After years of operatic vocal training and immersion in the challenging music of Throbbing Gristle and Diamanda Galás, Wisconsin native Nika Roza Danilova rechristened herself as Zola Jesus in 2008. With the release of The Spoils the following year, she was embraced by lovers of musical darkness and intrigue. Over time her music got lusher and more melodic but never quite normal; in 2013 she recorded Versions with electronic pioneer J.G. Thirlwell (Foetus) and a string quartet. Another kindred spirit is film director David Lynch, one of many edgy types who have remixed her music.