Majestic Phoenix is more than just a music group—it's a story of friendship, fate, and artistic resurgence, decades in the making. Aaron McLean and Kent (Von) Hertzog first crossed paths on the morning of October 4, 1999, at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, embarking together on a journey through Multimedia & Web Design. Bonding instantly over a Beastie Boys shirt Aaron had designed himself and their mutual passion for music, the two quickly became inseparable friends.

Their early lives, while distinct, shared a deep-rooted love of music. Aaron’s journey began at his mother's piano bench, mastering guitar and piano, composing his own songs even as a child, and sharing his creations during church services. Von’s path was different, initially carving his identity as DJ Luciano in the world of hip-hop production, notably working in New York City alongside celebrated artists such as Ghostface Killah and Shyheim of Wu-Tang Clan fame.

Following the devastating loss of his father, Von channeled his grief into creation, emerging from seclusion with "Dearly Departed," his debut album. This personal transformation inspired his name change to Von Hertzog, symbolizing a new chapter and honoring his late father, Noel.

Their college years at AiPH deepened their shared passion, particularly through audio production classes where Pro Tools became their creative playground inside the institute’s iconic art-deco building. Aaron found freedom in mastering music production, while Von discovered his calling in audio engineering.

Though their paths diverged after graduation, fate would reunite them over a decade later, with Aaron hosting Von and his wife Natalia at his Old City Philadelphia apartment. A casual evening of reminiscing led to Aaron sharing his latest musical experiments. Von immediately recognized their potential and encouraged Aaron to consider completing and releasing them professionally. At the time, Aaron—a serial technology entrepreneur and founder of several ventures—was deeply engaged in business and couldn't immediately pursue music. Von left an open invitation.

Von’s entrepreneurial journey paralleled Aaron’s, co-founding INCLINED, a digital production agency established in 2005. Over nearly two decades, the agency evolved significantly, refocusing more intently on audio production beginning in 2020. Von also found creative kinship with vocalist Rob Rowe of Cause & Effect, collaborating on multiple cosmos-inspired EPs.

Fast forward again, and Aaron’s tech venture, Stuzo, successfully sold to PAR Technology Corporation, which occurred less than a year before with the birth of his daughter, Rose Lim McLean, on January 20, 2025. During an eight-week paternity leave filled with reflection, Aaron reached out to Von, reigniting the spark first lit a decade prior.

In this renewed partnership, Majestic Phoenix was born. Together, they revisited Aaron's unfinished compositions—songs Von vividly recalled from that nostalgic evening in Old City. They painstakingly reconstructed tracks corrupted by time, meticulously re-recording, remixing, and remastering them into polished gems.

Inspired and energized by the whirlwind of new family life and the creative rebirth of their music, Aaron produced two additional tracks, "Drop" and "Chaos," during his paternity leave. The resulting EP, aptly titled "Manifest"—symbolizing a destiny fulfilled—was finally complete.

Collaborating with husband-and-wife creative duo The Kitsunes, Majestic Phoenix solidified their visual identity, preparing the stage for their debut. With artwork capturing the essence of their journey, they mapped out a release strategy, setting "Crystal" as their debut single, scheduled for release on June 13, 2025.

Majestic Phoenix is not just a musical project but a testament to enduring friendship, creative destiny, and the power of new beginnings.