Nika Roza Danilova ( also known as Zola Jesus ) returns with a new album titled Taiga. While the music has pop sensibilities, there is a dark side that appeases fans throughout the world.
This Wisconsin-raised singer returns to her northern roots on a tour that includes a stop in Chicago. Nunn called Jesus when out on the road to learn a little more about the talented performer.
Nightspots Magazine: Hey, Nika, calling you from the Midwest! I read you are originally from Wisconsin.
Nika Danilova: Yes, neighbor state.
NM: So explain the Zola Jesus name.
ND: It is a band name.
NM: I thought people call you Zola Jesus.
ND: They do and it's fine. I came up with the name because when I started in the music business all of my friends were in punk bands. I felt like going in with my own name was a little vain so I made a band name.
NM: So you have a regular band that you are performing with on this tour?
ND: Yes, it is a new band that I just put together. Most of the band are Midwesterners also.
NM: You wanted to be an opera singer in the past. What is your favorite opera?
ND: The Ring.
NM: What does the title of the album Taiga refer to?
ND: It is the Russian name for the Boreal forest. There are Taiga forests in Siberia and Russia, also in North American such as northern Wisconsin where I grew up in the top part of the US. It relates to where I grew up and my ancestors in Russia. For me the title represents the massive sense of creative ambition.
NM: How long did you work on the album and how does it feel to have it finally come out?
ND: I worked on it for two to three years. It feels amazing that it is finally going to be out. I cannot wait.
NM: "Dangerous Days" is in constant rotation in my car. What is it inspired by?
ND: I like the idea of trying to make a big triumphant pop song but about a very skeptical concept. The song is about how we are getting fed more and more information through the Internet, the news, media in general. There are so many things floating around that we consider fact. We don't know what is fact or fiction these days. It makes for an interesting time to be alive but at the same time you need to start questioning everything that you read. Is something really true?
NM: Do you wish you could be back in the forest and forget about this technical world?
ND: Yeah, I think we are getting to a point where the technology isn't helping us. Technology is invented to make our lives better, easier, or make things happen that we couldn't do on our own. I think now we are using technology as a crutch. In fact it is using us. I mean technology in terms of not just computers but a statement of society. It is going to get to the point where it is a heavy weight on our shoulders. Maybe we were better off before.
NM: Do blondes have more fun or do you prefer being a brunette?
ND: I definitely prefer being a brunette. [laughs] In Chicago I will be a brunette.
NM: What is your live show like?
ND: For this tour I will be performing with a brass ensemble. It is going to be really cool and special. I am working on a bit of a stage production. We will see how that goes.
NM: Have you spent a lot of time in Chicago being from Wisconsin?
ND: Definitely. It will feel like a hometown show.
NM: Have you noticed a gay following at your shows?
ND: Oh yes, totally. We are covered there.
NM: Are you throwing a big party for the release of the album Taiga?
ND: That's what this tour is, a big traveling party!
Say hallelujah to Zola Jesus on October 16 at Thalia Hall, 1225 W. 18th St., beginning at 8 p.m.
Stardust presents Zola Jesus with a DJ set after the concert at Berlin, 954 W. Belmont Ave.
RSVP for reduced cover at Do312.com/stardust.