Relient K

Image:Relient logo.png
Image:Relient-k-pic-detail.png L-R: John Warne, Dave Douglas, Matt Thiessen, Jon Schneck, Matt Hoopes
Background information
Origin	Canton, Ohio, USA
Genre(s)	Christian rock, Pop punk
Years active	1998 – present
Label(s)	EMI, Gotee, Capitol
Website	RelientK.com
Members
Matt Thiessen Matt Hoopes Dave Douglas John Warne Jon Schneck
Former members
Todd Frescone Stephen Cushman Jared Byers Brian Pittman

Relient K is a Christian rock band that is part of the CCM culture. They are considered in secular circles to be part of the alternative, pop punk, Christian rock, and/or punk genres. They were formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio. The band named themselves after guitarist Matt Hoopes' Plymouth Reliant K car. The band has received numerous awards including a Grammy nomination in 2003 for Best Rock Gospel Album and two Dove Awards.^[1][2][3]

All the members are Christians, although some fans have questioned the band being in the Christian rock genre. On the subject of this, lead singer Matt Thiessen stated in an interview, "Our whole answer is, call us whatever you want. You can call us a Christian band, you can call us a rock and roll band. And we can go out on tour with this band, and we can go out on tour with that band. But we don't care. We're just doing what we do. We're having fun. We write about what we want to write about and, you know, most of the time, that's, you know, our hearts and our faith." He went on to discuss how one just has to go for faith, and how he compared it to jumping off a cliff in a song ("Life After Death and Taxes (Failure II)"). ^[4]

The band broke into the mainstream in 2004 after Capitol signed them and they released their fourth record, Mmhmm, which debuted at #15 on the Billboard 200, produced three top five hits on Christian radio and two top 20 hits on mainstream radio. Their fifth full length record, Five Score and Seven Years Ago, debuted at #6 on the U.S. Billboard 200. It sold approximately 64,000 copies in its first week.^[5]

Members

Relient K was founded in 1998 by Matt Thiessen and Matt Hoopes on guitar, and Brian Pittman on bass.^{[citation needed]} Todd Frescone joined for a short time on the drums in 1998. After All Work and No Play, the band's demo album, Todd Frescone was replaced by Stephen Cushman. Cushman played drums on the band's first EP, 2000 A.D.D., and on their self-titled debut album in 2000, but left later that year to join the Christian metal band Narcissus. Jared Byers, drummer of the Christian rock band Bleach, filled in as the temporary drummer, until Dave Douglas joined in December of 2000.^{[citation needed]} This lineup remained static from the release of The Creepy EP and The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek in 2001, through the release of Mmhmm in 2004, after which Brian Pittman left to start a landscaping company.^[6] Pittman now plays bass for the Christian metal band Inhale Exhale, and once said he grew up liking metal, so it is better for him. John Warne, lead singer and guitarist of Ace Troubleshooter, filled in as bassist for the remainder of 2004. He became full-time bassist in 2005. Also in 2005, Jon Schneck joined as a third guitarist, as well as a banjo and bell player, to create a fuller, more distinctive sound.^{[citation needed]}

Current members

• Matt Thiessen – lead vocals, guitar, piano (1998–present)
• Matt Hoopes – guitar, (1998–present)
• Dave Douglas – drums, (2000-present)
• John Warne – bass, (2004–present)
• Jon Schneck – guitar, banjo, bells, (2005–present)

Former members

• Todd Frescone – drums (1998)
• Stephen Cushman – drums, backing vocals (1998–2000)
• Jared Byers – drums (2000)
• Brian Pittman – bass (1998–2004)

History

Beginnings (1998–2002)

Relient K first formed between the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone College in Canton, Ohio. The band's demo, All Work and No Play, caught the attention of dc Talk's Toby McKeehan. All Work and No Play was recorded by Mark Lee Townsend, the former live guitar player for dc Talk. Townsend knew the band members because his daughter was friends with the band (she later married guitarist Matt Hoopes). After Toby signed the band to his label, Gotee Records, Relient K released their debut EP entitled 2000 A.D.D. EP in 2000. Later that year, they released Relient K, their first full-length CD. It was distinctly Christian rock and featured lyrics with a wide range of pop-culture references.^[7]

