Icon For Hire has released three full length albums: Scripted, Icon For Hire and YOU CAN'T KILL US.
Released in 2011, their first album Scripted shattered first-week sales becoming the highest new artist debut in Tooth & Nail Records history. The record debuted on the Billboard Top 200, at No. 4, on the iTunes Rock chart, and No. 19 on the iTunes overall albums chart.
Icon For Hire released their second full length self-titled album Icon For Hire in October 2013 on the Tooth and Nail label. Producer Mike Green (All Time Low, The Wanted, Pierce The Veil) was at the mixer to follow up their debut album, Scripted.
After spending a remarkable 18 months touring around the world, the group returned to their hometown of Decatur, IL to write their new record. Icon For Hire is set to push the boundaries of music and fashion far beyond their debut. According to the guitarist, Shawn Jump, “We wrote and dreamed about this record away from everything. We needed a safe place where we could all get to “spirit,” and maximize our different influences.” Added drummer, Adam Kronshagen, “There’s been undeniable friction in the songwriting process. We love knowing that you will definitely hear the element of conflict inside of every song we wrote.
The band's video, “Off With Her Head,” received 200k views its first week. Frontwoman and fashion designer, Ariel, worked with the team for weeks to create an avant-garde interpretation of the hit song. The group spent two days in Compton, CA (South Los Angeles) filming the video with a variety of the hottest underground artists.
Icon For Hire moved towards a new chapter of the band in 2016. Adam Kronshagen left the band to spend more time with his family coupled with a split with their record label Tooth & Nail the band decided to go it alone, or so it seemed. The band put together a plan for a kick starter project backed by their own fans. The kick starter reached its target in a matter of days. The album YOU CAN'T KILL US was released in stages throughout the year to those who have backed the kick starter project and there were physical copies on sale in December 2016 when it was completed.
On October 23, 2018, the band uploaded a video to their YouTube channel titled "Supposed To Be Acoustic Sessions Video Teaser", announcing their first video session to come soon, as well as that the Still Can't Kill Us: The Acoustic Sessions album would be released on December 7. The band released their "Supposed to Be" Acoustic Video on October 26, their "Get Well II" Acoustic Video on November 8, and "Demons" Acoustic Video on November 23. The tracks were also uploaded to Spotify as singles. A new album The Reckoning was released in September 2022.
Ariel Bloomer - Vocals,
Shawn Jump - Guitar,
Adam Kronshagen - Drums,
Josh Kincheloe - Bass.
Curse Or Cure
Icon for Hire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be dead by now if I'd have
Done what they were telling me
Whisper lies, but they sound like half-truth
Confusing a sick mind isn't that hard to do
You say I'm a hopeless case
I'm a hopeless case (Oh)
You say I'm a hopeless case
I'm afraid I can't trust myself, myself
Don't leave me alone
How you want me to fix myself, myself
All I've ever known, I've ever known
How can I separate me from the remedy?
I can't be sure, be sure
Am I the curse or the cure?
Oh, it's more than a little maddening
Got me second-guessing everything
That's happening
I think, I think I'm in over my head
The more I think about it
The worse that it gets
You say I'm a hopeless case
I'm a hopeless case (Oh)
You say I'm a hopeless case
I'm a hopeless case
I'm afraid I can't trust myself, myself
Don't leave me alone
How you want me to fix myself, myself
All I've ever known, I've ever known
How can I separate me from the remedy?
I can't be sure, be sure
Am I the curse or the cure?
All I see are all my flaws
I see it's all I'm not i'm not senseless
I won't separate this heart to
Make it what you want
You can't tell me anymore (Curse or cure)
I'm afraid I can't trust myself, myself
Don't leave me alone
How you want me to fix myself, myself
All I've ever known, I've ever known
How can I separate me from the remedy?
I can't be sure, be sure
Am I the curse or the cure? (Oh)
Am I the curse or the cure? (Oh)
Am I the curse or the cure?
In the song "Curse or Cure" by Icon for Hire, the lyrics delve into the internal struggle and confusion the singer faces regarding their emotions and mental state. The opening lines suggest that their emotions have become an adversary, leading to thoughts of self-destructive tendencies. The singer acknowledges that if they had followed their emotions' advice, they might have already ceased to exist. The concept of their emotions whispering lies that sound like truths adds to their confusion and amplifies their struggle with their own mental health.
