Drop Nineteens formed in 1990 at Boston University under the name April Rain, led by vocalist Greg Ackell.

Bassist Steve Zimmerman and lead guitarist Motohiro Yasue rounded out the band's initial lineup, with vocalist Paula Kelley as a guest musician.

"[7] For their second album National Coma, Ackell was tired of the band's constant comparisons to My Bloody Valentine and wanted to forge his own sound.

Both Blondie keyboardist Jimmy Destri and Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis were considered to produce the album, but neither worked out.

[9] The band's reunited lineup features Ackell, Steve Zimmerman, Pete Koeplin, Motohiro Yasue, and Paula Kelley.

"[12] Drop Nineteens' first show in 30 years took place on April 17, 2024 at The Atlantis in Washington, D.C.[13][14] Ackell said that the band was influenced by My Bloody Valentine, Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, The Cure, New Order, The Go-Betweens and The Clash.

[15] British songwriter Owen Tromans included a song about Ackell and Drop Nineteens, entitled "Greg", on his 2013 EP For Haden.