Sean Yseult Interview

Besides being a respected musician, you have also been involved with photography and design. When did you start being interested in those subjects?

As a child I was always drawing abstract designs; our parents surrounded us with abstract coloring books and psychedelic rock posters, so it seemed normal. In high school I attended the North Carolina School of the Arts, and received a scholarship to stay on campus for the fine arts department. I clicked with photography immediately and had a great instructor, Michael Avedon. From high school I received a scholarship to Parsons School of Design in NYC. This is where Rob and I met and started White Zombie – we were both attending Parsons, as were our first drummer and guitarist.

What are your memories about your first days as a designer and as a photographer?

For photography, it was just exciting to create scenarios and put exactly what you want in the frame. I delved into infra-red film for quite a while too, and always loved the ghostly effects. For design, I loved creating the design, and then seeing the finished product, but loathed the whole business side of having to sell product.

Henry Rollins Interview

During the years you’ve written several books. What inspires you?

I am inspired by what makes me curious. Most of my books are travel oriented as in touring and seeing the world. A lot of that comes from curiosity. So, the writing goes outward from there. When I was younger, the writing more self-involved and introspective and now it’s more journalism. Perhaps that’s an age thing.

If you could make a movie or documentary based on any of your books or even asong lyrics, which one would you choose? Why?

It would probably be the new book Occupants, which is photographs and essays. It would have been great to have had a film crew on some of those trips where I got the photos.

Matt Barlow Interview

What were the reasons that made you want to become a police officer?

I really felt a sense of pride and personal responsibility because each of my family members had served in the military / law enforcement.  I wanted to contribute to the community and have a stable environment for raising a family.

Do you remember your first assignment as a police officer? How did it go?

I remember trying to get used to shift work…man, that was rough!  It’s pretty difficult working through the night on a twelve hour shift.  I’m much better at it now…I think.

Angela Gossow Interview

A few months ago Arch Enemy teamed up with Amnesty International on tour to support the “Expression of Freedom” campaign. Can you tell us a little about the experience and the message behind it? it sounds very interesting

AI is running a campaign called Art4Amnesty, where all kinds of artists with different ethnic, political and social background get involved in actively promoting AI’s human rights messages. We support the ‘Freedom Of Expression’ campaign as the topic is naturally very close to our hearts. We are fortunate to live in a part of the world where we can communicate our thoughts and beliefs without being threatened or punished for it. We want to raise awareness that this freedom is not the norm in other parts of the world. Many artists are being punished by governments for their visual art, music or general message. We hope one day everybody will be able to express themselves freely! AI came along with us on tour in Europe and the US, they had booths and campaigners at our shows, collecting signatures, giving out flyers and recruiting new supporters. The collaboration was very successful and I am proud of our fans and the metal scene to have the courage to get actively involved and practice.. not just preach!