Rain City Drive Talk ‘Things Are Different Now’ and Touring Australia

Rain City Drive’s third studio album, Things Are Different Now, has seen the outfit become the talk of the post-hardcore scene. Ahead of the quartet’s Australian tour, frontman Matt McAndrew spoke with The Note about his experience on The Voice, his approach to songwriting and seeing a koala.

Interview Tobias Handke // Image supplied

Going back to the start, what first got you into music growing up? Was there any particular band or artist? 

I heard ‘The Moon and Antarctica’ by Modest Mouse when I was 13, and that’s what made me want to be a musician.

Most people first heard about you when you appeared on The Voice. How did you enjoy that experience, and what was it like working with Adam Levine?

I never thought I would wind up on a singing competition show, but it was such a blast and was my first big break into the industry after years of playing small clubs. Adam Levine was a great mentor and even had me open for Maroon 5 on their summer tour, which was insane. 

What was the biggest lesson you learned from being on the show?

We would have 16-20 hour days. That experience taught me how to take care of my voice during intensely busy periods. I also learned that I perform well under pressure. 

You joined Rain City Drive in 2019. How did that all come about, as many people who had seen you on The Voice probably wouldn’t associate you with the post-hardcore scene?

I became a big fan of Bring Me The Horizon when Sempiternal came out. I always thought it would be cool to be in a heavier rock band like that. When the guys initially needed a singer to fill in on an EU tour, I jumped at the opportunity to see that part of the world.  

Rain City Drive have three albums to their name, but for me, last year’s Things Are Different Now is the best yet. The band has certainly evolved its sound over the past five years. What are your thoughts on the album a year after its release?

We’re still really proud and fond of the record, and it’s been great to see that it’s really resonated with the fans. It’s time to get back in the studio and make the next one!

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Did you approach songwriting or the making of the record in a different way than previous releases, or has the band’s growth been a natural process?

We had an extensive writing phase before entering the studio, which was different for us and was a great experience for me. I’m proud of our first two records, but I hated the stress of writing everything in the studio and not having time to sit with my lyrics before tracking. I much prefer to go in with a collection of strong songs and then use the studio time to really dial in the performances and production. 

You also seem much more open and vulnerable on this album. Would you agree with that statement, and if so, was this a conscious decision or just the way things panned out while writing?

I can say that I thought about not being as vulnerable on this last record, and then realised I always think it’s cool when other people do it.  

One of the album highlights is ‘Medicate Me’, which features Rory Rodriguez from Dayseeker. How did this track come about, and what was it like working with Rory? 

I had an open verse on that song, and he was in town and available. I love what he did on the track, and I’m most proud that it seems to have really resonated with Dayseeker’s fans as well.

I read a Kerrang! interview from last year where you said the aim with Rain City Drive was to become the biggest band in the world. Is this still top of the agenda? 

It sounds like something I would say as a joke! Haha. My dream is to have a platinum record. If that happens, I’ll know I’ve made it (We’re very close to gold atm).  But really, I’m just grateful to make a living and to know people chose to listen to us when they have every record ever made at their fingertips.

Rain City Drive are finally making their Australian tour debut next year. What are you looking forward to experiencing when on tour? Holding a koala? Eating Vegemite? 

I think I’m most looking forward to connecting with the audiences. Our streaming numbers are always strong in Australia, so I’m hoping the shows are strong. I’m also always down to pet some Koalas, haha.

What can fans expect from a Rain City Drive live show? 

I think our shows are really great if you’re coming to sing along with us. That’s all I ask, bring your singing voices! 

What does 2026 hold for Rain City Drive? 

Lots and lots of touring, writing, and a new album.

Catch Rain City Drive at The Gov on Wednesday 11 March. Tickets on sale now via oztix.com.au.

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