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 is an American post-hardcore band from Palm Coast, Florida, United States. The band emerged from the evolution of then Sacramento-based post-hardcore outfit Slaves, with members Colin Vieira on bass, Felipe Sanchez on guitar, Matt McAndrew on vocals, Wes Richmond on guitar, and Zack Baker on drums.[3]
Initially known as Slaves, the band underwent a transition, changing their name to Rain City Drive. McAndrew initially joined the band as a stand-in for then lead vocalist Jonny Craig just before a scheduled tour, McAndrews became an official member of band following the depature of Craig. With McAndrews the band released To Better Days, initially under the name Slaves. Subsequently, the album was re-released under the name Rain City Drive.[4]
The transition from Slaves to Rain City Drive occurred on October 15, 2021, alongside being signed to independent record label Thriller Records. The band released their self-titled studio album on July 15, 2022.
History
Formation as Slaves and Through Art We Are All Equals (2014)
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".[5]
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.[6]
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.[7] The album debuted on No. 53 at official Billboard 200 charts in the U.S.[8]
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.[9] 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.[10][bettersourceneeded]
On May 30, bassist Jason Mays announced via Facebook that he would not be continuing with Slaves due to family problems and health issues. [11] 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.[12]
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)
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"[13]
On February 9, guitarist Christopher Kim announced his departure via Twitter.[14] 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.[15] 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.[16]
On July 5, the band tweeted a picture of the track list for Routine Breathing.[17] 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.[18]
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.[19] 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]
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.[22]
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.[23]
Beautiful Death, Craig's Departure and Label Change (2017–2019)
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.[24] Following this, on January 20, 2017, the band released the single "I'd Rather See Your Star Explode".[25]
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.[26] 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.[27]
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.[28][29][30][31][32]
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.[33]
Arrival of Matt McAndrew, To Better Days and Name Change (2020–2021)
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.[34]
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.[35] 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.[36]
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]
Dance Gavin Dance is an American rock band from Sacramento, California, formed in 2005. It consists of vocalists Jon Mess and Tilian Pearson, lead guitarist Will Swan, rhythm guitarist Andrew Wells, and drummer Matthew Mingus. The band formerly included lead vocalists Jonny Craig and Kurt Travis and the lineup has changed numerous times since their inception. Swan and Mingus are the only band members who have appeared on every studio album.
Blessthefall is an American metalcore band from Phoenix, Arizona, signed to Rise Records. The band was founded in 2004 by guitarist Mike Frisby, drummer Matt Traynor, and bassist and vocalist Jared Warth. Their debut studio album, His Last Walk, with original vocalist Craig Mabbitt, was released April 10, 2007. Their second studio album, Witness, with current vocalist Beau Bokan, was released October 6, 2009. Their third studio album, Awakening, was released on October 4, 2011. Their fourth studio album, Hollow Bodies, was released on August 20, 2013. To Those Left Behind is the band's fifth studio album, released on September 18, 2015. Their sixth studio album, Hard Feelings, was released on March 23, 2018. Following Traynor's departure, Warth became the band's only remaining original member. In May 2023, the band returned from a brief hiatus with the release of "Wake the Dead", their first song in five years.
Emarosa is an American rock band formed in Lexington, Kentucky, in 2006. The band currently consists of lead guitarist and founding member E.R. White and lead vocalist Bradley Walden, who joined the band in 2013. The group has undergone several line-up changes throughout its career, with lead guitarist E.R. White being the sole remaining founding member. Originally oriented towards post-hardcore and alternative rock, Emarosa has gravitated towards a more pop rock sound in recent years.
A Skylit Drive is an American post-hardcore band from Lodi, California. The band has released one DVD, one EP and five studio albums: Wires...and the Concept of Breathing (2008), Adelphia (2009), Identity on Fire (2011), Rise (2013) and, most recently, ASD (2015). The band has toured internationally both as headliner and supporting act. In 2017, the band broke up after a dispute between Nick Miller and Michael Jagmin. Original vocalist Jordan Blake died in April 2023.
Jonathan Monroe Craig is an American-Canadian singer, widely recognised for his tenure as the former lead vocalist of renowned post-hardcore bands such as Dance Gavin Dance, Emarosa, and then Slaves, as well as his role as co-lead vocalist in the short-lived supergroup Isles & Glaciers. Presently, he serves as the lead vocalist for the American post-hardcore band Old Flame. As a solo artist, Craig has released two studio albums, two EPs, and a live album, garnering acclaim for his distinctive soul-based singing style.
