by With broken and torn hearts all around, ICON COLLECTIVE has officially shut its doors for good. With very little to no warning, the announcement hit everyone quickly without any time to process. The team had to make a very tough decision in the end, knowing what kind of response it would get from all who were a part of the family. But, regardless of what some of us may feel about this, we wanted this article to pay homage to the history left behind. What this community meant and how it touched our souls throughout the years.
Founded in 2005 in Los Angeles, the main purpose of this haven was to help support up-and-coming musicians. To teach, educate, but also help train students so they could evolve their brand and feel more confident about wanting to improve and evolve as artists. Attracting creatives and more from all around to a commitment of full immersion in sound and knowledge. Whether you lived out of the country or right next door, the same passion and dedication had to be there to invest yourself in this world fully. And seeing so many wonderful musicians come out of this school was inspiring and jaw-dropping to say the least. Alumni such as NGHTMRE, i_o, Pauline Herr, SIPPY, and many more throughout the years all started their journey through those halls. All pushing their hardest so they could be where they are today.
The history and legacy of ICON COLLECTIVE traveled through not just the school itself, but through the faculty, teachers, and students as well. It was a place where many could find their true selves within a brand-new environment and field, welcoming everyone regardless of their skill level or overall place in the industry. From artists just starting out to those who have been a part of the scene for some time, you always found something new to discover and harness. It was a true community and family. From their incredible and unique campus to the beautiful souls working there each day, you always felt a part of something greater than yourself.
The classes contained incredible knowledge thanks to the teachers/instructors being so passionate about the craft. Sharing their own experiences in this crazy industry while passing along greatness to the next generation. You never really felt alone in the end. Not to mention the friends you made along the way. Hanging out and collaborating on school projects or your own personal ones with classmates was one of the best feelings. Immersing students into an environment of real world scenarios when it came to becoming an artist and finding their own purpose.
And who could forget the amazing pizza Friday’s which really helped ease that tension for new students while being a regular event for all to enjoy. Just walking through the halls and into your favorite class or mentor session made you nothing but excited for what’s to come. Even the office hours hosted by instructors, special guests, and more had you eager to want to learn and take in as much knowledge as you could!
Now to make things more personal, I still remember attending this wonderful school back in 2018. Just getting that acceptance letter in my email sent me over the moon. It was where I was meant to go in the beginning of my own journey. And coming from such a small town, I needed to really immerse myself in a creative space surrounded by like-minded creatives who understood and got where I was coming from, compared to wanting to take the road of learning everything myself. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
From the blissful atmosphere surrounding the school, to walking into class stoked, I felt I really found my way in that regard. Feeling as if many roads were being paved and ready for me to travel down. The teachers I had, along with my mentors, helped mold that confidence within me and made me want to push harder than ever. Not to mention the incredible students/friends in my class who are super talented. Each of us didn’t want the same thing either, which made my small class even more unique and wonderful. We all had a similar adventure starting, but we wanted to create it in our own way.
Even though I haven’t been back there in years, I’m going to miss the purpose it served me in my beginnings. With only six of us in the end, it made everything more engaging and less stressful for me. Breaking the walls of anxiety I had when it came to performing or even just presenting a small homework assignment, I’ll forever miss that. I never took it for granted.
So even though this is the end of ICON, it will never be the end of the collective. It’s only the beginning of the future. And to conclude on a high note, we contacted some amazing instructors and alumni to give their own perspective of what ICON meant to them by describing their own experiences and feelings below! These talented and hardworking spirits made the campus and experience truly memorable and lovable.
Chase Jackson
Former Educator at ICON COLLECTIVE || Producer and 1/3 of Wake The Wild
As a former instructor of ICON, what were some of the best memories you can remember being a part of the collective?
This is a tough one. Personally, I loved hearing the Collab Projects at the end of each quarter. Especially when I got to hear groups who had been my previous students. The amount of musical, creative, technical, and interpersonal growth was truly remarkable. I loved hearing people stretch beyond their usual styles of music and come together to build something truly unique as a unit.
The hangs around campus and office hours were also particularly important. The casual questions, conversations, and connections between students, faculty, instructors, and staff really helped create a unique community that I haven’t seen in any other school. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate, perform, and become friends with a handful of Icon alums and have made some important and long-lasting friendships.
Seeing someone’s eyes light up at a new sound or technique is truly rewarding and I love getting surprised by how people will take an idea and run with it it to a totally new place.
