on the Billboard 200 and received largely positive reviews.

Touring

Icon for Hire supported Red on their "Kill the Machine" tour in October 2011.[9] They also participated in that year's Christmas Rock Night festival in Ennepetal, near Düsseldorf, Germany, along with Red and Skillet.[10] The band toured with Jamie's Elsewhere and These Hearts in early 2012,[11] and toured with Emery's "Emery and Friends Tour" with I Am Empire and Sent By Ravens in March 2012.[12] They have announced a May 2012 tour with P.O.D, Red, and Love and Death.[13]

Musical style and influences

The band's sound combines pop punk and alternative metal elements with strings and electronics.[14] Jamie Maxwell of Cross Rhythms describes them as a punk band, but notes that "the electronic influence evident in some of their tracks is a definite nod to the likes of Linkin Park and others in the nu metal mould."[15] In describing the band's sound, lead singer Ariel has said that the band is "first and foremost just a rock band. That’s where our roots are and where our hearts are. But a few years ago we started really getting into synths and programming. We love the combination of brutal, in-your-face riffs, with the fun candy of pop production sprinkled all over it."[1]

Influences cited by the band have included hard rock bands like Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin, Pantera, Mötley Crüe, and Rage Against the Machine, as well as pop- and hip hop-oriented artists such as Skrillex, The Black Eyed Peas, Dessa, and Lady Gaga.[2][5]

Comparisons to other female-led rock bands

The band's sound has often been compared to that of other female-fronted rock bands, particularly Paramore.[3][15][16][17] Nathaniel Schexnayder of Jesus Freak Hideout went so far as to label the band's debut album Scripted as generic, saying that the band "borrows their elements from other female fronted acts like Flyleaf, Fireflight, and Paramore at an alarming degree.".[18] Ariel has taken issue with these comparisons, citing the band's "unique combination of programming/pop elements, mixed with a commercial rock sound" as a distinguishing element, in addition to the band's live performances: "We've never had someone come see us live and compare us to other bands." She has also noted such comparisons as unfairly discriminatory: "It frustrates me how in so many other industries you are acknowledged for your skill and education, but in music somehow if you're a chick you better be bringing something extraordinarily mind-blowing to the table in order to have a shot. It's a bit sexist I think."[3]

Religious affiliation

Like many Tooth & Nail artists, Icon for Hire have had complicated relations with the Christian music market. Since early in the band's career, they have denied that the group is a Christian band, with Ariel stating, "We are very intentionally not trying to save the church; we are trying to save the world. We believe that if we follow the pathway of a typical Christian band and stick to only playing churches and stick to being signed to a Christian label, we're not going to fulfill the purpose that we are called to fulfill. That's great for a lot of bands, and I'm really glad that there are bands doing that, but we know why we're here, and we're not here for that."[19]

The band largely maintained this attitude into their Tooth & Nail years. On her tumblr. blog, Ariel explained that "the average rock music lover will never have a chance to be impacted by our music if all these Christians keep calling us a christian band online and scaring them away. Posting that we’re playing 'Holy Tabernacle Christian Fellowship' on our facebook is a death sentence for us, it alienates us from our potential or realized non-christian fans."

Despite this, several writers have identified Icon for Hire as part of the Christian music scene,[14][15][20] and some critics have noted references to the members' Christian faith in their lyrics. David Jeffries pointed out that "Christian ideals are the driving force" in the lyrics on Scripted, though he acknowledged that "you could look at this as a secular rebellion against the mopey 'scene' bands and still thrill at Icon for Hire’s fresh attitude and sense of purpose."[16] Schexnayder, while admitting that "the group doesn’t wear their faith on their sleeve in their messages", noted a general encouraging message on the album and singled out the song "The Grey" as containing "spiritual references".[18] Kim Jones of About.com said that the categorization was inaccurate "if you're looking to use the term to put them into a nice and safe box, limited to only a Christian audience."[21]

Band members

Former members
  • Joshua Davis – bass guitar, unclean vocals (2007–2009)
  • Josh Kincheloe – bass guitar (2011–2013)

