Rain City Drive is an American rock 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.
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. The album 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 Drive. 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". 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.
Band members Current Matt McAndrew – lead vocals, additional guitar (2019–present) Weston Richmond – lead guitar (2015–present) Felipe Sanchez – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2017–present) Colin Vieira – bass (2015–present)
Former Zachary Baker – drums (2021–2025)
Touring Matt Arsenault – drums (2025)
Jeeves Avalos (2025)
Discography
Studio albums To Better Days (2020) Rain City Drive (2022) Things are Different Now (2024)
Singles + List of singles, showing year released and album name Song Year Peak chart Album USHard Rock US Main.Peaks on the Mainstream Rock Airplay charts: "Frozen": "Medicate Me": "Wish You the Best": "Cutting It Close" 2021 — — Rain City Drive "Dreams" 2022 — — "Waiting On You" — — "Dying For" — — "Frozen" 2023 — 32 Things are Different Now "Medicate Me" 2024 17 32 "Neverbloom" — — "Over Me" — — "Concrete Closure" — — "Wish You the Best" — 31 "Easy Exit" 2025 — — "Ride or Die" — — rowspan="2" "Slither" 2026 — —
Videography Year Title Link From the album Directors 2019 "Heavier" To Better Days Orie McGinness "Prayers" Orie McGinness & Dana Willax 2020 "Bury a Lie" Lance Gergar "Talk to a Friend" Aaron Berkshire "Wasting My Youth" Orie McGinness & Dana Willax "Like I Do" "Eye Opener" 2021 "Cutting It Close" Rain City Drive Matt Boda 2022 "Dreams" Katharine White "Waiting on You" Vicente Cordero "Blood Runs Cold" Matt Boda 2023 "Frozen" Things are Different Now Matthue Coda 2024 "Wish You the Best" Sam Link 2025 "Ride or Die" Vicente Cordero
References