Rain City Drive Explained

Rain City Drive
Background:group_or_band
Alias:Rain City (2021)
Origin:Palm Coast, Florida, U.S.
Years Active:2021–present
Current Members:
  • Matt McAndrew
  • Colin Vieira
  • Weston Richmond
  • Felipe Sanchez
  • Zachary Baker
Website:https://raincitydrive.com

Rain City Drive is an American rock[1] 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.[2]

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

All 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.[3] 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".[4] 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.[5]

Band members

Current members
Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Song! rowspan="2"
YearPeak chartAlbum
US
Hard Rock
US Main.
[6]
"Cutting It Close"2021Rain City Drive
"Dreams"2022
"Waiting On You"
"Dying For"
"Frozen"202332Things are Different Now
"Medicate Me" 20241732
"Neverbloom"
"Over Me"

Videography

YearTitleLinkFrom the albumDirectors
2021"Cutting It Close"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j-iSoe6op0Rain City DriveMatt Boda
2022"Dreams"Katharine White
"Waiting on You"Vicente Cordero
"Blood Runs Cold"Matt Boda
2023"Frozen"Things are Different NowMatthue Coda

Notes and References

  1. News: Heasley . Ellis . Rain City Drive announce new self-titled album . 23 April 2024 . Distorted Sound Magazine . 17 May 2022.
  2. News: Slaves Change Name to RAIN CITY . 23 April 2024 . lambgoat.com . en.
  3. Web site: SLAVES to Change Name Due to 'Racial Connotations'. June 26, 2020. Blabbermouth.
  4. Web site: Slaves Have Changed Their Name To Rain City Due To 'Racial Connotations'. October 15, 2021. Theprp.com.
  5. Web site: Rain City Drive (fka Slaves) release first song with new band name, "Cutting It Close". November 12, 2021.
  6. Peaks on the Mainstream Rock Airplay charts: