When pop-punk royalty meets mainstream pop superstardom, unexpected creative bridges get built. The songwriting partnership between Relient K frontman Matt Thiessen and global pop icon Katy Perry stands out as a fascinating crossover in modern music history. Long before their respective corners of the industry fully collided on mainstream charts, both artists shared a personal history that eventually translated into behind-the-scenes studio collaborations.
At its core, this creative alliance yielded notable track credits like "Long Shot"—famously recorded by Kelly Clarkson—and "Dressin' Up" from Perry's Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection. Understanding how these two distinct musical worlds intersected requires looking past the surface-level trivia and examining the actual songwriting rooms where these tracks took shape.
The Origins of the Connection
Long before Katy Perry became a household name with multi-platinum pop anthems, she and Matt Thiessen crossed paths in the mid-2000s. They dated for a period, forming a lasting friendship that endured long after their romantic relationship ended.
During this era, Thiessen was deeply entrenched in writing clever, hook-laden alternative rock and pop-punk for Relient K, while Perry was navigating the grueling early stages of her major-label journey, transitioning from gospel music to secular pop. Because they traveled in overlapping creative circles, bouncing melody ideas off each other felt natural. Their shared history laid the groundwork for professional co-writing sessions once Perry's career skyrocketed.
Decoding the Major Co-Writes
The creative synergy between the two artists officially materialized on a few key tracks that showcase Thiessen's distinct melodic sensibilities blending with Perry's vocal delivery and branding.
"Long Shot"
Originally written by Katy Perry, Matt Thiessen, and legendary producer Glen Ballard, "Long Shot" became one of the standout cuts on Kelly Clarkson's 2009 studio album, All I Ever Wanted. Perry even recorded her own version of the track, which leaked and gained a cult following among fans.
- The Sound: The song relies heavily on driving pop-rock instrumentation, merging Clarkson's powerhouse vocals with the kind of emotional, guitar-driven urgency that defined Thiessen's work with Relient K.
- The Structure: Built around a soaring chorus and vulnerable lyricism, it exemplifies mid-2000s pop-rock craftsmanship.
"Dressin' Up"
Released in 2012 on Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection, "Dressin' Up" featured writing credits from Perry, Thiessen, Tricky Stewart, and Monte Neuble.
- The Sound: Unlike the organic rock feel of "Long Shot," this track leans into sleek, dance-pop production.
- The Contribution: Thiessen's involvement brought an infectious structural rhythm to the verses, proving his capacity to adapt his writing style outside the alternative rock genre. You can read more about pop songwriting structures on Billboard.
Why the Collaboration Works
Critics often pigeonhole artists based on the genres they initially conquer, but great songwriters transcend those boundaries. Thiessen possesses a rare knack for constructing sticky, conversational hooks that translate smoothly from indie rock bands to stadium pop acts.
When writing for or with Perry, he brought a lyrical wit and structural discipline honed over years of crafting intricate pop-punk anthems. Meanwhile, Perry brought her distinct theatricality and bold pop vision. This cross-pollination of ideas kept the output fresh, avoiding the cookie-cutter feel of modern assembly-line pop music. For further reading on industry publishing standards, check out BMI.
Common Misconceptions About the Partnership
Because information travels fast and mutates online, several myths surround this creative relationship. Clearing them up helps paint an accurate picture of what actually happened in the studio.
- Myth 1: They wrote all of One of the Boys together. While Thiessen has writing and vocal credits on various early projects and demos from that era, Perry worked with an extensive roster of heavyweight producers and writers like Dr. Luke and Max Martin for her mainstream breakout.
- Myth 2: It was strictly a brief professional arrangement. Fans sometimes assume industry co-writers only meet via label matchmaking. In this case, a genuine pre-existing friendship facilitated a comfortable and collaborative creative space.
- Myth 3: Thiessen abandoned rock music to write pop. Throughout his career, he has continuously balanced fronting Relient K, releasing side projects like Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes, and occasional pop co-writing stints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Matt Thiessen perform on any Katy Perry tracks?
While Thiessen primarily contributed as a co-writer, his distinct background vocals and guitar work can be heard sprinkled across various rock and pop projects from that era, though his main footprint with Perry remains rooted in the songwriting credits.
Are Matt Thiessen and Katy Perry still in touch?
Yes. Interviews over the years confirm that they maintain a friendly relationship, having transitioned from dating in their younger years to supporting each other's respective milestones in the music industry.
What other mainstream pop artists has Matt Thiessen written for?
Beyond his extensive catalog with Relient K, Thiessen co-wrote the massive global smash hit "Good Time" by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen, as well as tracks for Kelly Clarkson and Machine Gun Kelly.
Why did "Long Shot" end up with Kelly Clarkson instead of Katy Perry?
Artists frequently write songs that fit other performers better during specific album cycles. Perry recorded a version that leaked online, but the track found its official home on Clarkson's All I Ever Wanted album, matching Clarkson's vocal range and artistic direction at the time.
