Christian rockers reach
MTV crowd
Relient K brings its pop-punk music to the MSU Auditorium
Anne Erickson - October 27, 2005
California has long been considered the reigning hotbed of pop-infused punk, but don't tell that to Relient K.
With its current disc, "Mmhmm," debuting at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, this Canton, Ohio-based group is bringing some pop-punk recognition to the Midwest.
Turn on MTV or MTV2, and chances are you'll catch Relient K's music video for its hit single, "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been."
"We're super grateful for all the success we've had," said lead guitarist Matt Hoopes. "When we started out, we never thought of going past high school, so being able to still do this when we're 24, 25 is really cool."
The group, which plays the MSU Auditorium Wednesday, crafts upbeat, ultra-catchy pop-punk nuggets, reminiscent of a happier Blink-182 or Sum 41. Lyrics are thoughtful and heartfelt; they deal with the question many young people face: "Where is my place in life?"
Some songs are outright funny; others are serious. But all tunes, in some way, reflect Relient K's faith and spirituality.
"We write songs mostly about personal experiences we've had, and our faith is a part of that," said Hoopes. "Our Christianity definitely affects who we are as people, and who we are as people comes across in our songs."
Relient K got its start more than 5 years ago. The guys signed with Christian label Gotee Records; they toured the country for years; in the end, they sold more than 1 million records.
Relient K inked with the big time last year: Capitol Records.
Being on a major label meant heftier gigs for the band, including a prime spot on last summer's Vans Warped Tour, the nation's longest-running touring festival.
"We'd been to the Warped Tour before to watch other bands play, but we didn't have any idea of what to expect as a performer," Hoopes said. "It was a lot of work, but it was really cool to be out there with some of our favorite bands, like (hard-core punk band) Thrice."
Another one of Relient K's favorite bands? Christian pop-punk vet MxPx.
Lucky for the guys, Relient K is currently trekking across the nation with MxPx, including Wednesday's show.
It's something of a dream gig for Relient K.
"A couple years ago we made a list of the bands that we wanted to tour with, and MxPx was No. 1, so it's cool to actually be doing it," said Hoopes. "They're a huge reason why we're a band, and a huge influence for us, especially early on. To go to their shows in high school and to now be able to tour with them is a pretty cool experience."
What to expect from Wednesday's show? Believe it or not, a "TGIF" theme. You know, "TGIF" - all those Friday-night shows today's twentysomethings grew up watching on ABC.
"We start out the set with the 'Family Matters' theme song," Hoopes said. "It's funny, because most of our fans probably watched those shows on reruns after school. But they all know the songs, so that's been a fun thing."
Relient K's new disc, the "Apathetic EP," hits stores Nov. 8. It features acoustic versions of a few popular songs, plus four brand new tracks.
Show details: Relient K, MxPx, Rufio, 8 p.m. Wednesday, MSU Auditorium on campus; $20, $10 for students.