Rain City Drive

Rock band from Sacramento, California

This article is about the California-based rock band formerly known as Slaves. For the Ohio-based funk band, see Slave (band). For the England-based punk rock duo formerly known as Slaves, see Soft Play.

Rain City Drive

Rain City Drive at The Rave in 2023

Background information
Also known as| Slaves (2019–2021)
Rain City (2021)
Origin| Palm Coast, Florida, U.S.
Genres|

* Post-hardcore[1]
* alternative rock[2]

Years active| 2019–present
Labels|

* SBG
* Thriller

Members|

* Colin Vieira
* Weston Richmond
* Felipe Sanchez
* Zachary Baker
* Matt McAndrew

Rain City Drive is an American post-hardcore ensemble from Palm Coast, FL.

Their debut studio album, To Better Days, was released on August 7, 2020, originally under the moniker Slaves. This album was subsequently reissued under Rain City Drive.

On October 15, 2021, the band announced a change in name to Rain City and secured an agreement with the independent record label Thriller Records. This transition culminated in the formal adoption of the name Rain City Drive. In 2022, Rain City Drive and the reformed Slaves, featuring Jonny Craig, emerged as distinct entities.

A significant milestone occurred on July 15, 2022, with the release of their [eponymous studio album] as Rain City Drive. The year saw them embarking on a summer tour with Memphis May Fire, followed by a fall tour alongside Set It Off. In January 2023, the band ventured to the UK for a tour in collaboration with Dance Gavin Dance.

## History[edit]

### Formation as Slaves and Through Art We Are All Equals (2014)[edit]

The band members were revealed through lead singer Jonny Craig's Twitter account on January 15. The following day he tweeted that the name of the group would be called Slaves, a name coined by founding drummer Tai Wright.

Craig explained the then name Slaves in an article on Ryan's Rock Show. "Men have been enslaving men for as long as we've had gods to hide behind," Craig said. "Every man is a slave to what we love – whether it be women, drugs, music or sports. Through art we are all equals".[3]

On March 3, Alternative Press posted an article stating that Artery Recordings have just signed Craig's band Slaves to their label and are now on their roster. Craig posted a tweet saying that his original record label Rise Records would not be associated with this new band.[4]

The band went on their first US tour in May in direct support of Hands Like Houses, Miss Fortune, and Alive Like Me, in May and June.

Slaves released their first single The Fire Down Below through Artery Recordings on April 22. The album, Through Art We Are All Equals, was produced by Kris Crummett, and was released on June 24, 2014. The album features guest vocals from Kyle Lucas, Tyler Carter of Issues, Vic Fuentes of Pierce The Veil, as well as Jonny Craig's sister, Natalie Craig. The album's track listing was released in May 2014.[5] The album debuted on No. 53 at official Billboard 200 charts in the U.S.[6]

On May 13, 2014, the band's second single, "the Upgrade Pt. II" (a sequel to his song The Upgrade from his EP Find What You Love And Let It Kill You), was streamed off Artery Recordings' YouTube page.[7] Later that month, on May 29, the band released a lyric video for the third single from the album, "Starving for Friends", which featured Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil.

Slaves was revealed to be a supporter on the All Stars Tour. This is Jonny Craig's second time being on the All Stars Tour, the first time being with Dance Gavin Dance which ultimately led to him being kicked out of the band.[8][better source needed]

On May 30, bassist Jason Mays announced via Facebook that he would not be continuing with Slaves due to family problems and health issues. [9] Andrew Mena, formerly of Scarlett O'Hara filled in temporarily and toured with the band for the remaining dates. After Andrew Mena went back to his duties of being a tour manager, Michael Nordeen, an operations manager at Artery Recordings was convinced by Alex Lyman to join the band for a few tours. In the beginning of Winter, 2014, Colin Vieira joined Slaves yet again.

On June 24, 2014, Slaves announced one headlining show in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 9, 2014. In the following days they announced an overseas tour to Australia, along with a headlining tour starting on October 7, with bands such as Nightmares, Myka Relocate, among others.[10]

On July 9, the band's first official music video was released on the Artery Recording's YouTube for the album's fourth and final single, "My Soul Is Empty and Full of White Girls", directed/produced by Jeremy Tremp and Shan Dan.

