Relient K’s current members are Matt Thiessen (lead vocals), Matt Hoopes (lead guitar), Jon Schneck (rhythm guitar), Luke Preston (bass) and Christian Zawacki (drums). The American rock band was formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio, by Thiessen, Hoopes and bassist Brian Pittman while they were in high school, and it is named after Hoopes’ car, a Plymouth Reliant K, with the spelling changed to avoid trademark problems.
Thiessen and Hoopes are the only members who have been in every line-up. The drum stool in particular changed hands often in the early years. Here is every official member, with roles and years.
Matt Thiessen (1998–present)
Co-founder, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, who also plays keyboards, piano and occasional trumpet.
Matt Hoopes (1998–present)
Co-founder and lead guitarist, also on backing and occasional lead vocals. The band’s name comes from his car.
Brian Pittman (1998–2004)
The third co-founder, on bass until 2004.
Todd Frascone (1998)
The band’s first drummer, in 1998.
Stephen Cushman (1998–2000)
Drummer and backing vocalist from 1998 to 2000.
Brett Schoneman (2000)
One of two drummers who passed through in 2000.
Jared Byers (2000)
The other short-term drummer in 2000.
Dave Douglas (2000–2007, 2016–2023)
Drummer and backing vocalist from 2000 to 2007, the years that included Mmhmm (2004). He returned as a touring and session musician from 2014 to 2016 and as a member from 2016 to 2023.
John Warne (2004–2013)
Took over bass from Pittman in 2004 and sang backing and occasional lead vocals until 2013.
Jon Schneck (2005–2015, 2021–present)
Rhythm guitarist who also plays banjo, mandolin and percussion and sings backing and occasional vocals. He rejoined in 2021.
Ethan Luck (2007–2013)
Drummer from 2007 to 2013 and rhythm guitarist from 2007 to 2010. He also sang backing and occasional lead vocals and returned on bass in 2022.
Tom Breyfogle (2016–2017)
Bassist and backing vocalist in 2016–2017, after touring and session work on bass from 2014 to 2016 and on drums from 2013 to 2014.
Mark Lee Townsend (2016–2017)
Guitarist and backing vocalist in 2016 and 2017.
Jake Germany (2017)
Keyboardist and backing vocalist in 2017.
Luke Preston (2025–present)
The current bassist and backing vocalist. He toured with the band in 2023 and 2024 before becoming a member in 2025.
Christian Zawacki (2025–present)
The current drummer, since 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who founded Relient K? Matt Thiessen, Matt Hoopes and Brian Pittman, in Canton, Ohio, in 1998.
- Why is the band called Relient K? It is named after Matt Hoopes’ Plymouth Reliant K, spelled differently to avoid trademark infringement.
- What is Relient K’s most successful album? Five Score and Seven Years Ago (2007), which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
- Has Relient K won awards? They received a Grammy nomination in 2004 for Best Rock Gospel Album and have won two Dove Awards.
For more pop-punk and Christian rock bands, see the complete lists of Switchfoot band members, Jars of Clay band members and Simple Plan band members.
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