Zola Jesus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zola Jesus
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Zola Jesus performing in New York, 2014
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| Birth name | Nicole Rose Hummel |
| Born | April 11, 1989 Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2006–present |
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Nika Roza Danilova (born Nicole Rose Hummel; April 11, 1989), known as Zola Jesus, is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer. Her music mixes sounds from electronic, industrial, classical, and goth styles. She is also the cousin of United States Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Nika grew up in northern Wisconsin. She started writing and recording music on her own while in college. She released her first songs and EPs through an independent record label called Sacred Bones Records. Her first album, The Spoils, came out in 2009.
After college, she released more albums like Stridulum II (2010) and Conatus (2011). Her fourth album, Taiga (2014), had a more pop-influenced sound. Her fifth album, Okovi, was released in 2017.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Growing Up in Wisconsin
Nicole Rose Hummel was born on April 11, 1989, in Phoenix, Arizona. She spent her early years there. Her parents were first-generation Americans. Her family has roots from Russia, Germany, Slovenia, and Ukraine. Her grandparents came to the United States from Odesa, Ukraine. To honor her family history, she uses her Slavic name, Nika Roza Danilova. She has one older brother.
When she was a child, her family moved to Merrill, Wisconsin. They lived on a large property with 100 acres of forest. Nika said she didn't like leaving Phoenix at first. But she later found Wisconsin to be a great and interesting place.
Starting Her Music Career
Nika went to Wausau West High School. After that, she studied business at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. While in college, she began recording music at home. She used keyboards, drum machines, and other instruments. Her stage name, Zola Jesus, comes from the French writer Émile Zola and the Christian messiah.
In 2008, while still in college, she released her first songs. These were "Poor Sons" and "Soeur Sewer." She then moved to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 2009, she recorded her first full album, The Spoils. It was released in July 2009. In 2010, she graduated from college. She had studied both French and philosophy.
Developing Her Sound
New Music and Tours
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After her first album, Zola Jesus released more EPs. These included Tsar Bomba and Valusia. She also worked with other artists. For her live shows, she brought in other musicians. She toured with artists like Fever Ray and The xx.
In March 2010, she released the Stridulum EP. It was named after a 1979 horror movie. Later that year, she released her second full album, Stridulum II. This album was praised for its "gorgeously ethereal soundscape." It was even ranked as one of the best albums of the year by NME magazine.
Exploring New Styles
In 2011, Nika started working on her third album, Conatus. She wanted to try new ways of making music. This album used more acoustic instruments like cello, double bass, and violin. It had fewer electronic sounds than her earlier work. She wanted the music to have "more breathing room." This would let listeners connect their own feelings to the songs.
During this time, Nika also sang on songs for other artists. She provided vocals for "Intro" by M83 and "New France" by Orbital.
Later Albums and Inspirations
Taiga and Okovi
In 2013, Zola Jesus released Versions. This album featured classical versions of her older songs. She worked with producer JG Thirlwell on this project.
Nika lived in Los Angeles for a while. But she found that living in a big city made it hard to focus. So, she moved to Vermont, then back to Wisconsin, and finally settled in Washington. These moves helped her work on new music. On June 18, 2014, she announced her fourth album, Taiga. This album had a stronger pop influence. Nika said she was inspired by pop singers like Mariah Carey and Barbra Streisand. She wanted her voice to sound "really confident."
In 2017, Nika moved back to her hometown of Merrill, Wisconsin. She built a home on her family's land. In September 2017, she released her fifth album, Okovi. She wrote this album after a difficult time. Before making the album, she took time to "live outside of the music." This album was her first to include guitar music.
In May 2020, Zola Jesus released her first live album. It was called Live at Roadburn 2018. It featured 12 songs from a festival in the Netherlands. In 2021, she was featured on the podcast Storybound.
Her Unique Music Style
Influences and Vocals
Zola Jesus has said that many singers and bands have influenced her. Some of these include Ian Curtis, Lydia Lunch, Diamanda Galás, Throbbing Gristle, Swans, Bauhaus, and Cristina. For her album Taiga, she also mentioned pop artists like Mariah Carey and Barbra Streisand as vocal inspirations.
Her music style has been described in many ways. People say her songs have "ominous lyrics" and a "sultry Goth delivery." Some compare her singing to Kate Bush and her music to Joy Division. Q magazine noted her "haunting vocals and swirling, electronic atmospherics." They said her sound is like a mix of Florence Welch and Siouxsie and the Banshees. She has also been compared to Nico, Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance, and Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins.
Many of Zola Jesus's music videos have been directed by Jacqueline Castel. These include "Vessel," "Seekir," "Night," "Nail," and "Exhumed." Since 2012, Zola Jesus has worked with costume designer Jenni Hensler. Jenni's work can be seen in videos like "Dangerous Days" and "Hunger."
Personal Life
Nika Roza Danilova is the cousin of Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar. Amy Klobuchar was a candidate for president in 2020.
Band Members
- Nika Danilova – vocals, electronics
- Alex DeGroot – guitar
- Louise Woodward – violin, viola
- Nick Johnson – drums
Discography
- The Spoils (2009)
- Stridulum II (2010)
- Conatus (2011)
- Taiga (2014)
- Okovi (2017)
- Arkhon (2022)
See also
In Spanish: Zola Jesus para niños