In 2001, the band released their sophomore album, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek. This album launched both Relient K and their sound to a whole new level. There were still plenty of pop-culture references on this album.^[7] It contained many more softer songs and slightly lighter guitars.^{[citation needed]} They would continue chords through tracks in order to fluidly transition in between songs, a trend that continued on their later albums.^{[citation needed]}

Rising popularity and mainstream success (2002–2003)

Anatomy landed them in the Christian rock limelight, and Relient K was offered a clothing deal with Abercrombie & Fitch in 2001.^[7] Gotee, their label, accepted the offer on Relient K's behalf; Pittman recalls, "The choice was never really given to us. The label made the choice."[1] After significant pressure from conservative Christian organizations such as Focus on the Family, Gotee backed out of the contract.

In 2002 they were then asked to do a rendition of the popular VeggieTales song "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" for the 2002 VeggieTales movie Jonah. The song was released on three different albums, two in single form. The first version also included their song "Breakdown" being sung by Larry the Cucumber. There was also a promotional version which included the original version of "Breakdown". The third album it was included on was the Christian rock compilation Veggie Rocks!. This song mixes the sounds of The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek and their third album, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.

In 2003, Relient K released Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do. The album had multiple covers of different colors, each depicting a car in some kind of wreck. As pop-culture references became less specific, sound and vocals became far more defined.^{[citation needed]} Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do (often called Two Lefts by fans) combined the soft, meaningful songs of The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek and threw in fast-paced songs with deep lyrics.^{[citation needed]} It was nominated for a Grammy in the category of "Best Rock Gospel Album"^[1] and won the Dove Award for "Modern Rock Album of the Year" in 2004.^[2]

During this time, Relient K also released a limited edition red vinyl EP entitled The Vinyl Countdown, only released in one printing. The EP included two versions of the song, "Five Iron Frenzy is Either Dead or Dying". The same year, Relient K made a special appearance at the final Five Iron Frenzy concert at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, Colorado where they performed, for the very last time, "Five Iron Frenzy is Either Dead or Dying".^{[citation needed]} The album was dedicated to Jesse Alkire, contest winner and friend of Matthew Thiessen, who inspired the song "The Vinyl Countdown".^[8]

Since Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do was released in March of 2003, Relient K released a bonus disc for Christmas, entitled Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand. The album was packaged with Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do from November 2003 to December 2003.^{[citation needed]}

Mmhmm (2004–2006)

In late 2004, the group released their long-expected fourth album, Mmhmm. Pop-culture references were even less specific than on their third album, if not non-existent. The album was significantly more on the serious side with very few of the silly songs the band was known for. [2] The album is much more piano-driven in parts (including an entire song, "Let It All Out"),[3] but more hard rock in others ("Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet").[4] In July 2005, the album was certified gold for shipping over 500,000 copies. It is reported that it has sold approximately 796,000 copies.^[9] Driven by newfound recognition from Mmhmm, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do was also certified gold in spring 2005. Also, it was announced in 2006 that their second record, The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek, had reached the Gold rank as well. It achieved certification by the RIAA.

Mmhmm features two top 40 hits which both made it on MTV's Top Ten. The track "Be My Escape", which can be found on Mmhmm, is the band's most popular mainstream song to date. Its music video entered MTV's Top Ten, and landed them an appearance on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live. "Be My Escape" is also featured on Now! 19, a popular secular and quasi-annual compilation series. It was classified as a platinum single in November of 2005.^{[citation needed]} The music video for "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been", also from Mmhmm, has also made its way onto the TRL countdown,^[10] many top 40 radio stations, and was included on Now! 21. In early June 2005, the band was featured on MTV's 10 Spot Drop, which gave the band a boost in its popularity, as did their Spring 2005 tour opening for Simple Plan and Good Charlotte and having the main stage slot on the 2005 Van's Warped Tour.^{[citation needed]} Mmhmm was awarded a Dove Award in 2006 for the "Rock Album of the Year".^[3] The band was also nominated for "Artist of the Year" and "Band of the Year" at GMA Canada's 2006 Covenant Awards^[11] and Canada's Juno Awards for "Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year".^[12] The band qualifies for these awards because Matt Thiessen was born in St. Catharines, Ontario in Canada.^{[citation needed]}

