Zola Jesus is the stage name of Russian American singer/songwriter Nika Roza Danilova (born on 11 April 1989). Danilova started singing early on, buying voice lesson tapes and opera sheet music at the age of 7. At the age of 10 she began singing opera publically. She started to record her own compositions at home, using keyboards, drum machines and "anything else she had to hand". Inspired by favorites like Diamanda Galás, Lydia Lunch, Throbbing Gristle and Swans she debuted with singles "Poor Sons" and "Soeur Sewer" in 2008. 2009 saw the release of the compilation "New Amsterdam" and "Tsar Bomba" EP. While still studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Zola Jesus recorded debut album "The Spoils". The sound was in a certain way dependent on her surroundings. "I usually record in the winter because I am holed up. It’s cold outside but warm inside with the heater and blankets. A lot of the songs are cold but in the coldness you find warmth. Winter has a lot to do with it." In 2010 Zola Jesus released "Stridulum" EP. It marked "a huge leap forward in terms of fidelity and accessibility". "With Stridulum I've tried to find a better balance; meeting in the middle with melody and texture." "Valusia" EP followed shortly after, and "Stridulum" was later released to a European market in an expanded format, as second album "Stridulum II". 2011 saw the release of third album, "Conatus". http://www.myspace.com/zolajesus STUDIO ALBUMS The Spoils (2009, Sacred Bones Records) Stridulum II (2010, Souterrain Transmissions) Conatus (2011, Sacred Bones Records) SINGLES & EPs Soeur Sewer (2008, Sacred Bones) Poor Sons (2008, Die Stasi) Tsar Bomba (2009, Troubleman Unlimited) Stridulum (2010, Sacred Bones Records) Valusia (2010, Sacred Bones Records) SPLITS & COMPILATIONS New Amsterdam (2009, Sacred Bones Burial Hex/Zola Jesus Split LP album (2009, Aurora Borealis Records) Zola Jesus/LA Vampires - LA Vampires Meets Zola Jesus (2010, Not Not Fun Records)

Source: http://www.last.fm/music/Zola+Jesus

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