I started performing opera when I was 10 years old. I didn't perform as Zola Jesus until I was probably 18.

I like to remind myself that everything is meaningless.

When you fall in love, you become weak.

The only reason I would write a break-up song is because my own problem of allowing myself to relate to people.

I don't know why people think I'm a Goth - that's a misconception.

I try to create songs that are really massive and intense, but at the same time remaining honest and raw.

I feel like humans are a disease. It's a hard thing to communicate in a pop song. I mean, who wants to hear that?