I See Stars are an American electronicore band from Warren, Michigan formed in 2006. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Devin Oliver, guitarist Brent Allen, keyboardist and co-vocalist Andrew Oliver, and bass guitarist Jeff Valentine.
Kurt Travis is an American singer, musician, and songwriter from Sacramento, California. He is currently part of the post-hardcore bands Royal Coda and Push Over and the math rock duo Gold Necklace and was formerly a vocalist in the rock bands Dance Gavin Dance and A Lot Like Birds.
Chelsea Grin is an American deathcore band from Salt Lake City, Utah. Formed in 2007, the group have released two EPs and seven full-length albums. Since 2018, no founding members remain in the band.
Artery Recordings was an American record label based in Sacramento, California founded in 2010 as an imprint of Razor & Tie by Eric Rushing, owner of The Artery Foundation.
Capture is an Australian metalcore band formed in early 2010 after the break-up of another metalcore outfit, Atlanta Takes State. The band rose to prominence under their original name Capture the Crown when they released the music video for their song, "You Call That a Knife? This Is a Knife!" (2011) on YouTube. The band was signed to Sumerian Records in December 2012 but were dropped in October the following year. Since their formation they have issued two studio albums, 'Til Death, which appeared on three Billboard component charts Top Hard Rock (No. 21), Top Heatseekers (No. 7), and Top Independent Albums (No. 25), and Reign of Terror, which charted at #86 on the U.S. Billboard 200. In August 2013 the group announced the proposed release of an extended play, Live Life, which was released on 4 February 2014. Later in 2014, they announced that they had signed with Artery Recordings. In March 2017, the group shortened its name to simply Capture and unveiled a new song under the new title.
This Wild Life is an acoustic rock duo from Long Beach, California consisting of Kevin Jordan on vocals and guitar and Anthony Del Grosso on guitar. Jordan and Del Grosso were originally pianist and drummers, respectively.
Through Art We Are All Equals is the debut album by American post-hardcore band Slaves released June 24, 2014 through Artery Recordings. The lead single "The Fire Down Below" was released on April 22, 2014 on YouTube. On May 14, the band released "The Upgrade, Pt. II" as the second single from the album. The third single "Starving for Friends", featuring Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil was released on May 26. The album was produced by Kris Crummett. It's the only album to feature bassist Jason Mays who left the band on May 30 prior to the album's release.
Christopher Joseph Fronzak, also known as Fronz or Fronzilla, is an American musician who is best known as the lead vocalist and founding member of the metalcore/rap metal band Attila. Aside from his work in Attila, he is also the manager of record label Stay Sick Recordings and clothing line Stay Sick Threads.
Tilian Pearson, also known mononymously as Tilian, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer born in Clearwater, Florida. Since 2012 he has been the third clean vocalist for the post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance. Pearson began his music career as the lead vocalist and guitarist in the progressive rock band Tides of Man, releasing an extended play and two studio albums before leaving in 2010.
Routine Breathing is the second album by American post-hardcore band Slaves. The album was released on August 21, 2015. This is the first album to feature Weston Richmond on rhythm guitar and Colin Viera on bass. It is the last album by the band released under the Artery Recordings label.
Myka Relocate was an American metalcore band formed in Lafayette, Louisiana in 2007, later based in Houston, Texas. The band has released three studio albums, Self Portrait as a Frozen Father, Lies to Light the Way and The Young Souls in addition to taking part in four annual South by So What?! music festivals between 2012 and 2015 as well as the 2016 SO WHAT! Music Festival. The band is credited with being able to successfully combine electronic elements, guttural screaming and pop vocals.
The Young Souls is the third and final studio album from American metalcore band Myka Relocate. Released on 30 October 2015, the work was released on Artery Recordings and was produced by Erik Ron and Joey Sturgis.
Lies to Light the Way is the second studio album by American metalcore band Myka Relocate. Released on 29 October 2013, the work was produced by Cameron Mizell and published by Artery Recordings. The album ranked No.22 on Top Heatseekers.
William Swan is an American songwriter and musician born in Sacramento, California. He is best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the American post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance and as the founder and owner of record label Blue Swan Records. He is also a guitarist in the metal band Secret Band, progressive rock band Royal Coda, and was a guitarist in the now defunct Sianvar.
Beautiful Death is the third full-length studio album by American rock band Slaves, released on February 16, 2018, by The Orchard and SBG Records. The album serves as a follow-up to the band's second studio album, Routine Breathing (2015) and is the group's first release since their departure from Artery Recordings. It was produced by Erik Ron and was recorded at Grey Area Studios in Los Angeles, California. This is the final studio album to feature founding member and lead vocalist Jonny Craig, who left the group in January 2019.
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