Incorporating gothic rock, lo-fi acoustics, orchestral instrumentals, electronic ambience, and plenty of strong, diva-esque vocals, Zola Jesus is not for the faint of heart. She's released three studio full-lengths in the span of three years, and each has been more purposeful, more powerful, than the last.

Needless to say, Zola Jesus' latest release, "Conatus", marks a new stage in her career. Named after a philosophy of innate drive and determination, "Conatus" has helped bring Zola Jesus' electronic experimentalism out of obscurity and into the international scene with critical acclaim. Released last October, the 11-track collection is ferocious and more pop-and-acoustics driven than previous albums. Zola Jesus brought in session musicians for the first time in recording "Conatus", and tried to create an album open to interpretation. "I just wanted more breathing room, so people could insert their own experiences into the song, their own feelings into the song, as opposed to me forcing it on them with the densest sound possible."

In this interview, David and Zola talk about her efforts to break out of her comfort zone--both in habit and music--and her influential childhood. Zola Jesus and the band play from "Conatus", and discuss the philosophical roots of her moniker.


Website: http://zolajesus.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/zolajesus


Set List:
IN YOUR NATURE
VESSEL
SKIN

                 
Recent Release: Conatus   
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Label: Sacred Bones
Band Origin: Phoenix, Arizona