Ariel Bloomer
Ariel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ariel Bloomer |
| Born | September 6, 1988 Sweden |
| Genres | Alternative metal, pop punk |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2007–present |
Ariel Bloomer[1][2][3] (born September 6, 1988), known mononymously as Ariel (born September 6, 1988) is a Swedish-born American singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist for the American rock band Icon for Hire. She formed the band in 2007 along with guitarist Shawn Jump and drummer Adam Kronshagen. Together they have released two EPs and two full-length albums: Scripted in 2011 and Icon for Hire in 2013. She is also known for her pink-dyed hair and DIY clothing.
Early life
Ariel was born in Sweden on September 6, 1988, the second oldest child of an American father and a Swedish mother who had met at Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas. The family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota when Ariel was six, then to Decatur, Illinois when she was sixteen for her father's job.[4]
Music career
Having harbored a lifelong ambition to be a "rock star", Ariel developed a habit in her teenage years of asking every musician she met about starting a band.[4] This tactic ultimately succeeded when she met guitarist Shawn Jump in late 2007 and started a songwriting collaboration with him. Jump brought in his old friend, drummer Adam Kronshagen, and the group officially formed the following December under the name Icon for Hire. Following the independent release of two EPs, a self-titled EP in 2008 followed by another EP titled The Grey in 2009, the band was signed by Tooth & Nail Records and released their debut album, Scripted, which broke the label's record for first week sales by a new artist, peaking at No. 95 on the US Billboard 200. Icon for Hire was released on October 6, 2013, peaking at No. 65 on the Billboard 200.
Personal life
Ariel is a Christian and has spoken openly about her faith, though she has frequently asked that her band not be labeled a Christian rock band for fear of alienating non-believers. She is an amateur fashion designer, frequently wearing self-made clothing and selling her own brand, Custom Catastrophes, through the website Etsy.[1][5]
References
- ^ a b Jones, Kim. "Icon for Hire". About.com. The New York Times Company. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
- ^ Rueff, Ashley (July 23, 2009). "Icon for Hire on a crusade". Herald & Review. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
- ^ Cain, Tim (August 8, 2009). "Icon for Hire". Herald & Review. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
- ^ a b Kent Matthews (September 16, 2011). "Ariel from Icon for Hire". Backstage. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ Ariel. "CustomCatastrophes on Etsy". Etsy. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
External links
- "Icon for Hire". Tooth & Nail Records.