I started performing opera when I was 10 years old. I didn't perform as Zola Jesus until I was probably 18. Zola Jesus jesusopusperform Change image and share on social
As a child, I was always making sound; it was a compulsion. I loved to scream and yell and sing; it freed me from all the thoughts in my head. I begged for opera lessons because opera singing is the most formidable, most emotional way to use your voice. Zola Jesus begchildcompulsion share on social
I try to create songs that are really massive and intense, but at the same time remaining honest and raw. Zola Jesus createhonestintense Change image and share on social
The word 'theatrical' makes me cringe, because it suggests a performance is staged, put on, rehearsed. And while all this is true for an opera, I believe the act of singing and performing should always be honest, raw, guttural. Zola Jesus actcringeguttural share on social
I don't find much influence in opera. It was such a different part of me. Zola Jesus findinfluenceopus Change image and share on social
My music started as a way to break through weaknesses - like anxiety, which was completely taking over my whole life, where I could barely function. Zola Jesus anxietybarelybreak Change image and share on social
It sounds kind of stupid, but I've never not wanted to be a musician. It's been inside me since I was little so I don't know what else I would do. Zola Jesus haveinsidekind Change image and share on social
And my music is always such a release of what I feel inside, an impulse. Zola Jesus feelimpulseinside Change image and share on social