Matt Hoopes
As the steadfast guitarist of Relient K, his driving riffs and harmonic backing vocals defined the sound of a generation of pop-punk.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American guitarist·Birthday: February 15·Millennials
Biography
Matt Hoopes has been the consistent, grounding force behind Relient K's energetic sound since its inception in a Canton, Ohio garage. While co-founder Matt Thiessen handled most of the songwriting and frontman duties, Hoopes provided the band's musical backbone with his crisp, melodic guitar work and reliable backing vocals. His style, blending punk energy with intricate, hook-laden melodies, helped propel albums like 'Mmhmm' and 'Five Score and Seven Years Ago' to mainstream success. Hoopes avoided the spotlight, instead focusing on the craft of performance and the band's internal dynamic, contributing to their remarkable longevity in a volatile music scene. His partnership with Thiessen stands as one of the most enduring creative collaborations in modern alternative rock, a quiet engine driving a band that soundtracked the lives of millions.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matt was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-founded Relient K, which has sold over 2 million albums in the United States.
- Played on and co-produced the band's breakthrough album 'Mmhmm,' which was certified Gold.
- Contributed to over ten studio albums, maintaining the band's core sound across two decades.
- Performed on numerous major tours, including the Vans Warped Tour, and international headline runs.
Did You Know?
He is an avid fan of the DC Comics superhero Green Lantern.
He studied graphic design in college and has contributed to the band's album artwork.
He and Matt Thiessen were high school friends before forming the band.
He is known for using Fender Telecaster guitars as his primary instrument.
“The riff has to serve the song, even if it means playing three chords for three minutes.”