Between September and November 2006, Relient K played on the Nintendo Fusion Tour with Hawthorne Heights, Emery, Plain White T's, and The Sleeping.^[13]

Five Score and Seven Years Ago (2006–present)

Recording for the new album, Five Score and Seven Years Ago, started (according to Thiessen at the Ichthus Music Festival 2006)^{[citation needed]} on June 18, 2006 and continued for parts of July and August. Some tracks on the album were produced by Howard Benson (All-American Rejects, My Chemical Romance, P.O.D.). Matt Theissen, the lead singer, has been quoted as saying that the title of the album comes from the fact that it's the band's fifth album, it is the first time all five of them are on a record together, and it has been seven years since they formed the band.^[14]

While the band hoped for a November 2006 release, the official release date was announced as March 6, 2007.^[14] The album features 14 songs and is considered, by the band, to be their happiest record. On March 2, 2007 the entire album (except "Deathbed") was made available for streaming on the band's MySpace. Five Score and Seven Years Ago debuted at #6 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling about 64,000 copies in its first week.^[5] The album also debuted at #2 on the iTunes best-selling albums chart, under Neon Bible by Arcade Fire.

The band's first single from the album, "Must Have Done Something Right" was released on iTunes on November 28 and to radio on January 9, 2007. "Forgiven", a radio single directed at Christian stations, is also being aired now. "Forgiven" was the most added song on Christian radio and entered Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart on January 11, 2007. In Britain, under EMI which Relient K is signed to, Relient K has decided to sell their songs in MP3 format. The single "Must Have Done Something Right" went on sale December 5, 2006 via Yahoo's online music service. This download also includes the song "Fallen Man".^[15]

"Must Have Done Something Right", released to radio on January 9, 2007,^[16] was released to 30 Top 40 stations. As of January 20, 2007, it was #56 on the Top 40 charts,^[17] and was the tenth most added song for the week ending January 26, 2007.^[18] The music video for "Must Have Done Something Right" premiered on February 6, 2007. "Must Have Done Something Right" was performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on March 2, 2007.

It has been announced by the band's manager on the band's forums that the second single from the album will be "The Best Thing". Relient K will perform on the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 12, 2007 to promote this new single. It has already been released to a small number of radio stations in the Midwest. Matt Thiessen, the lead singer, has said that "The Best Thing" is an anti-Daniel Powter "Bad Day" song, it's straight-up positive."[5]

Relient K as a Christian band

It has been debated among some fans and critics whether or not Relient K is a Christian band. The band's songs are not all about God, but the majority of them say "You" in reference to God, or talk about subjects such as becoming a better person. One response that Matt Thiessen had on their website was that it is hard to mention Jesus in a song without it sounding "corny". The band has played on MTV, but as with other bands like Switchfoot, the mainstream is a way for a band like Relient K to get Christian-themed music to non-Christian listeners. On the subject of the band's music, Matt Thiessen said, "Call us whatever you want. Like you can call us Christian band, you can call us a rock and roll band, we can go on tour with this band, we can go on tour with that band. But, we don't care, we're just doing what we do, we're having fun, we write about what we want to write about and, you know, most of the time, that's, you know, our hearts and our faith and stuff like that."^[4] Despite criticism, the band's music still appears on Christian radio stations, bookstores, and music websites, and they still play numerous Christian rock festivals. In the February 2007 edition of CCM Magazine, there is an article discussing Christian artist in the mainstream industry. Matt Thiessen was interviewed on the subject, and had a few quotes mentioned throughout the article.

"It's time to move on," according to Relient K's Matt Thiessen. "It's time for Christian music to bleed into everything." Relient K's Thiessen sees it as a very good sign. "Bands don't have to go through the Christian music door," he says. "to express what they believe in through a song." "That's what Christianity is all about," Thiessen adds. "C.S. Lewis wasn't about just writing to Christians to make them better. He was about writing books that everyone could read and expand their minds. That's what music is all about, too. [Not long] ago it was absurd that P.O.D. was doing Ozzfest or that Sixpence None the Richer was all over the radio. Then, all the sudden, it's all changed."

