Nika Roza Danilova, a/k/a Zola Jesus, hails from Madison, Wisconsin, which is about the last place on earth that you would imagine her to be from when listening to "The Spoils." Danilova creates an otherworldly mixture of sounds out of opera, lo-fi, post-punk and goth. While certainly there are elements of Siouxie Sioux, This Mortal Coil and early Dead Can Dance at play here, Danilova is very much her own woman, creating her own dark and astonishingly beautiful music. What truly sets Danilova apart from her influences and peers is soul. This is a woman whose voice comes from a place so deep and real that it is impossible to ignore. 2009 was a great year for Danilova, not only did she release "The Spoils," but she also produced a superb ep, and another wonderful full length, as well as took part in the amazing Former Ghosts project (reviewed here). Not bad for a 20 year old who just last year released her first 7". The music world got a lot larger this year thanks to Danilova's presence. Here is to hoping for a long and fruitful career for this incredible talent.
ZOLA JESUS "CLAY BODIES" MUSIC VIDEO from FUTURE PRIMITIVE FILMS on Vimeo.
Listen to "Smirenye" here
Listen to "Sink The Dynasty" here
Listen to "Devil Take You" here
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