### Routine Breathing and line-up instability (2015–2016)[edit]

On January 7, 2015, the band uploaded a picture to their Facebook page claiming that "Slaves has officially started writing their 2nd full length album, get excited!" with the following "#SLAVES2015"[11]

On February 9, guitarist Christopher Kim announced his departure via Twitter.[12] He was replaced with Jonathan Wolfe to fill-in temporarily on tour, though was allegedly "ditched in Texas" by the band just a few days later.[13] The band replaced Wolfe on the road with Weston Richmond.

On June 21, Alex Lyman and Weston Richmond were injured in a knife attack in Sacramento. Also injured was Blake Abbey, lead singer of Musical Charis. Charis stated that the attack was invoked by the three of them wearing skinny jeans.[14]

On July 5, the band tweeted a picture of the track list for Routine Breathing.[15] The track list features 15 songs, with guest vocals from Garret Rapp (The Color Morale), Spencer Chamberlain (Sleepwave and Underoath), Tilian Pearson (Dance Gavin Dance), and Kyle Lucas. Also, a 15-second teaser of the song "Burning Our Morals Away" was posted, along with album artwork for Routine Breathing.[16]

On July 9, the debut single from their second album leaked via leak websites across the web. The band then released the single, "Burning Our Morals Away", on July 10.[citation needed] The album was scheduled for an October release date, but was pushed to August 21, 2015.[17] The band was voted off of Vans Warped tour on July 18 after only playing two dates on the tour.[citation needed] The band cited that they were voted off the tour by the other bands on Warped, fearing that Jonny would begin his drug use again. On July 23, the band released the second single from Routine Breathing, "Death Never Let Us Say Goodbye",[citation needed] after the song had leaked.[citation needed] They released the official video for "Burning Our Morals Away" later that week, on July 28.[citation needed] On August 16, the band released the third single from Routine Breathing, "Drowning In My Addiction" with a lyric video.[citation needed]

From March until April 2016, the group is scheduled to tour the United States with Myka Relocate, Capture the Crown,[18] Outline in Color and Conquer Divide.[19]

On March 30, Alex Lyman announced he would be leaving the band after their current tour with Capture The Crown. On April 9, Tai Wright announced his formal departure from the Slaves, citing issues within the band as his reason. On April 10, the band announced their breakup after their last show in Santa Cruz, California.[20]

On May 20, Jonny announced on his Facebook that Slaves did not break up but are going through some difficult times, Jonny and Colin are the only members remaining.[21]

### Beautiful Death, Craig's Departure and Label Change (2017–2019)[edit]

On August 11, the band announced their upcoming headlining tour featuring Outline in Color and Avion Roe, all while actively working on their third album.[22] Following this, on January 20, 2017, the band released the single "I'd Rather See Your Star Explode".[23]

Initially scheduled for a September 2017 release, their third studio album "Beautiful Death" faced a delay to January 2018 due to a label split and Jonny Craig's hospitalization.[24] The band introduced their first US headline tour, "The Beautiful Death Tour", on July 10, featuring support from Secrets, Picturesque, and Out Came The Wolves. The tour also previewed new songs from the forthcoming third album, slated to commence on September 1, 2017. On November 3, Colin confirmed their signing with Warner Brothers.

Subsequently, on November 17, 2017, Artery Recordings announced via Twitter that they were parting ways with Slaves, citing accusations against Jonny Craig of multiple counts of sexual assault.[25]

On December 21, 2017, the band revealed that their third studio album would be released on February 16, 2018, through Sony Music label The Orchard. In early January 2018, they announced a new headlining tour, featuring support from Kyle Lucas, Dayshell, and Ghost Town, in promotion of the new album. The tour commenced in Dallas, TX on the day of the album's release and was scheduled to conclude on March 12, 2018, in Scottsdale, AZ.[26][27][28][29][30]

The band ultimately released their third studio album, Beautiful Death, on February 16, 2018, under SBG Records and The Orchard. On January 24, 2019, the band announced the removal of Jonny Craig from the band, citing addiction as the reason for his departure. Jonny Craig subsequently issued a response, explaining that he was prioritizing his health before considering a return to music.[31]

### Arrival of Matt McAndrew, To Better Days and Name Change (2020–2021)[edit]

The group continued their touring endeavors across Europe and Australia, with Matt McAndrew assuming the role of lead vocalist following Craig's departure. On March 28, a music video for "Wasting My Youth" was released.[32]

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.[33] The fourth studio album, To Better Days, was subsequently released on August 7, 2020.