What drew you to the school in the first place compared to wanting to teach at other locations? Have you always wanted to teach?
I’ve been teaching music privately for years and also taught at different institutions, including other high schools and colleges. The main thing that drew me to ICON was the spirit of innovation, open-minded attitude towards all kinds of music, and community vibes. I love teaching because I love talking about music, sharing information that has helped me in my musical journey, and helping other people find their own creative voice. Seeing someone’s eyes light up at a new sound or technique is truly rewarding, and I love getting surprised by how people will take an idea and run with it to a totally new place. Learning new tricks and getting exposed to new music from students was also a huge joy of the job.
One unique thing about Icon that I became privy to as I transitioned from instructor to the Education Team is that we could revise the curriculum constantly. Whenever there were updates to software, tools, or improved technique,s we made sure to get the most qualified instructor(s) or outside assistance to help build out relevant course notes, lesson plans assignments. We also read through every student’s quarterly feedback and would take any thoughts into consideration in an effort to make the school as cutting-edge and valuable an experience to students as possible.
You can’t ever say “I completed it and I’m done” You can go truly as deep as you want into any side of making music and that’s a beautiful thing to explore.
What were some really good lessons or pieces of knowledge you’ve learned being an artist and teacher as a whole?
Probably the best thing that’s worked for me is to always strive to be curious. I’ve learned not to be afraid to try out techniques, genres, approaches, instruments, tools that I don’t know well and enjoy the feeling of being a beginner. Often the most creative ideas come from the feeling of experimentation. It’s so easy to be tied up in the vision end goal, when the process of discovery is where the magic happens. One of the coolest things about music is that it’s truly infinite. You can’t ever say “I completed it and I’m done.” You can go truly as deep as you want into any side of making music, and that’s a beautiful thing to explore.
For any up-and-coming musicians or creatives in general, what advice would you bestow upon them, looking back at your own journey as a creative and educator?
Like I said above, I think the number one is to keep experimenting but a huge way to open up your creativity and career is to make music with other people. Especially if they have different skill sets or musical, cultural backgrounds you can truly learn so much from getting in the studio together and just trying stuff. Even if track(s) you make isn’t something you want to release, you can learn SO MUCH from the process and make some lifelong friendships or career moves through those connections. That process can also remind you to be humble about what you don’t know and also give you some confidence to rock what you do well naturally. Get out of that comfort zone and make some crazy stuff. You never know what’s gonna happen, and that’s really the magic. I think Icon did an incredible job fostering that spirit of innovation in our students, and I’m optimistic that the alums and greater ICON fam will continue pushing that energy and creativity into the world. Keep at it!
Icon Collective was truly a one of a kind place. It provided space for so many talented and creative artists to hone their musical skills, discover their unique voice and build a community of like minded people. I couldn’t be more proud to have played a roll in that story and want to thank everyone (instructors, faculty, admin, staff and obviously the students and alums) who helped shape the collective. ICON FAM for life! – Chase Jackson
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XAVAGE
Alumni of ICON COLLECTIVE || Producer/DJ at XAVAGE
How did you hear about ICON in the first place? What drew you to wanting to attend compared to any other school of music?
I first discovered ICON Collective because I was a huge fan of EDM, especially during the era when artists like Slander and NGHTMRE were on the rise. Once I found out that they had attended ICON, along with many other artists I admired, I knew that if I was going to take a leap of faith into music, that was the place to do it. What really set ICON apart from other schools wasn’t just the education and skill-building, but the culture and the lasting relationships I formed there. When I look back, it’s that sense of community and those memories that I cherish the most.
While being self-taught is definitely a viable path, ICON Collective offers so much more than just honing production skills.
Many artists in this industry are self-taught and didn’t really need any type of schooling, what made you decide to want to attend, compared to teaching yourself?
While being self-taught is definitely a viable path, ICON Collective offers so much more than just honing production skills. To succeed in the music industry, musical talent is just one piece of the puzzle. ICON really helps you develop a well-rounded understanding of the music business and, importantly, provides invaluable networking opportunities. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who are just as passionate and driven. Before I attended ICON, I challenged myself to learn music independently for two years to ensure that this was truly my path. Once I did that, I felt I had earned the right to apply, and ICON truly delivered the full package.
One of my favorite memories is how we would often stay until the school closed at 2 a.m., working and creating until the very last minute.
Do you have any favorite memories you can remember from being a student there?
