Published: June 27, 2009 11:40 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight June 2009 Edition
Van Risseghem
Van Risseghem photo credit: JonMichael Photography
Singer/Songwriter Jonathan Van Risseghem is the front man behind the band by the same name, Van Risseghem. The band has created a beautiful melodic masterpiece with their full length album titled "The Motions." Each note captures the band's enormous talents. Van Risseghem's music will leave you breathless. In a recent spotlight with the Singer/Songwriter, our Webzine gets the full scoop on Jonathan Van Risseghem and his band. Enjoy!
"If you feel you've been going through the motions, take your hands and just let go." twenty-one year old singer/songwriter Jonathan Van Risseghem sings on his new full-length release, The Motions. The motion of his music career has greatly accelerated recently, as he experiences a fast growing following throughout the Midwest. His intelligent lyrics and sparkling guitars, highlighted by an incomparably honest vocal performance, have quickly created engaging live performances in regional venues over the past year. Compiled of veterans in the Midwestern music scene, Van Risseghem (a Tulsa-native) has performed with many artists of national and regional acclaim.
Isaac: What was the best part of 2009 for you musically?
Jonathan Van Risseghem: I would definitely have to say releasing my full length album; "The Motions" was the best part so far.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2009?
Jonathan Van Risseghem: I know this sounds cliché, but releasing a full length CD is quite an exhausting effort. Especially when you're a "do it yourself" kind of guy. I tracked the majority of the CD, designed the art, wrote the songs, recruited the musicians, mixed the project, etc. After spending a year on that project, it was great to finally get it out into the ears of the public. So I feel like that's been the biggest accomplishment so far. Seeing the great reviews and features that songs off the album have gotten have been great!
Isaac: Describe the music scene in the area.
Jonathan Van Risseghem: Man, Oklahoma has a real diverse set of artists that make the music scene. Think about it...Oklahoma gave you Hanson, Safetysuite, Ludo, and The Flaming Lips amongst others. There are a lot of artists that fly under the radar. Just when you think the music scene is infected only by the bottom feeding butt-rockers, you'll discover an act is doing something successful and they have barely played half a dozen shows here. Would you have thought Shiney Toy Guns would have come from the tiny town of Shawnee, Oklahoma? Oklahoma claims a lot of savvy musicians making innovative art.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Jonathan Van Risseghem: My personal favorite to play at is a newer venue called The Marquee. It's a good sized venue with a great light and sound system. But most importantly the ownership and staff of the venue couldn't be nicer people to work with.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why...
Jonathan Van Risseghem: Paul Simon, Radiohead, and Kansas, among a lot of other artists, songwriters, and producers. I could go on and on about a lot of obscure songwriters and producers but I'll save you the rambling!
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Jonathan Van Risseghem: I feel like my music has an ability to engage the listener more than flavor of the week artists can. I think the thing that has been a pleasant surprise to me is seeing interest in my music from a wide demographic. I have the 16-24 crowd that just genuinely loves the music. But then I actually have a large amount of 30-40 year olds that really end up loving it especially on account of the lyrics. Often times kids will message me saying, "Dude...my MOM even likes your CD!!". I also have been able to balance a nice amount of Christians who connect with the spiritual side of the music. So...I guess I feel like I can offer something more than the typical "PHAT BEATZ" and hardcore breakdowns. I think more and more people are bringing real music back and I think I can offer an honesty that really grabs the listener.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Jonathan Van Risseghem: I would love to sit down and write a song with Tim Rice-Oxley or Paul Simon. I think they both have a unique writing style and would be exciting to work with.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Jonathan Van Risseghem: I would say it ventures more along the lines of brit-rock artists like Travis or Keane. Sometimes more acoustic and singer-songwriter, sometimes more driving rock and angsty. But generally, it keeps a highly melodic song structure and I like a lot of those spacey sounds. Oddly enough I listen to a lot of old 60's soul and a lot of brit-rock. I think it's a marriage between catchy melodies and the tones that I really like.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Jonathan Van Risseghem: I think the most enjoyable thing I hear is when fans say they keep playing the disc over and over again. A kid came up to me the other day and said, "Man...you know, I love hardcore music and all...but my friend borrowed me your CD and dude...it hasn't left my CD player in a week.". I have a lot of people who will buy the CD and then message me on the web saying that they've been playing it at work all week for all their co-workers. I don't do this for the ego trip of feeling like a rock star or to try and attain some attractive groupies...you know...so I think as an artist the greatest thing is to get constant feedback that your music is connecting well.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Jonathan Van Risseghem: You can find me at http://www.vanrisseghem.com. That will take you straight to my MySpace. You can also find me on Lastfm.com or Purevolume.com or whatever your favorite online music site is, I've got it. You can also order my music off of iTunes.com or Amazon.com.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Jonathan Van Risseghem: You know; I've spent a lot of the last five years working really hard to develop my art to what it is now. I'm just excited to approach the next five years with a "sky's the limit" mentality. Expect a lot of songs and performances that raise the bar.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Jonathan Van Risseghem: "No, I love YOU more!"
Isaac: Final words…
Jonathan Van Risseghem: Thanks for having me for an interview!