On October 15, 2021, the members announced their decision to continue creating music and performing under the name Rain City, formally marking the end of the Slaves era. The new name, Rain City, pays tribute to the fortuitous meeting of the band members in Manchester, England, often referred to as the Rainy City. It stands as a reminder to maintain hope even in challenging times. The band expressed deep gratitude to their dedicated fans, dedicating their new album to their unwavering support.[34]

Then, on November 6, 2021, the band announced through their Instagram page that they would adopt the name Rain City Drive due to unforeseen circumstances and a desire to preempt any potential challenges. Accompanying this announcement was the release of their new single, Cutting It Close, on November 12, 2021, marking a significant step forward in their musical journey.[2]

## Band members[edit]

Current members

* Colin Vieira – bass (2014, 2015–present)
* Weston Richmond – lead guitar (2016–present), backing vocals (2015–present), rhythm guitar (2015–2016)
* Felipe Sanchez – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2018–present)
* Zachary Baker – drums (2018–present)
* Matt McAndrew – lead vocals, additional guitar (2019–present)

Former members as Slaves

* Jason Mays – bass (2014)
* Christopher Kim – rhythm guitar, percussion (2014–2015, 2016–2018)
* Alex Lyman – lead guitar, backing vocals (2014–2016)
* Tai Wright – drums, percussion (2014–2016)
* Jonny Craig – lead vocals (2014–2019)

Former touring members

* Andrew Mena – bass (2014)
* Michael Nordeen – bass (2014)
* Jonathan Wolfe – rhythm and lead guitar (2015)
* Paul Gaul – lead guitar (2016)
* Thomas Michael Joy – rhythm guitar (2016)
* Blake Howard – rhythm and lead guitar (2016–2017)
* Christian Kett – drums (2016)
* Christopher M. Suitt – drums (2016–2017)

|

Timeline

## Discography as Rain City Drive[edit]

### Studio albums[edit]

* Rain City Drive (2022)

### Singles[edit]

Year  | Song  | Peak chart positions  | Album

|
|
|

Main.
[35]
"Cutting It Close"  | 2021  | —  | Rain City Drive
"Dreams"  | 2022  | —
"Waiting On You"  | —
"Dying For"  | —
"Frozen"  | 2023  | 32  | TBA

### Videography[edit]

Year  | Title  | Link  | From the album  | Directors

|
|
|
|

2021  | "Cutting It Close"  | [2] | Rain City Drive | Matt Boda
2022  | "Dreams"  |  | Katharine White
"Waiting on You"  |  | Vicente Cordero
"Blood Runs Cold"  |  | Matt Boda
2023  | "Frozen"  |  | TBA | Matthue Coda

## Discography as Slaves[edit]

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

|

### Studio albums[edit]

* Through Art We Are All Equals (2014)
* Routine Breathing (2015)
* Beautiful Death (2018)
* To Better Days (2020)

### Extended plays[edit]

* Revision (2019)

### Singles[edit]

* "The Fire Down Below"
* "The Upgrade, Pt. II"
* "Starving for Friends" (featuring Vic Fuentes)
* "My Soul Is Empty And Full of White Girls"
* "Burning Our Morals Away"
* "Death Never Lets Us Say Goodbye"
* "Drowning In My Addiction"
* "Running Through The 6 With My Soul"
* "I'd Rather See Your Star Explode"
* "True Colors"
* "Patience Is The Virtue"
* "I Know A Lot Of Artists"
* "The Pact"
* "Body On Fire"
* "Heavier"
* "Prayers"
* "Bury A Lie"
* "Talk to a Friend"
* "Wasting My Youth"
* "Like I Do"
* "Eye Opener"

### Videography[edit]

Year  | Title  | Link  | From the album  | Note

|
|
|
|

2014  | My Soul Is Empty and Full of White Girls | [3] | Through Art We Are All Equals |
2015  | Burning Our Morals Away | [4] | Routine Breathing |
Running Through the !6! with My Soul | [5] |
2017  | I'd Rather See Your Star Explode |  | Beautiful Death | 2 videos made
2018  | I Know a Lot of Artists |  |
The Pact |  |
Body on Fire |  | Revision |
2019  | Heavier | [6] | To Better Days |
Prayers | [7] | To Better Days |
2020  | Bury A Lie |  |
Talk to a Friend |  |
Wasting My Youth |  |
Like I Do |  |
Eye Opener |  |

