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.
Pop Culture
Icon for Hire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Day in and day out I know how the story gonna go
Typical, typical, tongue tied and weak willed
Stuck on the sedative, evidently to sleep well
But I haven't slept in days, I haven't dreamt in nights
I've been busy building theories I just can't wait to try
See, I think the beat's made to drown out the sound of the boom boom
While they shoot our last hope down
Pop culture does nothing for me
The American dream mainstream just bores me
'Cause I'm not like you, I'm immune, I'm immune
Say it over and over until it comes true
Pop culture does nothing for me
The American dream mainstream just bores me
And we all act like we see right through it
When we all know we're addicted to it
And the beat goes on, drone drone like a metronome
Day in and day out I know how the story gonna go
And the beat goes on, drone drone like a metronome
Day in and day out I know how the story gonna go
Check out them men in suits, they're working overtime,
Memorizing what you buy, analyzing what you like
I think the beat's made to clash and distract while they cha ching
Try and buy our loyalties back
Pop culture does nothing for me
The American dream mainstream just bores me
'Cause I'm not like you, I'm immune, I'm immune
Say it over and over until it comes true
Pop culture does nothing for me
The American dream mainstream just bores me
And we all act like we see right through it
When we all know we're addicted to it
Counting down the minutes 'til my heartbeat stops
Fooling myself is a full-time job
Pop culture does nothing for me
The American dream mainstream just bores me
'Cause I'm not like you, I'm immune, I'm immune
Say it over and over until it comes true
Pop culture does nothing for me
The American dream mainstream just bores me
And we all act like we see right through it
When we all know we're addicted to it
Counting down the minutes 'til my heartbeat stops
Fooling myself is a full-time job
Pop culture does nothing for me
The American dream mainstream just bores me
In Icon for Hire's song "Pop Culture," the lyrics describe the author's feelings on the mundane and repetitiveness of everyday life. The song speaks to the way pop culture distracts us, numbs us, and keeps us sedated to the challenges and issues in the world. The author exposes the dehumanizing impact pop culture has on society, and how it reflects our blended perception. The song also touches on consumerism as the line "Try and buy our loyalties back" highlights the how advertising manipulates our loyalty.
The beat of "Pop Culture" is designed to keep us disassociated with the real world, while we remain blissfully unaware of the corrupt intentions of those in power. The lyrics "Counting down the minutes 'til my heartbeat stops. Fooling myself is a full-time job" speak to how the author feels trapped and isolated from society. They feel that they are surrounded by people living lives that are not genuine, have no substance, and will ultimately lead to our downfall. The lyrics "But I haven't slept in days. I haven't dreamt in nights" also suggest that the author is struggling to find peace, meaning, and purpose despite being numb from popular culture.
Line by Line Meaning
And the beat goes on, drone drone like a metronome
The monotonous repetition of daily life is reflected in the rhythmic beat of the music
Day in and day out I know how the story gonna go
The predictability of life leaves no room for spontaneity or change
Typical, typical, tongue tied and weak willed
People conform to societal norms and are unable to speak out against them
Stuck on the sedative, evidently to sleep well
People numb themselves to the truth of their situation in order to feel comfortable
But I haven't slept in days, I haven't dreamt in nights
The artist is unable to ignore the reality of their situation and see beyond the conformity of society
I've been busy building theories I just can't wait to try
Despite the constraints of society, the singer is determined to find a way to break free and live a life of their own choosing
See, I think the beat's made to drown out the sound of the boom boom
The constant repetition of pop culture music distracts people from the louder issues and problems in the world
While they shoot our last hope down
Those in power attempt to keep people oppressed and compliant by maintaining control over all aspects of society
Check out them men in suits, they're working overtime
Those in power are constantly analyzing society in order to maintain control over people's beliefs and desires
Memorizing what you buy, analyzing what you like
People's behavior and preferences are closely monitored in order to manipulate their choices and decisions
I think the beat's made to clash and distract while they cha ching
Pop culture is designed to distract people from the bigger issues while corporations profit from their mindless consumption
Try and buy our loyalties back
Corporate entities attempt to maintain control over people's minds and actions by manipulating their desires and loyalties
Counting down the minutes 'til my heartbeat stops
The singer is disillusioned with society and sees no hope for change or improvement
Fooling myself is a full-time job
Despite their disillusionment, the singer is unable to fully detach from societal expectations and continues to feel trapped
Pop culture does nothing for me
The singer sees little value in the mindless consumption of pop culture and desires something more meaningful and authentic
The American dream mainstream just bores me
The typical path of success and fulfillment in American society seems hollow and unfulfilling to the artist
'Cause I'm not like you, I'm immune, I'm immune
The artist recognizes their own individuality and refuses to succumb to societal pressures and conformity
Say it over and over until it comes true
The singer repeats their rejection of societal norms as a form of self-affirmation and motivation
And we all act like we see right through it
Despite the facade of awareness and intelligence, people are still addicted to and controlled by pop culture and societal norms
When we all know we're addicted to it
The artist points out the hypocrisy of people's claims of self-awareness while they continue to consume and prioritize pop culture
Lyrics © MUSIC SERVICES, INC.
