Rain City Drive is an American rock[3] band from Palm Coast, Florida. The band emerged from the evolution of Sacramento-based band Slaves, and features The Voice runner-up Matt McAndrew on vocals. The group name is derived from Manchester, England, sometimes referred to as the "rainy city", where the five members initially met.[4]
Rain City Drive | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Rain City (2021) |
| Origin | Palm Coast, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Labels |
|
| Members |
|
| Website | https://raincitydrive.com |
Their first album, To Better Days, was initially released under their previous iteration name, but was later re-released and exists currently in digital stores as part of Rain City Drive's catalog.
The band would go on to sign to independent record label Thriller Records, and release their self-titled studio album on July 15, 2022.
History
editAll members of Rain City Drive were initially part of the post-hardcore band Slaves. With the departure of Jonny Craig, then Slaves continued their touring endeavors across Europe and Australia, with Matt McAndrew assuming the role of lead vocalist.
On June 25, 2020, the band officially announced on Facebook that their final release under the name Slaves would be To Better Days. In a statement, the band expressed their support for the BLM movement and their decision to disassociate their music from a term laden with negative connotations.[5] The fourth studio album, To Better Days, was subsequently released on August 7, 2020.
On October 15, 2021, the band announced their decision to continue creating music and performing as a new band, Rain City. The name is a reference to the first meeting of the band members in Manchester, England, often referred to as the "rainy city". The members said the name stands "as a reminder to keep looking up even when there’s a cloud overhead". The band expressed gratitude to their dedicated fans, dedicating their new album to their "unwavering support".[6] On November 6, 2021, the band announced through their Instagram page that they signed with independent record label Thriller Records and they would adopt the name Rain City Drive. Accompanying this announcement was the release of their new single, Cutting It Close.[2]
Band members
edit- Current members
- Matt McAndrew – lead vocals, additional guitar
- Weston Richmond – lead guitar
- Felipe Sanchez – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Colin Vieira – bass
- Zachary Baker – drums
- Timeline
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- Rain City Drive (2022)
- Things are Different Now (2024)
Singles
edit| Song | Year | Peak chart | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hard Rock |
US Main. [7] | |||
| "Cutting It Close" | 2021 | — | — | Rain City Drive |
| "Dreams" | 2022 | — | — | |
| "Waiting On You" | — | — | ||
| "Dying For" | — | — | ||
| "Frozen" | 2023 | — | 32 | Things are Different Now |
| "Medicate Me" (with Dayseeker) | 2024 | 17 | 32 | |
| "Neverbloom" | — | — | ||
| "Over Me" | — | — | ||
| "Concrete Closure" | — | — | ||
| "Wish You the Best" | — | — | ||
Videography
edit| Year | Title | Link | From the album | Directors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | "Cutting It Close" | [1] | Rain City Drive | Matt Boda |
| 2022 | "Dreams" | [2] | Katharine White | |
| "Waiting on You" | [3] | Vicente Cordero | ||
| "Blood Runs Cold" | [4] | Matt Boda | ||
| 2023 | "Frozen" | [5] | Things are Different Now | Matthue Coda |
| 2024 | "Wish You the Best" | [6] | Sam Link |
References
edit- ^ "Slaves (US) Rebrand as Rain City Drive with First Single 'Cutting It Close'". November 12, 2021.
- ^ a b "Rain City Drive (fka Slaves) release first song with new band name, "Cutting It Close"". November 12, 2021.
- ^ Heasley, Ellis (May 17, 2022). "Rain City Drive announce new self-titled album". Distorted Sound Magazine. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ "Slaves Change Name to RAIN CITY". lambgoat.com. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ "SLAVES to Change Name Due to 'Racial Connotations'". Blabbermouth. June 26, 2020.
- ^ "Slaves Have Changed Their Name To Rain City Due To 'Racial Connotations'". Theprp.com. October 15, 2021.
- ^ Peaks on the Mainstream Rock Airplay charts:
- "Frozen": "Mainstream Rock Airplay: Week of January 27, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- "Medicate Me": "Mainstream Rock Airplay: Week of July 27, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2024.