Relient K is definitely a band that one cannot easily put in a mold. Their music is a unique blend of Christian faith lyrics and punk rock that attracts both a Christian and non-Christian audience. The band has received numerous awards including a Grammy nomination in 2003 for Best Rock Gospel Album and two Dove Awards for Best Rock Album in 2004 and 2006.
Breathecast.com met up with Jon Schneck and Jon Warne before their performance at the New York Hammerstein Ballroom. What is so great about these guys is that they are downright witty, talented and down to earth.

Relient K includes: Matt Thiessen (vocals, guitars, piano), Matt Hoopes (guitars, vocals), Jon Schneck (guitars, banjo, bells, vocals), John Warne (bass, vocals), Dave Douglas (dums, vocals)


How has the tour with Switchfoot and Ruth been going?
We've do e 6 shows, now we have 1,2,3,4,5,7,8 more shows left.
You know we always look forward to the end of the tour and you go back home, you know. You go back home and rest a bit, but I'm really sad about this tour ending. It is really good. Everyone on the tour is really, really cool. I like the music of the bands we touring with. There music is not something that we can get sick of after a while, they really cool.

Is this your first time with them?
Yeah

You've been on so many tours already, but on this particular tour, are there any memorable particular moments that really stand out for you?
Hmm… I am trying to think. I went to Brooklyn for the first time today. I cant think of any crazy stories… I wish I had a great story, I don't though.

Both you guys and Switchfoot have been popular both among a Christian and also non-Christian audience. What do you think it is about your music that makes it appealing to both these types of fans?
I think this is just a very basic message. It is not actually a very spiritual message that we give off. It's the thing that fans are kind of use to. It's something that people can relate to because a lot of the things we write about are things that people go through throughout their lives, whether it is with a relationship, whether it is with friends or something I think every kind of person can relate to what the song is about.

Do you think there is an overly Christian message in the songs?
Well there are themes in the songs like hope, forgiveness, redemption and so on. There are big thing that anyone can relate to because they are all part of the human experience if you will. Regardless if you are Christian, there is still forgiveness and grace in people's lives.

Do you ever go the bible for inspiration?
Well Matt is our song writer. You know, he just writes from his experiences and his faith is obviously a huge part of his life, just like it is for the rest of us. So it will come across.

If you were to pick a song from an album that represents your life right now. Which would it be and why? Why the significance of that particular song.
"Wow, That's a questions! (laugh) I would say probably a song that says “You just wasted 10 seconds of your life.” I would say maybe that is the best one. ?Because I'm really happy right now.

Is there a particular person in the band who is the like the spiritual leader?
I don't know if there is anyone of us that is more that way than any other.

So there is balance then. How would you define your roles in the band, like who is “the organizer”, “the funny guy”… any titles like that?
(Jon Schneck talking about John Warne) I would say you are the brain.
Jon - Like whenever someone has a question about a dictionary word or something like that, they always go to him.

Oh, so you are a brainy one?
John - I don't know about that but I often get referred to as that. Well I'm the one that they go to if they have computer problems.

Gee, I need you in my life! I have the worst luck with computers. How about you Jon, what's your role?
Oh I don't know. I don't think I even have a title. Maybe Pop culture.
John - Schneck has a fantasy with comics and toys, yeah pop culture. He is the spice of life! (laugh)
Jon - yeah, I like action figures, toys and things.

I can just imagination what your room looks like.
Yeah. Most of it's in boxes. My wife doesn't like it there. But one day, I will have a room and I'll unpack it all. (laugh)

Have you heard any great fan testimonies, maybe had a fan come up to you and share how one of your songs has touched their lives?
I have heard a lot. The cool thing is it happens a lot with different stories and songs. It is kinda of cool. It kind of means something to somebody and means something to somebody else. I think that is kinda of a cool thing. Yeah a lot of it is general like “Your song s helped me get through the first semester of college or different hard parts” or “someone past away and your songs were special to me”. It is hugely humbling and an amazing experience to be a part of something like that.

I read that Dave Douglas (drummer) is leaving the band. We really sad! Obviously, he contributed his musical talents to the band, but what else you will miss about him as a person.
His intensity. I would say it has to be that. Yeah, whatever he is into, he is definitely into. He wants to know everything, like if he is talking about a specific subject or whatever. He's just gotta know all the facts and the history behind it. He is very passionate guy.

Do you have any plans to start recruiting someone?
We haven't started the process. We had some people say that they were interested in the position, but we haven't pursued it. Right now we are looking to wait until mid January to start it then.

If you weren't musicians what would you be doing?
Jon - I would be with my folks still. (laugh)
John - I went to school for mechanical engineering. So I would be doing something very nerdy, I'm sure.
Jon - I would probably go to college to be a teacher. I always wanted to do that.

A high school teacher?
Probably younger, elementary or middle scholars.

You have the fifth album is out, you currently on tour now. What can we expect from you Relient K in the near future?
Your guess is as good as mine. I think the next thing on the agenda is to probably find a drummer to play in shows, we will probably start with that.

Do you have any prayer topics?
Just that everything can go well, stay safe, stay healthy and all the basics.
We are working with Habitat for Humanity on this tour. So we really want to encourage readers to check them out. If they would be so kind to give some of their time and their donations, they are really good organization. I didn't know anything about them before but I got just a smattering of information about them on the tour. So I encourage you guys to check them out. All you guys have to do is show up as long as you willing to help. ?

http://www.habitat.org/