Discography

EPs
  • Icon for Hire EP (2008)
  • The Grey EP (2009)
Studio albums
Year Title Label Chart Peaks
US US Rock US Christ US Alt US Hard Rock US Indie
2011 Scripted Tooth & Nail Records 95[22] 22[22] 5[22] 16[22] 7[22] –
2013 Icon for Hire 66 20 4 16 8 11
Singles
Year Title Chart Peak Album
Christian Rock[23]
2011 "Make a Move" 13 Scripted
"Get Well" 24
2012 "Off With Her Head" 8
"Fight" 1
2013 "The Grey" —
"Cynics & Critics" — Icon for Hire
"Sugar & Spice" —
2014 "Counting on Hearts" 19
Music videos
Year Song Director
2011 "Make a Move" Van Alan Blumreich
"Get Well"
2012 "Off with Her Head" Daniel Quinones
Compilation contributions
Year Compilation Label Song
2011 Tooth & Nail Records Summer Sampler 2011 Tooth & Nail Records "Make a Move"
Now Hear This! 7.0 Sparrow Records
A Very Tooth & Nail Christmas Sampler Tooth & Nail Records
Non-album songs[24]
  • "Conversation with a Rockstar"
  • "Sno"

References

  1. ^ a b Brooks, Jessica (August 26, 2011). "Interview: Icon For Hire's Ariel On New Album, Her Conversion Story, and More". BREATHEcast. The Christian Post. Retrieved March 9, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ a b "Icon For Hire". Interlínc (interview). Interviewed by Fasig, Jacob. Retrieved April 22, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d Cummings, Tony (January 2012). "Icon For Hire: The rockers bemused by the Paramore and Evanescence comparisons". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  4. ^ Kim Jones (September 2011). "Icon for Hire Touring With RED and Brian "Head" Welch". About.com. Retrieved February 12, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ a b "Shatterproof Celebrity: Ariel of Icon For Hire" (Interview). Interviewed by Taneica Phillips. December 28, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011. {{cite interview}}: Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help)
  6. ^ Icon for Hire (February 3, 2012). "Icon for Hire on TVU's Most Wanted (Pt. 2)" (Video interview). Interviewed by Jared. Retrieved August 17, 2012. {{cite interview}}: Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help)
  7. ^ Icon for Hire (December 14, 2011). "Icon For Hire: The ATO Interview Pt. 2" (Interview). Retrieved August 17, 2012. {{cite interview}}: Unknown parameter |callsign= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |program= ignored (help)
  8. ^ Bird, Michele (August 16, 2013). "Icon For Hire release new song, "Cynics & Critics"". Alternative Press. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  9. ^ "Red – Kill The Machine Tour October 7–26, 2011". Fusemix.com. October 26, 2011. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
  10. ^ "CRN 2011" (news report). Cross Rhythms. November 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ Alex DiVincenzo (January 4, 2012). "These Hearts Video Teaser & Tour Dates" (news). Absolute Punk. Retrieved February 16, 2012.
  12. ^ Jason Tate (February 14, 2012). "Emery and Friends Tour announced!" (news). Absolute Punk. Retrieved February 16, 2012.
  13. ^ "Icon For Hire Out With POD, Red & Love And Death Ft. Brian Head Welch!" (news). March 20, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  14. ^ a b "pizzamachine" (Contributor). "Scripted". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved July 30, 2012. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  15. ^ a b c Jamie Maxwell (November 2011). "Scripted". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  16. ^ a b Jeffries, David. "Scripted". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  17. ^ Jones, Kim. "Scripted". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  18. ^ a b Schexnayder, Nathaniel (August 2011). "Scripted". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved February 6, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ Rueff, Ashley (July 2009). "Icon for Hire". Herald & Review (video interview). Retrieved August 15, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Matthews, Kent (September 1, 2011). "Music: Icon For Hire strives to be worth looking up to". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved August 17, 2012. Christian contemporary band Icon for Hire has a new CD out, Scripted. (photo caption)
  21. ^ Jones, Kim. "Icon For Hire". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  22. ^ a b c d e "Scripted". Billboard.com. September 10, 2011. Retrieved February 6, 2012.
  23. ^ "Make a Move – Icon for Hire". Billboard. Retrieved April 14, 2012.
  24. ^ "Exclusive Interview: Ariel from Icon For Hire!" (interview). The Indie Christian Music Scene. October 17, 2011. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
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