Manic Drive

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. 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. On August 18, 2009, Manic Drive re-released Reset & Rewind, renaming it Blue 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 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. 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" 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" which in turn, landed them a deal with Inpop/Capitol. Manic Drive finished the year touring across Canada on the Christmas "Wintour" with Building 429 and Hawk Nelson.

VIP (2014–present)

VIP was released on October 14, 2014. In February and March 2016, Manic Drive headlined the VIP Experience Tour with dates coast to coast across the United States.

Discography

VIP was released on October 14, 2014 as an independent album. Their first single from this album "VIP" hit No. 1 on Billboard's Christian Rock Chart, and No. 12 on Billboard's Christian CHR / Hot AC Chart. "King of Mercy", also from VIP, was a radio hit on the Air1 Radio Network.

Awards and recognition