The most important thing for us to do as beings is to be aware of our position in the world on a micro and macro level.

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

As a child, I was always making sound; it was a compulsion. I loved to scream and yell and sing; it freed me from all the thoughts in my head. I begged for opera lessons because opera singing is the most formidable, most emotional way to use your voice.

I know for sure that nothing matters.

No matter what you do, if there's something you're afraid of, you need to break through it.

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

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?