Written by: ADAM MICHAEL KRONSHAGEN, AMY V ARIEL JUMP, SHAWN MICHAEL JUMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Emily Zhen
"See, I think the beat's meant to drown out the sound of the-"
"boom boom"
"-as we shoot our last hope down"
and
"I think the beat's made to clash and distract while they-"
"cha-ching!"
"-try and buy our loyalties back"
These two lines just hit me really hard
Åce The Åłien
This is a topic that I've always wanted to address because I see it as a problem.
Music is part of many people's lives, one way or the other, including mine. Music is so important to me, it's helped and is still continuing to help me through so much in life. There are many different music genres...And this where the problem lies.
Too many people say things like:
"That's not rock, so how can it possibly have deep lyrics and mean anything to anyone?"
Or,
"That's not rap, so it's not cool."
Or,
"How do you understand screamo? You can't even hear what they're saying properly, it's not really even music."
Or,
"Wow, that is so dark, you must be emo."
Or,
"Pop is all about sex and drugs."
Or,
"Country is lame."
Or,
"You don't even know that language, (when songs are sung in another language and/or you don't understand the languages' lyrics), so why do you even listen to it?"
Just because songs are a different genre to what you like or are sung in another language that you don't understand, doesn't mean that someone else doesn't like them. Just because you don't find any meaning in a certain genre or song doesn't mean that there isn't one or isn't one to someone else. Maybe the song doesn't even have a meaning, maybe it's just for fun. Despite the song or genre, it may have helped someone through their tough times. So don't hate on a song, artist, band or genre just because you don't think it's good or because you don't see meaning or how it could help someone.
Now, I'm not saying you should like all music or be friends with someone who has a different music taste to you, but, don't hate on someone else's music taste if it's different to yours or make fun or exclude the person for listening to it. You can express your opinion on the music, but don't just straight up hate on the music, artist/s or the person listening to it.
Shawn McDowell
Jesus is God
Exodus 3:14 (God speaking)
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
John 8:58 (Jesus speaking)
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
God called Himself "I am" and Jesus called Himself "I am" which proves He is God in the flesh.
Now we're just waiting for Jesus to return for us believers.
Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Revelation 1:7
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Just like you and I have a body, a soul and sprit (because God made us in His image) God has a body (Jesus), a soul (Father), and a spirit (Holy Spirit). The main difference at the moment is that God can move Himself independently while we cannot move our souls or spirits independently of our body.
---
There Are None Righteous
Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Luke 5:31-32 (Jesus speaking)
31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast
Shawn McDowell
@emiliano villarreal
Signs of the Times
Hosea 5:8
Blow ye the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah: cry aloud at Bethaven, after thee, O Benjamin.
This is old English for "we follow you, Benjamin." Benjamin Netanyahu leads Israel right now in these end days.
Hosea 5:10
The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: therefore I will pour out my wrath upon them like water.
The princes of Judah are the two Benjamins that rule Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu & Benny Gantz (nicknamed "The Prince"). The bound that they move is the boundary of Jerusalem. They have zero right to divide God's Holy land and they will pay for what they do. So will America (via asteroid impact) for our part in brokering it.
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
What is the theme surrounding The USA brokered Israeli peace deal? "Peace & Safety." The sudden destruction is the asteroid that Jesus teleports to the earth.
This is by far the biggest sign of the end times arriving. This isn't just the day in and day out end times, but the time of Jacob's Trouble, AKA the Great Tribulation, AKA God's Wrath. The final 3.5 years of this earth's submission to sin nature and open rebellion to God.
