Zola Jesus

I have been listening to Zola Jesus this week end, prior to the private gig – after party – of “The cabinet of Curiosities” orchestrated by Thomas at Le Baron on Tuesday eve

Her music combines industrial, electronic, goth, classical and experimental rock influences. I Love her humdinger of a voice: guttural yet etherealI started to read about Nika Roza Danilov aka Zola Jesus , who has been compared to Siouxsie Sioux , Kate Bush and Elizabeth Frazer from Cocteau Twins.

She was raised in a remote farm in Wisconsin, on over 100 acres of forest and her dad was a hunter, she says there were always animal parts  all over the place . . . She ate deer, pheasant and venison her dad was killing.

She says she was a delusional kid and never spent much time around people her own age.She speaks about the harsh climate and general wilderness of her childhood surroundings, of the absence of TV and internet etc….Says she read Nietzsche and Schopenhauer a little too early.When asked of her personal philosophy, she said: “I believe in not avoiding things you’re afraid of. Especially really dark things.”

She says : “I try to create songs that are really massive and intense, but at the same time remaining honest and raw. I love the feeling when you hear a song that is so overwhelming and powerful it makes your veins hurt. I’d like to write one of those songs one day. I keep the lyrics simple, no nonsense. I’ve always enjoyed the way old folk songs say what they need to say without becoming convoluted or ostentatious. Just words of wisdom straight from the heart of a little midwestern girl.”

I really can not wait to see her live on Tuesday! She is touring in Uk and Europe. ( london 23/11 at Heaven)