For fans of the Toronto-based Manic Drive, it has been a long three-year wait since their acclaimed studio project, Epic. Over the past decade, this award-winning trio has built a loyal international following, fostered by their infectious brand of power-popand a genuine commitment to a relationship with their audience. Now, on October 14, a new season begins with the debut of their fifth studio album, VIP. Two years ago, brothers Shawn and Michael Cavallo and longtime band mate Anthony Moreino decided to take their career into their own hands, choosing the path of independent artists. This freedom has provided incredible opportunities as well as the privilege of creating music on their own terms and their own timeline. Produced by Oh, Hush! (Cee Lo, Jamie Grace) and Nick Baumhardt (Stellar Kart, Britt Nicole), the band enlisted vocal collaborations with Manwell (of Group 1 Crew) on the title track, as well as fellow Canadian Trevor McNevan from Thousand Foot Crutch on the song “Electric.” Recorded in Chicago, Nashville and their own studio in Toronto, VIP is filled with infectious power-pop melodies and lyrics rooted in truth, hope and encouragement.