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Slaves (US) Rebrand as Rain City Drive with First Single 'Cutting It Close'". November 12, 2021.
2. ^ a b "Rain City Drive (fka Slaves) release first song with new band name, "Cutting It Close"". November 12, 2021.
3. ^ "Ryan's Rock Show » Jonny Craig is Back as a Slave". ryansrockshow.com. March 3, 2014. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
4. ^ "Slaves (Jonny Craig's new band) sign to Artery Recordings, release teaser". Altpress.com. March 3, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
5. ^ "Ryan's Rock Show » Slaves – Through Art We Are All Equals". ryansrockshow.com. April 24, 2014. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
6. ^ "Slaves - Chart history". Billboard. July 12, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
7. ^ ArteryRecordings. YouTube. Retrieved July 28, 2015.[failed verification]
8. ^ "Y N G CATDADDY. (@jonnycraig4L) - Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
9. ^ "Jason Mays Stepping Away From Slaves". The New Fury. May 30, 2014. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
10. ^ "SL▲VES (@SLAVESOFFICIAL) - Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
11. ^ "Slaves - Timeline Photos - Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
12. ^ "Slaves guitarist leaves band". Alternative Press. February 11, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
13. ^ "NEWS: Jonathan Wolfe makes statement about "being ditched" by Slaves!". DEAD PRESS! - Alternative music news, reviews, interviews and more!. Retrieved July 28, 2015.[permanent dead link]
14. ^ Los Angeles Times (June 24, 2015). "Man accused of skinny jeans hate crime against musicians turns himself in". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
15. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2015.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
16. ^ [1][dead link]
17. ^ "Slaves put breakup rumors to rest after fans keep them out of debt". Alternative Press. July 28, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
18. ^ "Slaves, Capture The Crown, Myka Relocate tour". lambgoat.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
19. ^ "Myka,Relocate". bandsintown.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
20. ^ "Slaves announce breakup - News - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. April 10, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
21. ^ "Slaves share new statement: "No we didn't break up" - News - Alternative Press". Altpress.com. May 20, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
22. ^ "Slaves". m.facebook.com.
23. ^ "Slaves debut first single following last year's sudden breakup—listen - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. January 20, 2017.
24. ^ @colin_vieira (June 3, 2017). "Oh btw @SLAVESOFFICIAL third full length album "Beautiful Death" out in September. 🤐😬" (Tweet) - via Twitter.
25. ^ "Artery Recordings drops Slaves - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. November 17, 2017.
26. ^ "Slaves Announce Album Tour". Rock Nation (rocknation.co). Archived from the original on February 17, 2018. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
27. ^ "2018 SLAVES ALBUM RELEASE TOUR". Kyle Lucas Official Website (kylelucas.com). Retrieved February 16, 2018.
28. ^ "Slaves Band". Slaves Band Official Website (slavesband.com). Retrieved February 16, 2018.
29. ^ @SLAVESOFFICIAL (January 5, 2018). "Excited to announce we'll be heading out on tour this February & March in support of our new album Beautiful Death…" (Tweet). Retrieved February 16, 2018 - via Twitter.
30. ^ @SLAVESOFFICIAL (January 5, 2018). "tomorrow 🥀" (Tweet). Retrieved February 16, 2018 - via Twitter.
31. ^ "NEWS: Slaves part ways with vocalist, Jonny Craig!". DEAD PRESS!. January 24, 2019. Archived from the original on January 27, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2019.
32. ^ "SLAVES to Release 'To Better Days' Album in August". Blabbermouth. May 29, 2020.
33. ^ "SLAVES to Change Name Due to 'Racial Connotations'". Blabbermouth. June 26, 2020.
34. ^ "Slaves Have Changed Their Name To Rain City Due To 'Racial Connotations'". Theprp.com. October 15, 2021.
35. ^ "Mainstream Rock Airplay: Week of January 27, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved January 24, 2024.

## External links[edit]

* Slaves First Single Archived April 8, 2014, at the Wayback Machine

Authority control databases: Artists |

* MusicBrainz

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*[TBA]: To be announced