Revelation 20:4 (this verse shows how Christians are mostly murdered: by beheading)
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Ready or not, this all is coming our way and no one has any excuse for not seeing it coming. Lord Jesus died in our places to take the death punishment that sin deserves and then rose again to life by the power of God. Believe this and you will have eternal life.
---
Modern Mark of the Beast Technology Proves The Bible True
Revelation 13:16-17
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Revelation 14:9-11
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
These 2,000 year old scriptures are today's technology: the Quantum Dot Tattoo that goes in the forehead, the RFID chip that goes in the hand, and the fake vaccine that only changes your DNA.
---
There Are None Righteous
Romans 3:10 & 23
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Luke 5:31-32 (Jesus speaking)
31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
1 Peter 3:18 (The word “quicken” means “to make alive”)
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Romans 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Britney Giron
Dude. How are they not as big of a band. LIke what. This is AMAZING.
Photofreak56
Because the song is criticizing capitalism
Edward Pettinger
Maybe it’s the message. Responsibility and personal accountability aren’t exactly pop culture’s favorite themes.
Layla Ravenborne
I know right they are one of my fav bands i would listen to this all day every day and i would not get tied of it!
Adventures Of Casper & Pyro
They are getting there. It takes time.
Emily Zhen
"See, I think the beat's meant to drown out the sound of the-"
"boom boom"
"-as we shoot our last hope down"
and
"I think the beat's made to clash and distract while they-"
"cha-ching!"
"-try and buy our loyalties back"
These two lines just hit me really hard
Åce The Åłien
This is a topic that I've always wanted to address because I see it as a problem.
Music is part of many people's lives, one way or the other, including mine. Music is so important to me, it's helped and is still continuing to help me through so much in life. There are many different music genres...And this where the problem lies.
Too many people say things like:
"That's not rock, so how can it possibly have deep lyrics and mean anything to anyone?"
Or,
"That's not rap, so it's not cool."
Or,
"How do you understand screamo? You can't even hear what they're saying properly, it's not really even music."
Or,
"Wow, that is so dark, you must be emo."
Or,
"Pop is all about sex and drugs."
Or,
"Country is lame."
Or,
"You don't even know that language, (when songs are sung in another language and/or you don't understand the languages' lyrics), so why do you even listen to it?"
Just because songs are a different genre to what you like or are sung in another language that you don't understand, doesn't mean that someone else doesn't like them. Just because you don't find any meaning in a certain genre or song doesn't mean that there isn't one or isn't one to someone else. Maybe the song doesn't even have a meaning, maybe it's just for fun. Despite the song or genre, it may have helped someone through their tough times. So don't hate on a song, artist, band or genre just because you don't think it's good or because you don't see meaning or how it could help someone.
Now, I'm not saying you should like all music or be friends with someone who has a different music taste to you, but, don't hate on someone else's music taste if it's different to yours or make fun or exclude the person for listening to it. You can express your opinion on the music, but don't just straight up hate on the music, artist/s or the person listening to it.
Ethan Winters' Severed Hand
People are entitled to think their opinion is the only right one when it comes to music. My aunts husband forces me to like turkish music just because I am turkish. But I don't find anything I relate in them don't even like their lyrics. They think I am shallow for listening to foreign rock/metal bands or songs like this.
Joseph Stigall
"I haven't slept in days, I havent dreamt in nights, Ive been busy building theories I just cannot wait to try!! "
This line is my second favorite by them, beaten by "The trueth hurts but it doesnt sting enough to stop me." From a cynics and critics.
Joseph Stigall
@***** I'm in total agreement here. They I think that in order for a band to be truly a great band, they have to change. But change is a bad word, I'm thinking more like adapt. if a band comes out with the same music over and over again, where is the maturaty? To be stuck in that same rut. To expand the topic, im my opinion, makes a band that much better. They are not afraid to piss off a couple of dumb fans who don't belong here in the first place in order to make quality, original music that stems from their desire to make whatever music they want to make. My favorite band, We Came As Romans, has lost countless fans because of their changes. Their first album is very different from their most recent self totaled album, but I still love them. Although, I would agree with you that Icon for Hire has not changed. They are not a sellout band, and I love them for that. XD