Kill Iconic isn’t just your new favorite record label spotlighting the most daring, boundary-pushing acts of the underground. It’s a full-scale creative hub whose founders are dedicated to fostering community between artists and fans, and utilizing their collective decades of music industry experience to help those artists achieve — and surpass — their goals.

Founded by Donovan Melero, lead singer and drummer of progressive post-hardcore stalwarts Hail the Sun, Kill Iconic launched in January 2021 as a quarterly music magazine that featured must-hear artists in the realms heavy and progressive music. Melero soon partnered with Sinjin Ayat, veteran talent manager at the Artisan Alliance, to create the Kill Iconic record label, which shares the same goals as the magazine. Rounding out the Kill Iconic team is director of operations Joe Occhiuti, who also plays bass for metalcore titans Ice Nine Kills; creative director Sebastian Ramos and media and marketing director Matthew Klein. 

Kill Iconic’s primary operating principle is simple: Partner with artists who make great music, and advance their careers as far as possible. Forget about gimmicky viral videos and social media clout: Kill Iconic artists are distinguished by their extraordinary talent, clear-eyed vision for the future and relentless drive to succeed. 

The services provided by Kill Iconic go far beyond the standard recording and distribution that most labels offer. Occhiuti is a prolific songwriter who can partner with artists for co-writing sessions. Melero works as a booking agent for Dynamic Talent International and can ensure that Kill Iconic artists always have a robust touring schedule. And Ayat developed his managerial skills by working with several high-profile post-hardcore acts including Scary Kids Scaring Kids, whose massively successful 2020 reunion he spearheaded. Melero, Ayat and Occhiuti have over a decade of music industry experience apiece, and they apply their knowledge and resources to Kill Iconic, helping artists advance in the business while avoiding the pitfalls that plague so many rising musicians. 

Above all, Kill Iconic cultivates a spirit of trust, collaboration and mutual support among its artists, and between artist and label. Kill Iconic is more than just a soulless, faceless corporation churning out new music releases. It’s a multifaceted creative entity dedicated to the long-term growth of its artists. As with the golden days of Sub Pop, Fat Wreck Chords or Fueled By Ramen, fans can count on Kill Iconic to curate a diverse roster of cutting-edge talent, while artists can expect to receive unparalleled service and support. 

When Kill Iconic’s visionary team partners with a roster of groundbreaking artists, there’s no ceiling for what they can achieve together.

-Bryan Rolli