Absolutely! There are so many great memories from when I attended ICON Collective when it was at its North Hollywood location. One of my favorite memories is how we would often stay until the school closed at 2 a.m., working and creating until the very last minute. During those late hours, when only a handful of us were left, the creativity and camaraderie were on another level. My friend Marcus and I would have some of the best times then. Both in terms of music and just connecting with the people who were just as dedicated. I also really liked the weekly sessions in the den where we’d bring in our best tracks and compete. It was incredible to hear the talent in that room, and now, seeing those artists touring is just amazing. And of course, the staff was incredible. A special shoutout to Vito, who was one of my favorite teachers. Anyone who knows Uncle Vito knows he’s one of the GOATS at the school.
What were some valuable pieces of information or words of advice you gained from the school that stuck with you to this day?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned at ICON Collective is that the real work truly begins after you graduate. There’s a common misconception that attending a prestigious school guarantees success, but in reality, the grind only intensifies once you’re out. Success in the music industry isn’t something you own; it’s something you have to earn continuously, month after month. Another crucial takeaway was the mindset of being an artist. Balancing personal life, other responsibilities, and a music career can be incredibly challenging and can take a toll mentally. ICON taught me the importance of the art of flow, finding that mental state where creativity thrives while still staying productive and disciplined. Ultimately, ICON isn’t just a music school. The lessons and skills you gain go far beyond music, and that’s something I’ll always cherish.
Reflecting on my time at ICON, I see it as a chapter where I really invested in myself and my craft, and it’s a decision I have zero regrets about.
From the beginning of your journey to now, how do you think going to ICON has improved your way of being a creative and your overall workflow?
ICON really emphasizes both learning the fundamentals and then finding ways to break them, which is such a beautiful paradox in music. Over time, I’ve realized that while music can be complex, at its core, it should be simple. ICON helped me come full circle in understanding that simplicity often comes from truly mastering the details. Reflecting on my time at ICON, I see it as a chapter where I really invested in myself and my craft, and it’s a decision I have zero regrets about. It’s one of those experiences that I’ll always cherish, and it’s made me a better, more thoughtful creative.
There are certain chapters in life you look back on and know they shaped who you are. For me, ICON Collective was one of those chapters. It was a time of growth, discovery, and connection that truly elevated my journey. This school will be dearly missed, and I just want to say thank you. Not just for the memories I hold close, but for the impact you’ve had on every student who walked through your doors. – XAVAGE
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JiLLi
Alumni and Former Educator at ICON COLLECTIVE || Producer/Singer/Songwriter at JiLLi
How did you hear about ICON in the first place? What drew you to wanting to attend compared to any other school of music?
My senior year of college I met an alumni of Icon named Ted. The way he described the school’s atmosphere and community got me really excited and curious. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduating, but I was really drawn to the idea of moving to LA to learn more about production and be surrounded by like-minded artists.
After taking a tour of campus I instantly knew Icon was where I wanted to be – I didn’t end up touring any other schools because I had found my perfect match.
I loved seeing students step into themselves as confident artists through the quarters, or when something from class really resonated with them and they shared that with me.
As a former instructor of ICON, what were some of the best memories you can remember being a part of the collective?
Wow, best memories as a teacher – there are so many. I loved seeing my best friends and collaborators while walking through the halls every day. The bass frequencies bleeding through studio walls. Running around asking everyone random questions for social media. I loved seeing students step into themselves as confident artists through the quarters, or when something from class really resonated with them and they shared that with me.
Opportunity, connecting with other artists, receiving feedback and guidance about the industry from people who already had so much experience with it… it leveled me up so much more than if I was home watching YouTube videos.
Many artists in this industry are self-taught and didn’t really need any type of schooling, what made you decide to want to attend, compared to teaching yourself?
Almost everything that’s happened for me in my career is connected to something or someone from Icon Collective. This place was about so much more than learning ADSR and how to twist knobs. Opportunity, connecting with other artists, receiving feedback and guidance about the industry from people who already had so much experience with it… it leveled me up so much more than if I was home watching YouTube videos.
What were some really good lessons or pieces of knowledge you’ve learned being an artist and teacher as a whole?
I learned the power of vulnerability and authenticity. If I’m confident being myself, it inspires others to be more comfortable being themselves.
Icon Collective was so much more than a school. It had its own pulse and personality. It wasn’t just a building filled with people I adore, it held every version of me as I grew into myself as an artist and a young adult. I’m just so grateful it ever existed and that I got to be a part of it. – JiLLi
