Matthew Arnold Thiessen (born on August 12, 1980 in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada) most notably is the lead singer, guitarist, pianist, and primary songwriter for the Christian rock band Relient K. He founded the band with fellow guitarist Matt Hoopes and bassist Brian Pittman in 1997. His songs generally draw influence from both his Christian faith and adolescent past. His parents were divorced when he was only six years old. Later, his mother remarried and he moved to Canton, Ohio.