As for the criticism of the band's music about it not mentioning God, or being for God, Jesus Freak Hideout discussed the message of Jesus found in the band's eleven minute story song, "Deathbed". The site said of the song, "It details a man near his death, looking back on his life, both the good and the bad. It's quite moving, and keeps your interest until the very end. Jon Foreman from Switchfoot even appears at the closing as the voice of Jesus, taking the man home to be with Him. Let it not be said after this that Relient K is sugar coating \ their message. They never have, and never did deserve the heat they took for that. This record (Perhaps even more so than previous efforts, as they continue to mature), and everyone before it, show their spiritual roots perfectly."^[19]

Discography

Main article: Relient K discography

Other projects

The Complex Infrastructure Known as the Female Mind

In 2004, Relient K released a book entitled The Complex Infrastructure Known as the Female Mind. The book clues in the confused male Relient K fans on some of the inner works of the female species. The band gives advice on the opposite sex through personal experience, stereotypes (including Rocker and Vanilla Pudding), and Biblical advice—presented in the fun attitude found in their music. The title of the book is taken from the last line of the song "Mood Rings", which is found on their third album, Two Lefts Don't Make a Right...but Three Do.

Woodland Forest

In June 2006, Relient K released the first episode of their own flash cartoon. The cartoon features all five band members, and takes place in a fictional land known as Woodland Forest. It is animated by bassist John Warne. Episodes will continue to be released on a regular basis (at least, according to the band; so far there has only been one episode), and can be found on the band's MySpace. [12] The cartoon also features "Merle the Squirrel", who is now on Relient K t-shirts, and has his own MySpace page. [13]

Trivia

• The band's name was intentionally misspelled to avoid trademark infringement over the Reliant name. When they later found out that the trademark wouldn't be an issue, they kept the name, as they found the misspelling funny.^{[citation needed]}
• Not only does Matt Hoopes still have his old Plymouth Reliant, but Matt Thiessen has also said that after the band started, he bought his own Reliant K.
• Matt Thiessen, Matt Hoopes, and former bass player Brian Pittman have known each other since they were in second grade.^[6]
• Both Matt Thiessen and Dave Douglas each have two of their own side projects, respectively. Matt Thiessen has Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes, a soft and emotional project that primarily features the piano, and The Makeout Girls, a less serious side project that features his friend, Kevan Peden. Dave Douglas has Agnes, a solo rock project that features the sound of Relient K's earlier music, and Gypsy Parade, a softer project that he started with his wife.
• As a homage to their own song, the band used to encourage fans to bring Skittles and Combos to shows. While they no longer encourage it, fans still do, and often throw packages to the band. In addition, small packages of each are sometimes placed on the stage by the crew prior to performances.
• Jeremy Thiessen, the drummer for the band downhere, is not related to Matt Thiessen, though Matt does have a brother named Jeremy.^[20]
• The band has a trend of playing cover songs at their shows, and they usually pick well known songs from the 1980s or TV and Movie Themes. Songs they have covered live include "Danger Zone", "Take My Breath Away", "That Thing You Do", "The Full House Theme", "I Want It That Way" and music from Super Mario Bros.. They have also covered such artists as MC Hammer and Shania Twain in their first few years of touring.^{[citation needed]} During the band's tour following the release of Five Score And Seven Years Ago they covered Surf Wax America, which was originally performed by Weezer.
• Usually at shows, Theissen introduces the band by saying, "What's up (name of city or name of festival), we're a band from Ohio, we're called Relient K." He usually incorporates the name of the city or festival into the song "Sadie Hawkins Dance" as well, singing the words, "You're going with me... Where we going, (name of city or festival)?" The band then lets the crowd finish the line, "To the Sadie Hawkins". The band also includes the crowd during the song "Be My Escape", letting them sing part of the final chorus, after Thiessen says, "Okay, you guys, this is your turn to sing, you'll have to sing this one by yourselves".

References

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