Turn It Up To Twelve

Whatever your opinion on her, it cannot be denied that Sean Yseult is a master multi-tasker.

Also a self-confessed “collector of the macabre,” she has admitted to owning a bizarre collection of human skulls, skeletons and coffins, Yseult is unbelievably bright and cheery when you speak with her. She doesn’t dress in the colours of the deceased and her designs could not be any brighter.

That said, her most recently released design will take music fans straight back to the days of White Zombie.

White Zombie

“Back in the days of White Zombie, we were supporting Astro Creep at the time, Mike from Schecter Guitars asked me to design a bass for them. I drew something for them and I had two built for myself, but I was so busy with the band that as a project it just fell by the way side. It was discussed several times over the years and was almost totally forgotten, but then I published my book ‘I’m In The Band, Backstage Notes From The Chick In White Zombie’ and talks of the bass were reignited. Now finally in 2012 we have an end product.” Yseult makes sure to let us know that she was first… “I know Zakk Wylde produced a line of coffin guitars a few years ago, but I want everyone to know that this is not a copy. It is not a rip off. This has been a work in progress for a long, long time. I admire Zakk greatly, he is a great musician. But I did this first!” The result is a high quality Schecter, Sean Yseult signature, coffin shaped bass, which was released in late October 2012.

Another first was her appearance at Donington, Monsters of Rock in 1995. Yseult was the first female bassist to ever take the stage at the world famous concert. “Someone told me a while ago that I was one of only two women that had ever played Donington. Doro Pesch of Warlock was the other one. I have to say, it would be great to play there again.”

This is amazing in itself, because Yseult actually has a degree in graphic design! “That’s where I met Rob (Zombie), at Parsons School Of Design. I think he was studying illustration, but he didn’t stay at college too long. I stuck it out and I have my degree.” Yseult adds “Rob is very talented at whatever he does and he doesn’t need a certificate! Of course graphic design, in fact design of any kind is very different in this day and age. After 11 years in White Zombie, I had to re-learn. I took lots of 8 hour intensive courses to help me to be able to design using a computer. Now anyone can design anything online. I still think that doing things by hand is by far more individual. It shows that a person has a specific talent.”

Talent is this womans middle name. Her design line proves it. Liberty of London and Barneys, have both sold items from the designer, a line of brightly coloured scarves/chiffons, archival prints, clutch wallets and business card holders to name a few items. On a musical design theme, Yseult is also still designing CD covers!

So, from zombies, bones and coffins, to silks in high end retail outlets the world over. How the hell did that happen?

Yseult gives a little insight, “It really started when I was around six years old. I would sit and draw for hours. It would be a continual stream of conscious doodle. I was always inspired by Ziggy Stardust, Planetary type design and outer space.” A bright imagination and hours of doodle has done her proud.

Yseultdesign.com sells worldwide.

So then there is the photography. Yes, another string in the bow…

After several years of showing her photography with other artists, a first solo photography show had been completed and another imminent in New Orleans, when Yseult spoke with Headbangerwoman in October 2012.

With all of this going on, music has stayed very apparent in the life of Yseult.

Star and Dagger ladies by Leslie Van Stelten

Star and Dagger; Yseults now band is current, individual and not a cliché.

Featuring; Vocals: Von Hesseling, Bass: Yseult, Guitar: Donna She Wolf, Guitar: Dave Catching, Drums: Gene Trautmann.

Star and Dagger fairylights by Leslie Van Stelten

There are hints of Native American music, Jimi Hendrix, Hawkwind, The Doors and Black Sabbath on the songs they have produced, but no one song contains them all and there are no copies, just an edge, and air, an inspired and artistic sound. Often hypnotic; it will likely suck you in and hold you in a state of void for a while. Yseult explains; “I am not trying to be anything specific. There are these days too many categorisations and Star and Dagger came from no certain style. I personally never listened to my own music until this band and I have found myself listening to 20`s and 30`s Paris Café music. There is a lot less out there right now that is original and I feel the need to go further and further back for inspiration.”

Star and Dagger video

It will be helpful then when she travels back to the 18^th and 19^th Century, that Yseult is also classically trained on Piano and Violin!

I’m In The Band

The book is a great read…… and you can check out all things Sean Yseult if you dare by clicking the links below

http://seanyseult.com/

http://www.yseultdesigns.com/

http://www.facebook.com/staranddagger

by Karen Graham 1 December 2012