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New Sounds: Zola Jesus addresses a friend’s suicide attempt in powerful track ‘Siphon’

It’s been a few weeks now since Zola Jesus returned with intense new singles “Exhumed” and “Soak,” and we’ve barely caught our breath. Now as Nika Roza Danilova prepares the release of Okovi, out September 8 via Sacred Bones, she’s completed a moody, atmospheric hat trick with the LP’s latest and third single, “Siphon.”

It was co-produced by Zola Jesus alongside WIFE and longtime bandmate Alex DeGroot, and Danilova had this to say abut it:

“Initially, I was apprehensive about releasing ‘Siphon’ into the world. This song was not intended for public consumption. It was written for someone very close to me who had attempted suicide for the second time. In the weeks surrounding this tragedy, I desperately tried everything I could to convince them to stay alive. There is no greater horror than watching someone you love physically destroy themselves… not knowing if you would see them tomorrow. In the end, I decided this song needed to be heard, not only by this person, but by others as well.”

Zola Jesus will be headed out on a North American tour in September and October, and there are a handful of notable shows, including an October 1 return to Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art. She’ll also host a listening party September 7 at the Sonos Store in New York City, soundtrack what’s billed as “an immersive listening and visual experience” September 13 in NYC’s Chinatown called “Okovi: Surround — a Sound Experience provided by Sonos.”

Find all Zola Jesus’ tour dates after the video jump. Featured photo by Jesse Draxler.

Zola Jesus 2017 North American Tour:
September 16 – Hudson, NY – Basilica Soundscape
September 20 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater
September 21 – San Diego, CA – Casbah
September 22 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
September 23 – Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf
September 25 – Dallas, TX – Kessler Theater
September 26 – Austin, TX – North Door
September 27 – New Orleans, LA – Siberia
September 28 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5
September 29 – Asheville, NC – The Mothlight
September 30 – Washington, DC – U Street
October 01 – Boston, MA – ICA Boston
October 03 – Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMOCA
October 04 – Brooklyn, NY – Rough Trade
October 06 – Toronto, ON – Longboat Hall
October 07 – Detroit, MI – Assemble Sound Church
October 08 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
October 09 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
October 10 – St. Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall
October 11 – Omaha, NE – Waiting Room
October 13 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
October 14 – Salt Lake City, UT – Amsterdam Bar & Hall
October 16 – Oakland, CA – Starline Social Club
October 17 – San Francisco, CA – Independent
October 19 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile
October 20 – Portland, OR – The Old Church
October 21 – Vancouver, BC – Venue