INTERVIEW WITH THE NEW STAR OF LA CHANSON FRANÇAISE, YSEULT

I hear that you've been doing a lot of soul-searching following your appearance on Nouvelle Star in 2014. Were there times when you were afraid that everything would come to a halt?

No, not at all. You have to accept that you need time to discover who you are, to find the best path for you. I'll always keep making music whether I'm in or out of the industry. I know I have been gathering a community of followers for five years. They loyally support me.

Do you feel you've changed over the past five years?

Perhaps I feel more attached to my love of art, beautiful things and contemplative films, developing a story and providing an opportunity to explore true form—like in Corps, where an outfit was created from a mould of my own body. I also accepted the fact that being independent is not about taking an elitist approach. It is more about being a complete artist, in the sense that I produce my own work, I'm my own manager and I am much more aware of what happens to my image. I handle everything, right up to the last detail. It fuels my artistic process and people feel it. So yes, I have gained experience, but on a personal level, I haven't really changed.

"Blanche", "Rouge", "Noir": Why do you like naming your tracks and EPs this way?

It allows me to channel my energy and avoid spreading myself too thin musically. "Rouge" reflects a more sensual, slightly chill aspect of my personality. Whereas "Noir" has a darker, more introspective, unfiltered side. It was important for me to separate these two perspectives rather than bringing them together in a kind of jumbled project that I couldn't take on and defend. Besides, it allows me to move forward clearly, knowing which part I want to explore further for the album.

Your latest EP "Noir", is very intimate. Isn't it difficult to give so much of yourself behind the mic?

The fact that I stopped playing music for a few years made me realise that the French scene had become a bit lost in the notion of entertainment. Artists are looking for dancing crowds that like to have fun, without paying attention to the lyrics. I, on the other hand, have genuine words and a story to tell. That's how "Corps" was born. I wanted it to shock, to express some very intimate things about me. And it seems to strike a chord with people. Which confirms my theory that people are fed up with meaningless lyrics. They want to hear from performers who aren't just looking for a buzz, but instead have things to say. It's up to us to not be afraid.

Listening to you, it sounds like you want to start a movement. Does it scare you being a role model? It can be a heavy burden...

The truth is I don't think I can be one. I have too many faults and flaws. All my shortcomings would stop me from feeling legitimate.

When you were a teenager, were there women who acted as role models for you and encouraged you to be confident physically or musically?

Not really... However, nowadays, artists like FKA Twigs impress me. I admire the way she produces her art and makes her presence known. I can't even find the words to talk about her.

A lot of the media compares you to Lizzo. Do you feel you're similar or do you see this as a somewhat easy comparison to make?

The latter, obviously. People draw a similarity based on the pretext that we're both big, black women with afros. It's more disparaging than anything else. Why don't they compare me to girls like Louane, for example? Or even Ed Sheeran? It could very well be the case in the long run!

Nevertheless, similar to Lizzo, you do appear naked on your album cover that makes quite a statement...

It mostly says that I no longer want to lie to myself or to others. This approach is a kind of introspection, it helps me to feel more self-assured. It's not about claiming anything, quite the contrary. I do it because it helps me to progress. It's a bit like, rather than going to a therapist, I lay myself bare to understand who I really am.

Does that mean you weren't always so sure of yourself— "noire et fière de l'être" (black and proud of it), as you sing in "Noir"?

It's not easy to be self-confident in France, as this attitude is looked down on. We tend to mistake it for being pretentious or arrogant, frowning upon people who behave in this way. But we can be entirely humble while feeling confident in ourselves. It took me a long time to figure it out, but I won't let anyone put me down anymore, tell me that I have no talent or that I am not humble.

Along with music, you also have a strong interest in the fashion industry, where inclusiveness is a fundamental. Do you get the impression that it's easier to find plus size fashion nowadays?

Yes, it's changed a lot. Today, we can all be well dressed. There are specific stores that cater to everyone's needs. We have no more excuses. I am a size 26 and I get the impression that big size labels are offering much more original and stylish clothing than other brands.

In your opinion, is fashion no longer discriminatory?

Above all, I think the plus-size community, if I can call it that, should not be left feeling frustrated or bitter. There's no point in getting upset at thin or skinny people, like models. I might have criticised these people myself in the past, as I was young, silly and thoughtless. I now understand it's their job and there is no point in blaming people who excel in that field. It has to be said that, yeah, a dress is going to look better on a size 6 or 8 rather than a figure like mine, with three rolls of fat. It's a reality, there's no point in being hypocritical.

How do you react when some people claim that Nicki Minaj or Cardi B demean the image of women with their overly sexual videos? A criticism also made about French artist Shay...

I always have a problem with people who wouldn't even dare to do a quarter of what these women do. Well, I also have a hard time with people who criticise artists when most of them can't even sing. It's too easy... Above all, I have the impression that we're living in mean times. This attitude is all the more insane, as we need these artists. Take Shay as an example. What other artist, in France, took part in a Burberry campaign, made amazing covers and voiced a message like hers? Personally, I say thank you! She's showing us the way ahead and I intend to follow.

You seem quite close to Lous & The Yakuza, Chilla and Angèle. Do you think you could all be classed as a music scene?

Yes, because we are all independent female artists. Angèle is just incredible. She produces everything she does; she's an independent artist with a great personality, oversees everything herself and has sold over 500,000 albums. Lous, meanwhile, wants to turn everything upside down. She shows it clearly and moves forward with a big team behind her. I think this is what unites us. We all have very strong personalities, we are all growing, without fancy words nor gimmicks. We are kind of warriors. We're not afraid of what we represent.

Everything seems to be moving very quickly for you at the moment. Do you think everything that is happening now (touring, promotions and the buzz) will have an impact on your upcoming tracks?

Yes and no. If I continue to be as productive as I am and as organised as I am, there's no reason why it should. Nothing should prevent me from creating and getting a little closer to the song format, as is the case on "Noir". I've learned that being an artist means managing the whole creative process, which should allow me to progress, as I see fit. Believe me, I wouldn't go back to a major label for anything in the world.

So, where do you see yourself in ten years' time?

Either poor and in debt, which would not be surprising given the current extraordinary times we're living through. Or extremely rich, thanks to all the work I have created as a producer. Put simply, there is no middle ground, I only see myself in extremes!