Photo by Angel Ceballos

Nika Roza Danilova, better known as Zola Jesus, creates haunting, whimsical music that has garnered comparisons to chanteuses such as Kate Bush and bands like Joy Division. At only 22 years of age, she has released three full-length albums, the latest, Conatus, in 2011. She joins us in the District Thursday night for a concert at U Street Music Hall. DCist caught up with the artist on the road to learn more about her Midwestern roots, her provocative moniker and her approach to music.

The name of your project, Zola Jesus, has a lot of implications. Do you expect that you’ll always work under this dichotomous title? Why did you decide to use an epithet?

I came up with the name long before I was formally making music. I never really considered going by my own name, it seemed vain or something to me.I was used to listening to punk music and noise projects that all went by different names and it just felt right. I’ve thought about releasing under my own name now, but it might just confuse people!

The quality of your music is both industrial and ethereal. Where do you get ideas for songs? What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I never really think about it, I just sit down and the songs come out! Design-wise though, I am attracted to finding sounds and textures that are indistinguishable, like stacking drones of synths and organ and strings until it becomes one unified wash of sound. The songs though, that is just a very natural, unquestioned process.

I make music because it is really all I’ve ever known and it’s my vehicle to understand the world better.

A lot of press about Zola Jesus focuses on your Midwestern roots and your intense work ethic. Do you think the two go hand in hand? How were you inspired by growing up in Wisconsin?

Growing up in Wisconsin allowed me a lot of freedom to explore my curiosities…it was such a liberating environment to be able to foster my imagination without any sort of influence or distraction.

What do you like to do when your tour comes through D.C.?

I usually don’t have time to do anything in D.C.! I hope we will get in early enough to be able to see some of the city.

See Zola Jesus live at U Street Music Hall Thursday night at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.