Relient K's fourth studio album was released earlier this fall by Capital Records. The band's blend of Christian faith and punk pop has earned them an ever-expanding number of fans and a good measure of critical acclaim. In this Blogcritics interview, singer and guitarist Matt Thiessen answered questions about the group's vision, its future, and being a "progressive failure." More information about Relient K can be found on the band's website, relientk.com.
Unlike some of your prior efforts, your latest album features what some might say are fewer overtly "humorous" songs (such as earlier songs like "Mood Rings"). Do you feel a greater sense of introspection at this point in your lives? How exactly did you come to develop the songs found on this album?
I think a lot of this album was written from the perspective of us knowing that we're getting older. We have to be true to ourselves and write what we can be proud of. At the moment, its more serious stuff, and less of the goofy things that we've done in the past. We try not to let the subject matter stay TOO heavy, but we definitely want to make sure we're not playing songs we think are dumb. The songs on this album were mostly written about things going on in my life during the few months that we were writing.
In that regard, what is the significance (if any) of the album's title?
No significance ... just a short album title without any vowels. We thought it'd be fun to call the album 'mmhmm', because there's 100 ways to say it.
How would you characterize your musical evolution to this point?
I dunno. We're a band that learns from our mistakes and the mistakes of others. We wanted to progress, but not desert where we came from. We love melody, and we can't abandon that.
Who do you regard as your musical inspiration? What bands do you like, what songs do you listen to? What discs are you currently spinning, as they say?
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Ashley
I loved it. Its funny and I know alittle more about RK now. Witch is always good.
RELIENT K ROX! They have changed my life for the better.
2 - Feren
yay, Relient K rox my sox hard core (or hard mantle) the songs help me witness to some of my non-christian friends, especially if they ask me what some of the lyrics mean.... yay!!! i wish RK visited buffalo, NY, more often.
<3<3<3<3<3<3<3hearts
3 - Jessica Crews
I LOVE RELIENT K! I really love Matt Thiessen. Anyways, I loved the interview because the more I know about them helps me to become an even bigger fan. Relient k is a great christian influence and love them!
4 - Daniel
Relient K are definately the best christian rock act going around at the moment. They are not afriad to tell the world about the love of Jesus and what he has done for us. I really respect that and hope that they continue with the great work that has come out of their music
5 - Phillip Winn
As long as Relient K keeps putting out good music, they'll do well. Beyond that, their lack of fear and so on are somewhat irrelevant to their role as musicians.
6 - emily
RELIENT K IS A A REALLY GOOD BAND AND ON TOP OF THAT THEY ARE REALLY POSITIVE I LOVE THEM ALOT BE MY ESCAPE IS A GREAT SONG! RELIENT K KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!
7 - Anonymous
Relient K is the best!!! I love all their songs and they're sooo cool! They are a great christian influence to everybody! Loved the interview.
8 - nicki
Relient K is the best band ever, and they had me at hello...McFly that is. i love how they have grown into such a great band and that their music continues to get better! im really proud of the guys and this interview was great, matt is hilarious! i pitty the fool who dont know relient k and the jesus they serve!
9 - Lauren
i absolutly love relient K! they had me at hello...McFly, too (very cute and creative, nicki)someday my Matty will come for me and we'll make wonderful christian music together. i love that they're not afraid to say "yup, i love God."
10 - Lauren
i absolutly love relient K! they had me at hello...McFly, too (very cute and creative, nicki)someday my Matty will come for me and we'll make wonderful christian music together. i love that they're not afraid to say "yup, i love God."
11 - Lorraine
Relient K is AWESOME! and they arent afraid to say or show they love god and i respect that. but i've been a fan ever since they first started haha but anywayz I LOVE RELIENT K! the interview was great by the way :) laterz and much love!
12 - satan
Well, have you checked out the new manson cd/dvd? I recently joined the church of satinism, very cool.
13 - ashley
Relient K is so awesome and they are coming to Michigan!!!!! I love their attitude and the fact that they are not afraid to say that they love God!
14 - Becky
Satan, there is no such thing. Stop being on here, not everything is about you. Selfish&dumb
15 - Becky
I LOVE RK!!!!!!! Im making a 24 by 24 poster of pictures of them for my web class and it looks so awesome. They are seriously amazing and I love their music.
God owns all. =)
16 - blanca
relient k is an awsome band. i was having a hard time trying to find christian music thst i liked and relient k is agreat christian band i like. thanks for all your effort in your music
17 - lawand jones
I absolutely adore Relient K! Not only are some of their lyrics hysterically random (woohoo for randomness!) most of their songs have great spiritual depth. I admire what the band is and who the band members are as inviduals. Relient K is different from any other band and they have really had a positive influence on my life. Matty T., Matt Hoopes, Dave Douglas, John Schneck and John Warne are really special people that GOd is using to reach the nations! sorry this is so long. all in all, rk rocks my socks off!!!
18 - sara
I LOVE RELIENT K. They rock. I listen to them everyday. I am doing a report on them in class. They are my favorite band. I can express that i love god in my favorite way...music!
19 - becky
I LOVE RELIENT K! THEY ARE THE BEST. ITS KOOL HOW THE CAN EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS ABOUT GOD IN SUCH A WAY. THANKS SO MUCH RK. I LOVE YOU!
20 - Andie
Thankyou relient K , your music has helped me go throgh hardships. Your the best rock band I ever heard , God bless you. Relient K Rules!
21 - Courtney
I loved the inteeveiw! The more I know about Matt the beter! lol Relient K is sooo awesome!
22 - Stacey
They are geniuses in so many ways.
God bless.
23 - Erin
I LOVE RK!!!!
i love the way like all of u hav said they can express there christianity thru music. More than Usless is the one song i listen to everyday it helped me put up with my mom mentaly abusing me. I hope everyone can one day find the glory of god and the awesomeness of Relient K!!!
(P.S WOOHOO FOR RANDOMNESS!!!)
24 - Brooke Selover
I luv Relient K! not just because thier christian (although that is an AWESOME thing) but because thier musi is wonderful and cool and awesome and any other positive adjective!
Matt T.-
if ur reading this, i think ur "punny" songs r rilly cool...
25 - personlol
rk kicks ass i meen come on ne one can love this music thay are loved by all kinds of people in this world not only christian people im a christian but my friend arnt but thay like rk too so ya guys keep it up and PS YOU MIGHT WANT TO THINK ABOUT COMEING TO ALASKA SOME DYA ((( MAYBE ????? BUT O YA --- SATEN* yes i have seen the new marlon manson cd he's not too bad i guess lol i like him lol kisses xoxoxoxoxoxox and all you little wana b's fuc* off eat a dic* and die slowy