Zola Jesus

Nicole Hummel (born April 11, 1989), better known by the stage name Zola Jesus, is an American singer-songwriter and producer. She has released four EPs and five full-length albums that combine electronic, industrial, classical, and goth. 2Biography 31989–2008: Early life Hummel was born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Merrill, Wisconsin. She also goes by the name Nika Roza Danilova, claiming Russian heritage. In various interviews she has stated that her parents are American, with combinations of Russian as well as German, Slovenian, and Ukrainian descent. Inspired by singers and bands including Ian Curtis, Lydia Lunch, Diamanda Galás, Throbbing Gristle and Swans, she started to record at home, using keyboards, drum machines and other instruments. In 2008 she debuted with singles "Poor Sons" on Die Stasi and "Soeur Sewer" on Sacred Bones Records. Before transferring to University of Wisconsin-Madison to study French and philosophy, she attended University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she began a business major. She graduated in 2010. 32009–present: Career In 2009, while still studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Zola Jesus recorded and released her debut full-length The Spoil