“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up”
—Pablo Picasso
Who We Are
Indie LA was Co-Founded in January 2023 by Aaron Van Cleave & Marcus Johnson.
They met back in 2016 while performing abroad and bonded over their individual creative passions, music, & film. Both now actively pursing careers in the music & film industry, they decided to combine their expertise - and Indie LA was born. The entertainment industry can be unforgiving at times, and not everyone finds easy success. Indie LA is designed to be a platform to produce, promote, and help launch emerging talent, but above all, it is a creative community hub for independent artists to network & collaborate.
Los Angeles based producer and saxophonist, Marcus Johnson, has had the privilege of performing for some of the most prestigious event corporations and collaborating with a few of the industry’s finest production companies.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Marcus studied Jazz Performance and Composition at Western Michigan University which led to his career as a performing saxophonist for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
Marcus continues to make his mark on the LA scene working on projects such as the Woman of Wild’n Out podcast from Viacom Inc. with MTV and the Roast Radio podcast with Verbal Violence, as seen on Comedy Central. He’s had the opportunity of working with some of LA’s most gifted event companies such as Bob Gail Events, DeBois Entertainment, LIV Entertainment Group, Lucky Devils Band and Good Mood Events.
Marcus works with at-risk teenagers for a non-profit organization as a creative arts and skills coordinator. Here, he engineers studio projects and mentors youth in music education.
Marcus Johnson
Detroit - Los Angeles based Creative Director, Videographer & Film Editor, Aaron Van Cleave, is a relatively new talent on the LA scene operating under his own production label Van Cleave Productions, and is the Co-Founder of Indie LA.
Originally from Vancouver Island, Canada, Aaron was an Olympic level athlete, and National Champion in Pairs Figure Skating. His passion for Skating & Production led to a successful career performing professionally in some of the best ice shows around the World.
Aaron continues to push his creative boundaries now outside of the ice arena, diving head on into Los Angeles’s indie scene, growing Indie LA’s network of independent artists, and getting his hands dirty in the Film & Television industry.
Aaron still performs on occasion, taking the opportunity to work in front of the camera when he can. Inspired by a dear friend he has also become actively involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities. As a Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor, and former Make a Wish kid, he understands first hand the importance of these organizations in helping families in need.