The repeated assertion of being a "hopeless case" reflects the negative perception the singer holds about themselves. This idea is reinforced throughout the song, where they express a lack of trust in themselves and their ability to overcome their personal struggles. The plea to not be left alone demonstrates their fear of being isolated with their thoughts and potentially spiraling further into their mental turmoil.
The chorus raises the question of whether the singer is the cause of their own suffering or if they possess the potential to bring themselves relief and healing. They grapple with the idea of being both the curse and the cure, suggesting a sense of internal conflict and confusion. The repeated lines emphasize their uncertainty and inability to separate themselves from the remedy that could potentially provide some respite.
As the song progresses, the singer admits feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their current situation. They question their own perceptions and find themselves second-guessing everything that is happening in their life. This uncertainty leads to a feeling of being in over their head and adds to the frustration and distress they experience.
The bridge of the song highlights the singer's struggle with self-acceptance. They acknowledge their flaws and the pressure they feel to conform to an idealized version of themselves. They assert that they won't sacrifice their true self to please others, reflecting a determination to embrace their authenticity and reject external expectations.
In conclusion, "Curse or Cure" by Icon for Hire explores the internal struggle and confusion faced by the singer concerning their emotions and mental health. It reflects their fear of their own emotions and the uncertainty of whether they are the source of their pain or if they hold the potential to find healing and relief. The lyrics capture the struggles of self-trust, second-guessing, and the battle against societal pressures. Overall, the song offers an introspective and vulnerable perspective on the complexities of navigating one's mental well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, I swear my emotions are the enemy
I strongly believe that my own emotions are causing harm and acting against me
Be dead by now if I'd have
Done what they were telling me
If I had followed the advice and commands of my emotions, I would have already perished
Whisper lies, but they sound like half-truth
My emotions deceive me by speaking lies that appear somewhat true
Confusing a sick mind isn't that hard to do
It is not difficult to further confuse a mind that is already troubled
You say I'm a hopeless case
I'm a hopeless case (Oh)
You assert that I am beyond help or redemption, and I believe it to be true
I'm afraid I can't trust myself, myself
Don't leave me alone
I have a fear that I cannot rely on my own judgment and I plead for you to stay with me
How you want me to fix myself, myself
All I've ever known, I've ever known
I seek guidance on how to repair my broken state, as it is all I have ever experienced
How can I separate me from the remedy?
I can't be sure, be sure
I struggle to distinguish myself from the solution or cure to my problems, leaving me uncertain
Am I the curse or the cure?
I question whether I am the source of my own suffering or the answer to my healing
Oh, it's more than a little maddening
It is incredibly frustrating and mentally destabilizing
Got me second-guessing everything
That's happening
It causes me to doubt and question every event or circumstance unfolding around me
I think, I think I'm in over my head
The more I think about it
The worse that it gets
I believe I have taken on more than I can handle and the more I ponder, the more overwhelming it becomes
All I see are all my flaws
I see it's all I'm not i'm not senseless
I can only perceive my imperfections, it is clear what I am lacking, and I am not oblivious to it
I won't separate this heart to
Make it what you want
I refuse to tear apart my heart and reshape it into what you desire
You can't tell me anymore (Curse or cure)
I reject your authority to dictate or advise me any further on whether I am a curse or a cure
Am I the curse or the cure? (Oh)
Am I the curse or the cure? (Oh)
Am I the curse or the cure?
Repeated questioning of whether I am the source of harm or the solution, expressing deep uncertainty
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: AMY V. A. JUMP, SHAWN M. JUMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tink5337
When Icon just knows what aesthetic you've been obsessed with. Like hard rock meets dramatic fey fantasy. Love the video
@jodeetaylor9607
I was thinking the same thing!
@f_USAF-Lt.G
Point of order taken full into context, thank you for that, and for yielding your time...
(IK it sounds Congressional. I'm jus sayin thank you, 'cause you got it on one)
@IconForHireOfficial
we got you Rae:) 💕
@stefolou
@@99blackbirds You won't be disappointed. Welcome to the Icon Army. ♡
@rosebloodwater13
Nailed it
@IconForHireOfficial
We're so stoked to see how you are loving the video! Thanks to everyone for your support and for pre-ordering the new album. WE LOVE YOU ICON ARMY! xoxo Ariel & Shawn
@musicheaven7868
We love it! <3
@JillyBeanNxD
Thank you so much for sharing it early with the kickstarters! Y’all rock!
@queenbea7785
you really do spoil us emos!!! you continue you help me with my mental health and self harm. I love you 💕💕💕