The Skyliner

Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: News

Jennilyn Dempsey
Staff Writer


They've been "In Love with the '80s" for quite awhile, but after ten years Relient K is on its "Deathbed." CCM Magazine recently reported that Matt Thiessen, lead singer of Relient K, has left the band to pursue his side projects. He admits, "We found that the band's success was distracting us from our families. Also, we wanted to pursue other interests."

His solo piano career, named Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes, began in 1998 around the same time Relient K formed. Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes plan to begin touring next January.

Theissen and his friend Kevan Peden also have a side project called The Makeout Girls (we're not kidding here). They would like to release an album in late 2009.

Matt Hoopes, Relient K's lead guitarist, currently plays for Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes, but he will not continue with the project.

"My wife and I will be blessed with another child in October, and I cannot be on tour for obvious reasons," Hoopes said in an interview with CCM. He will begin working as a contract manager for Capitol Records in Nashville.

Jon Schneck, guitarist and banjo player, will also be a contract manager at Capitol. He will continue to give guitar lessons at his home.

John Warne, bassist, plans to pursue an addition to the second volume of My Other Band, a compilation project from Christian artists.
Ethan Luck, drummer, will focus his attention on his guitar career with the Christian metalcore band Demon Hunter.

The members of Relient K hope to give occasional benefit concerts and will remain close friends.


*By the way, Happy April Fools Day! Rest assured that Relient K is still together and touring.

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