Hello, I’m Matthijs.
This is my portfolio.
This is what I do.
Photography
Musicians between songs. Landscapes that look like they remember something. People caught in an unguarded moment. That’s mostly what I’m after.
Videography
A band setting up. The moment before the first take. The song that only works when the room is right. That’s what I’m trying to catch — whether that’s a concert, a session, or a music video. If you have something in mind, I’d like to hear it.
The Influences
The Influences started in 2008 with a simple question: where does music come from? Eighteen years, a book and 400 artists later, it’s still the same question. The YouTube channel has grown into an archive of over 1200 intimate performances, filmed in locations across the globe.
Internal communications
I work as an internal communications advisor — advising management, guiding change processes, and helping organizations say what they actually mean.
This is who I am.
Somewhere between journalist, filmmaker, and someone who spends too much time in old buildings with a camera — that’s probably the most honest description.
I started The Influences in 2008 because I wanted to know where music comes from. Seventeen years and 1400 videos later, I’m still asking. Alongside that, I work as a freelance photographer and filmmaker, and as an internal communications advisor.
1400
videos on YouTube
27K
subscribers
See something you like?
Well, that’s just their opinion…
”
Matthijs van der Ven welcomed me with open arms, and even though I was really nervous that day, he managed to make me smile. He’s warm, grounded, and his heart beats for music! Thank you so much for letting me share some of my favorite songs with you and for the lovely conversation, Matthijs.
— Stine Andreassen (Norway)
”
Sometimes you meet people who relentlessly work to bring art out into the world, to listeners all over. No short cuts, all heart, all art – and skills. Matthijs, the person behind The Influences, is that kind of person. And The Influences is that kind of initiative. The last time he was in Oslo he didn’t just do a couple sessions in a couple random spaces, he did so so many sessions in the most beautiful places, and always brought an atmosphere of kindness, calm and creativity. Forever thankful for him and the dedication he brings to the table.
— Malin Pettersen (Norway)
”
Matthijs is diligent, decent, soft spoken but hard working. Highly recommended.
— Sidney Vollmer
”
I have come to know Matthijs as a genuinely dedicated person. He is one of those rare people who will continue to pursue the projects he really believes in, sometimes for years on end and sometimes against the odds. This persuasion has yielded some fascinating and expansive projects. I have found Matthijs to have his very own style in working with me and others: he is direct, no-nonsense, very down to earth and extremely loyal. He keeps his promises. We also laughed a lot while working.
— Ramses Singeling
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Substantively strong and always connected to the organization – that is how I experienced Matthijs as a strategic communications advisor. He knows what is going on within the organization, advises and writes clearly and purposefully, and always manages to strike the right tone.
In short, I wholeheartedly recommend working with Matthijs if you are looking for a communications professional who effortlessly combines strategy, humanity, and humor.
— Bianca Strijker-van Dragt
”
Matthijs made a fantastic music video for Oi Va Voi which was innovative and of excellent quality. He was both professional and fun to work with. The band had a great day filming on the canals and we were all very happy with the finished result. I highly recommend Matthijs as a film maker and editor.
— Nik Ammar
© 2026 Matthijs van der Ven
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KVK 71987908
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BTW NL001798605B85