Zola Jesus

Zola Jesus

Zola Jesus is the stage name of Nika Roza Danilova, a US singer-songwriter born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Merrill, Wisconsin. Her work draws on alternative rock, electronic music, experimental and industrial sounds, indie rock, indietronica, classical influence, goth, noise pop, lo-fi, psychedelic and ambient textures, and she is known for using a classically trained voice within a dark, experimental style.

Early life and training

Danilova grows up in Merrill on more than 100 acres of forest. She starts singing at an early age, buys voice-lesson tapes and opera sheet music when she is seven, and soon begins working with a vocal coach. She begins performing opera at 10, but later describes serious anxiety and perfectionism affecting her performances.

As a teenager, she moves away from opera into a more rock-based approach. She says she chooses the name Zola Jesus, combining Jesus Christ and the French writer Émile Zola, partly to unsettle other people. Her stage name becomes a deliberate alter ego rather than a simple alias.

Recording and early releases

Her early home recordings are shaped by influences including Ian Curtis, Lydia Lunch, Diamanda Galás, Throbbing Gristle and Swans, alongside bubblegum pop and classical aria. She records at home with keyboards, drum machines and other equipment she has available.

In 2008 she debuts with the singles “Poor Sons” on Die Stasi and “Soeur Sewer” on Sacred Bones Records. In 2009, while studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she records and releases her first full-length album, The Spoils, from her apartment. The album reflects the winter conditions in which she often records.

Stridulum and wider recognition

In 2010 she releases the EP Stridulum, inspired by Giulio Paradisi’s 1979 film of the same name. It is described as her most melodic work at that point and as a major step forward in fidelity and accessibility. After its release, she performs at SXSW for a second time.

Her second full-length album, Stridulum II, follows as an extension of the EP and is treated as a debut in the UK. NME gives it 8/10, praising her classically trained voice and calling the record a dark masterpiece.

Later work and collaborations

Her third full-length album, Conatus, is released in 2011 via Sacred Bones. It contains 11 tracks and is produced by Brian Foote and Danilova herself. The record includes cello, double bass, violin and viola.

Zola Jesus also performs with Former Ghosts, tours in support of Fever Ray and The xx, and provides guest vocals on “New France” from The xx’s 2012 album Coexist.