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
Everything I do is a reflection of the duality within me. Musically, I really love things that are very synthetic and unnatural. And I also like the organic and human... the intrinsic, I guess. Zola Jesus dualityguesshuman Change image and share on social
The only reason I would write a break-up song is because my own problem of allowing myself to relate to people. Zola Jesus allowbreakpeople Change image and share on social
True expression is hard when performing opera. The problem is that opera relies on the dramatic context of the piece. It can be interpreted and represented, but there are guidelines; there is a vocabulary within the pieces that you must know objectively and reflect. Zola Jesus contextdramaticexpression 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
I don't know why people think I'm a Goth - that's a misconception. Zola Jesus gothmisconceptionpeople 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
I think I'm making music that's pretty universal. Zola Jesus makemusicpretty Change image and share on social
I guess something people wouldn't expect me to listen to are artists like Alicia Keys. But she is so incredibly talented. She has this huge voice and great work ethic, which I really respect in an artist. She is also very humble and gracious and devoted to her skill. Zola Jesus aliciaartistdevote share on social
