Manic Drive

Manic Drive
Background information
Origin Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres Christian rock, Christian metal, power pop, dance
Years active 2005–present
Labels Whiplash, Inpop/Capitol, Bema Media
Website manicdrive.com
Members Shawn Cavallo
Michael Cavallo
Anthony Moreino
Past members Tyler Dolynsky
Travis Blackmore
Dave Love
Keith Comer

Manic Drive is a Canadian Christian rock band, formed in 2004 by brothers Michael and Shawn Cavallo. The Cavallos - who began singing at the early ages of eight and nine - always knew music was in their future. After receiving interest from a record label, they released Reason for Motion in May 2005. Over the last several years, the band has released a variety of albums including, Reset and Rewind (2007), Blue (2009), Epic (2011), and VIP (2014).

Band history

Manic Drive formed in 2004 after disbanding Christian family band One Cross with two members: Shawn Cavallo, former lead singer and drummer and brother Michael Cavallo. The band went through several lineup changes early in their career, starting with session musician Lucas Wright. In April 2004, following a GMA showcase, Manic Drive were signed to Butterfly Music Group (now Whiplash Records). In May 2005 they released their debut album, Reason for Motion. It was well-received as singles "Luckiest", "Nebulous", "Memories" and "Middle of it All" all hit the R&R Top 30 Christian Rock charts, debuting high in the top 10. In late 2005, they toured with Seventh Day Slumber and Fireflight.

Reset & Rewind (2007)

Manic Drive recorded their follow-up album, releasing it in 2007, titled Reset & Rewind.[1] After the album was released, Lucas Wright left the band, and former members Phil Massicotte (bass and backup vocals) and Johnny Dimarco (drums) were enlisted. In 2008, the band released their single "Blue", featuring Kevin Max of DC Talk (currently of Audio Adrenaline), which reached number No. 28 on the Top 30 Christian Rock Billboard chart. "Blue" was also featured as a world premiere in over 20 countries by the Gospel Music Channel, and was No. 2 only to Skillet's "Comatose"" as the best Rock Video of 2009. The album was praised by critics, with CCM Magazine listing Reset & Rewind in the Critic Picks Top 10 Albums of 2007, along with Relient K and Anberlin.

Blue (2009–2010)

In 2009, Manic Drive parted with Phil Massicotte and Johnny Dimarco and added drummer Anthony Moreino, converting into a three-piece band.[2] On August 18, 2009, Manic Drive re-released Reset & Rewind, renaming it Blue[3] and adding several new songs including "Walls", "Music" and "Rain". CCM Magazine (Jan 2010 issue) listed Blue No. 7 in their Top 10 picks of 2009. In late of 2009, they toured with 80s metal band Stryper on their "25th Anniversary Tour".

In January 2010, Manic Drive released "Walls", which hit No. 7 on the Christian CHR Billboard Charts Top 30, No. 9 on Christian Music[4] as well as hitting No.  1 on AIR 1 Radio.

Epic (2011–2012)

In 2011, Manic Drive worked with producer Rob Wells and released Epic September 27, 2011.[5] The lead single, "Halo", became a viral fan favourite due to the syndicated radio network Air 1's Mixology (a voting program on weeknights) consistently being voted No. 1. In further support of Epic, Manic Drive toured back-to-back with the Newsboys across Canada on the "Maple Noise Tour"[6] followed by the "The Born Again Experience Tour "in the U.S. that fall.

Through 2012, Good Times climbed up to No. 12 on Top 30 CHR/HOT AC Billboard Chart, No. 1 on CRW and No. 1 in Canada on the CT-TOP 20.

In 2013, "Money" placed No. 27 on Top 30 CHR/Hot AC Billboard Chart and No. 2 on the Air 1 Radio Network. With the success of radio and media attention, Manic Drive was invited to team up with Audio Adrenaline on their spring "Kings and Queens Tour"[7] which in turn, landed them a deal with Inpop/Capitol.[8] Manic Drive finished the year touring across Canada on the Christmas "Wintour" with Building 429 and Hawk Nelson.

Discography

Manic Drive "VIP" was released on October 14, 2014. Their first single from this album "VIP" hit #1 on Billboard's Christian Rock Chart, and #12 on Billboard's Christian CHR / Hot AC Chart. This album has pop music elements, along with a mix of rock, dance, and funk. VIP was an independent album.

Reason for Motion (review[9])

  • Released: 2005
  • Label: Whiplash Records

Reset and Rewind (reviews[10][11][12])

  • Released: 2007
  • Label: Whiplash Records

Blue

  • Released: 2009
  • Label: Whiplash Records / Bema Media

Epic

  • Released: September 27, 2011

VIP

  • Released: October 14, 2014

Awards and recognition

Gospel Music Association of Canada Covenant Awards
Gospel Music Channel Music Video Awards
Shai Awards (formerly The Vibe Awards)

References

  1. ↑ "Reset & Rewind". todayschristianmusic.com.
  2. ↑ "Canadian Rockers MANIC DRIVE Come Stateside with New Record, New Management and Major Distribution". jesusfreakhideout.com. April 20, 2009.
  3. ↑ "Manic Drive Is Far From "Blue" About Stryper's Yellow & Black Attack". Breathecast.com. August 19, 2009.
  4. ↑ "Weekly Top 10 Christian Music Hits Chart". christianmusic.about.com. February 28, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Manic Drive: Epic". christianitytoday.com. September 27, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Maple Noise 2011-Canada's Christian Concert Tour". marketwired.com. September 8, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Audio Adrenaline announces spring 2013 Kings & Queens tour". audioa.com. October 24, 2012.
  8. ↑ "Manic Drive Signs To Inpop Records!". christianmusiczine.com. November 20, 2013.
  9. ↑ Blackburn, Stuart (August 30, 2005). "(Review) Reason For Motion". CrossRhythms (UK). Retrieved October 12, 2008.
  10. ↑ Banister, Christa (2007). "(Review) Reset & Rewind". Christianity Today. Retrieved October 11, 2008.
  11. ↑ Kerslake, Paul (September 6, 2008). "(Review) Reset & Rewind". CrossRhythms (UK). Retrieved October 12, 2008.
  12. ↑ Well, Chris (October 14, 2014). "(Review) Reset & Rewind". CCM Magazine. Retrieved October 19, 2008.
  13. ↑ Manic Drive also received nominations for: Rock Song Of The Year: "Eleven Regrets", Hard Music Song Of The Year: "Obvious", Modern Rock/Alternative Song Of The Year: "Blue", Pop/Contemporary Song Of The Year: "The Inventor", and Rap/Hip Hop Song Of The Year: "Dancefloor". GMAC 2008 Covenant Award Nominees. Retrieved November 11, 2008.
  14. ↑ "2012 Covenant Award winners " GMA Canada". Gmacanada.ca. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  15. ↑ GMC Music Video Awards. Retrieved November 21, 2009.

External links