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When a band forms, its members usually think it will last forever -- me and my band of brothers out to conquer the world. Later, reality sets in and the group inevitably splinters with members going their separate ways. Those who really have something special, however, march on unfazed, and, if they're lucky, find an enduring chemistry. For some, the process is disheartening. For others, it steels their resolve to move forward with their musical endeavors. It appears that we've found a pair of young, like-minded acts that are celebrating a dual CD release party this weekend at The Marquee, 222 N. Main. Van Risseghem and Astellaway may approach it from different angles, but each represents an engaging and positive take on indie pop with its respective CDs. Perhaps most intriguing is the full-length debut from Van Risseghem. This is Jonathan Van Risseghem's baby, allowing him to present his songs more completely than his solo acoustic shows have afforded him. Easily one of the most engaging pop records to emerge in the first quarter of the year, Van Risseghem's The Motions combines elements form the singer/songwriter, pop and soul genres to create a sound that's familiar but not pinned down. The project edges closer to the sound and style of early Hero Factor (perhaps due to the layered keyboards or to the understated vocals); but more often than not, it's a mélange that can't be defined. "That was my main goal with this CD," Jonathan said. "When people ask what Van Risseghem sounds like, I say, 'For it to be indefinable.' The goal was to not sound like this or that. Kind of like if someone asks what Kansas sounds like -- it just sounds like Kansas, like The Beatles sound like The Beatles. "Part of what I'm proud of is this is a record that my grandparents like -- and sincerely like the music, not just because it's their grandson and they're proud of me," he continued. "At the same time, it's also a record that my little sister likes, someone who listens to totally different stuff." The nine songs on The Motions do cover a broad swath of styles. When asked about influences and what he listens to, Van Risseghem said, "I listened to a lot of Paul Simon when I was recording this. And Brit rock, like Radiohead and Remy Zero, and a lot of R&B -- old, '60s and '70s R&B that has a good sense of melody and rhythm. "Like Otis Redding," he continued, explaining his love for classic rhythm and blues. "I remember the first time I heard 'Sitting on the Dock of the Bay' when I was 16 or 17 years old. It just captured that mood so perfectly and did it with such a dang good melody." As you might surmise, melodies are essential to Van Rissghem's material, but the real strength is in the overall songwriting and structures. As a multi-instrumentalist who can play guitar, piano, bass and a number of other instruments, Jonathan is secure in his writing and playing, with a clear sense of direction. "Songwriting should be of the nature, that, if you can play it with one instrument or play it with 90, it would still be a good song either way," Jonathan said. After playing with other bands, Jonathan decided to strike out on his own roughly a year ago. He has since played a number of solo acoustic gigs while writing and recording his debut CD. With the new album complete, he has now assembled a band to perform the songs in a more expanded form. Beyond the song structures, however, are thoughtful lyrics with spiritual undertones. Jonathan said that he grew up in church and ended up in Tulsa when the family moved for his father to attend Rhema. As a result, faith is a strong theme in his songs without being overbearing. Instead of sounding preachy, Jonathan was more interested in vocalizing his faith in a manner accessible to anyone. "Everyone knows what it's like to feel like you're not living up to standards and most people can relate to feeling love beyond infatuation," he said. "I just tried to share that so these songs could be played in bars and still appreciated."

So lately I’ve been catching myself playing Burnout: Paradise while pumping this guys’ tracks. “Who is he” you say? He’s none other than Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Jonathan Van Risseghem. Don’t be intimated by his complex looking last name, because it’s fairly easy to pronounce: “riss - egg - hem.” You’re going to want to remember that because this guy is beginning to explode all over the Midwest. Van Risseghem was kind enough to send me his album a few weeks back, and I must say that it’s been playing constantly on my XBOX and in my car while I drive. He boasts a style that’s very reminiscent of classic folk. Now, that’s not to say that he’s just an “old-school wannabe”. No, no my friends, far beyond that. I meant that he has the same passion, and joy for creating music that has been almost entirely lost with today’s artists, and it truly shines in his work. The album opens up with a very poppy track titled “Love, Again.” This track has got to be my favorite track on the album. The album also changes tempo with each track from the faster opening track, to more solemn offerings like “We Are All Full of Love.” Other notable tracks include “The Motions”, and my other favorite “On My Way.” One thing that truly compliments his talent, is his solid band. Even though Van Risseghem is a solo artist, the band is just as important as he is. The solid guitar riffs, the brass, the organs, and the snappy drums all come together to make all of the pieces complete. However, as often as the tempo changes, one thing remains consistent: Great lyrics. He illustrates experiences that just feel near and dear to us. Like we’ve lived it one time or another. The music seems to just tug on the hidden emotions that we’ve locked away in our hearts, and brings them out full spectrum. If there ever was a way to physically paint a picture using just words, then I believe that Van Risseghem has that power. He is a talented individual that’s up there with the likes of Jason Mraz, and William Fitzsimmons. I for one am looking forward to the type of splash that he will make as he gains more notoriety throughout the states. Truly this is an artist that uses the trade to its full capacity. I’m excited to see what’s next for him and his band.

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!