Music Review of The Motions by Van Risseghem

By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA

Recently, we interview this awesome band who is making a big splash into the music scene. One of the main reasons why I was drawn to the band was due in large to the overall style of music that I heard when I was listening to their CD. Van Risseghem has created a solid sound that is easily recognizable to Alternative/Pop/Rock music fans. In particular, the single titled “On My Way” solidifies Van Risseghem’s position within the music industry as one of the premiere Alternative/Rock/Pop bands to look out for in the near future. What makes this single along with the rest of what Van Risseghem has to offer fantastic is its melodic tune with catchy lyrics; this is heard throughout the CD titled The Motions.

If you are looking for a CD that is full of creativity, full of passion, and full of catchy lyrics, then The Motions by Van Risseghem is the perfect choice.

The Motions gets a solid A+

Band Members:

Jonathan Van Risseghem
Alexander Coleman
Joshua Davidson
Casey Meyering
Kristen Howald


Want to know more about the band; check out this Q&A below:

Q. First of all, How do you pronounce your name?

Jonathan Van Risseghem: You pronounce it, "van – riss – egg –hem". In your head, try picturing a van, a wrist, an egg, and a ham and sort of mush it all together and you have "Van Risseghem".

Q. You’ve grown up in Tulsa, OK. You’re 21 and singing a unique blend of rock music. What did you start out doing and how would you describe your music?

Jonathan Van Risseghem: What I started out doing and still am, is to try and just make good music. Forget all the current trends, genre associations, clothing styles, production budget, marketing gimmicks, and just make good honest music. My music doesn’t have any phat beatz or breakdowns or growls, and doesn’t require any eye-liner or lots of hairspray; I stick to my melodic rock.

Q. What type of music inspires you; I mean, who are your biggest influences?

Jonathan Van Risseghem: Man, I’m big on anything with a killer melody and a great delivery. I love great Brit-Rock acts like Radiohead or Keane, Classic acts like Paul Simon and Kansas, and even some "new" acts like Paper Route and Augustana are always in rotation.

Q. Is there a particular lyrical theme to your new CD The Motions ?

Jonathan Van Risseghem: I had a lot of songs to pick from but the songs on The Motions all fit together topically. The prevalent theme to The Motions is letting go. Whether it’s letting go of a relationship or letting go of the control you think you have of your life. Obviously that would be a pretty depressing subject if there weren’t songs about what to hold on to, so there’s a lot about that as well. There’s a general appreciation of living a positive life on this CD.

Q. You refer to your faith in some of your songs, but it’s really not a religious album, is it?

Jonathan Van Risseghem: I wouldn’t say so. I do definitely make religious reference in certain songs to add dimension. Religion is an undercurrent affecting the direction of most every person’s life. So far no one has been deterred by that. People have connected with the music very well both in 21+ venues and in churches.

Q. All of the songs on this album are your original work, aren’t they?

Jonathan Van Risseghem: When I perform live I like to occasionally bust out a cover of Elvis Costello’s "Let Him Dangle", but everything recorded is always an original work.

Q. Who worked on this album with you? And whose music have you been a student, or fan, of?

Jonathan Van Risseghem: Well, I tracked most all the instruments here in Tulsa. A guy named Barak Tschirhart played some French Horn on some tracks and a guy named Leo Kram recorded some violins. Each song definitely has a touch of ethereal to it. You’re not getting your typical 4 piece rock band arrangements. I also have a full band of killer musicians who play these songs with me live.

Q. Obviously you’ve remained an independent artist. How does an independent artist go about doing the usual marketing and touring?

Jonathan Van Risseghem: The internet, baby. It allows me to effectively distribute CDs online, communicate with venues and promoters to book shows. You have online stores that track where people are buying your product the most. You’re able to check out what legitimate bands are in other cities and states and work with them affectively.