Zola Jesus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zola Jesus
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Zola Jesus performing in New York, 2014
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Nicole Rose Hummel |
| Born | April 11, 1989 Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Genres |
|
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Labels |
|
| Associated acts |
|
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 was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and grew up in northern Wisconsin. She started writing and recording music on her own while in college. During her second year, she released two songs and two EPs (Extended Plays) with an independent record label called Sacred Bones. Her first album, The Spoils, came out in 2009.
After finishing college at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she released her second album, Stridulum II (2010). This was followed by Conatus in 2011. Her fourth album, Taiga (2014), was released by Mute Records. This album sounded more like pop music than her earlier work. Her fifth studio album, Okovi, was released in 2017.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Music Beginnings (1989–2008)
Nicole Rose Hummel was born on April 11, 1989, in Phoenix, Arizona. Her parents were the first in their families to be born in America. Her family has roots from Russia, Germany, Slovenia, and Ukraine. Her grandparents moved to the United States from Odessa, 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 (40 ha) of forest. She said she didn't like moving from Phoenix at first, but later found Wisconsin beautiful.
She 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.
While at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she released her first songs, "Poor Sons" and "Soeur Sewer," in 2008. She then moved to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 2009, while still in college, she recorded her first full album, The Spoils, which Sacred Bones released in July 2009. In 2010, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She had studied both French and philosophy.
New Albums and Tours (2009–2012)
.jpg)
After her first album, she released more music, including the Tsar Bomba EP. She started touring with other musicians. Later, her band members changed to include Shane Verwey, Nick Turco, Alex DeGroot, and Nick Johnson.
Zola Jesus also performed with the band Former Ghosts. She opened for Fever Ray on a European tour in 2010. She also toured with The xx.
In March 2010, Zola Jesus released the Stridulum EP. She performed at the SXSW Festival that same year. She also released another EP called Valusia. In July 2010, she released a third EP called LA Vampires Meets Zola Jesus, which was a collaboration with Amanda Brown.
Danilova then released her second full-length album, Stridulum II, in August 2010. This album was her first full release in the United Kingdom. It included songs from her Stridulum and Valusia EPs. Critics praised the album, with NME calling it a "gorgeously ethereal soundscape." NME also named it one of the best albums of the year.
Her album Conatus was released in September 2011. The name means "moving forward" in Latin. This album used fewer electronic sounds than her previous work. It featured instruments like cello, double bass, violin, and viola. Danilova wanted the music to feel more open, so listeners could connect their own feelings to the songs. She also sang on the song "Intro" by M83 from their 2011 album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. She also sang on "New France" by Orbital from their 2012 album Wonky.
New Sounds and Home (2013–present)
In August 2013, Zola Jesus released Versions. This album featured classical versions of her older songs, created with producer JG Thirlwell.
After living in Los Angeles for a while, Danilova found that city life made it hard to focus. She moved to Vermont, then back to her home state of Wisconsin, and finally settled in Washington to work on her new album. On June 18, 2014, she announced her fourth studio album, Taiga. This album, released by Mute Records, had a stronger pop sound. Danilova was inspired by famous singers like Mariah Carey and Barbra Streisand. She said she wanted to be confident in her voice on this record.
In 2017, Danilova moved back to her hometown of Merrill, Wisconsin. She built a home on her family's land. In September 2017, she returned to Sacred Bones to release her fifth studio album, Okovi. She wrote this album after going through a challenging time. Before writing, she spent time watching movies, reading books, and building her house. She wanted to give herself time to live outside of music. This album was her first to include guitar music.
In May 2020, Danilova announced her first live album, Live at Roadburn 2018. It has 12 live songs from the 2018 Roadburn Festival in the Netherlands.
In 2021, Danilova was featured on the podcast Storybound.
Artistry
Musical Influences
Danilova has shared that many singers and bands have influenced her music. These include Ian Curtis, Lydia Lunch, Diamanda Galás, Throbbing Gristle, Swans, and Cristina. For her album Taiga, she also mentioned pop artists like Mariah Carey and Barbra Streisand as inspirations for her singing style.
Vocals and Music Style
Her music style has been described in different ways. Some say it has "ominous lyrics and a sultry Goth delivery." NME said Zola Jesus "wails like Kate Bush" and that her music sometimes reminds them of Joy Division. Q magazine noted her "haunting vocals and swirling, electronic atmospherics." They said her sound is like a mix between Florence Welch and Siouxsie and the Banshees. She has also been compared to 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 videos for songs like "Vessel," "Seekir," and "Night."
Since 2012, Zola Jesus has worked with costume designer Jenni Hensler. Jenni's work can be seen in videos for "Dangerous Days," "Seekir," and "Hunger."
Personal Life
She is a cousin of Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar.
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)
Images for kids
-
Zola Jesus performing in New York, 2014
See also
In Spanish: Zola Jesus para niños
