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

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

You are born and then you die, but in between you can do anything you want. It's society that creates rules for us, but you can break out of that.

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

My music started as a way to break through weaknesses - like anxiety, which was completely taking over my whole life, where I could barely function.

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

I like to remind myself that everything is meaningless.

And my music is always such a release of what I feel inside, an impulse.

I know for sure that nothing matters.

I feel like I am alone when I am in the presence of those I love. It is so freeing and comfortable, you become one with them.

Love. It doesn't change for any person to any person. It evolves.

Remember, the village idiot was the spiritual man who built the ark and saved his family. Keep being you and never give up marching to the beat of your own drum!

Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it's very important that you do it. Because nobody else will.

Anger cannot be dishonest.

It's amazing to me that some kids are surprised to find out Indians are still alive.

The mind is incredible. Once you've gained mastery over it, channelling its powers positively, for your purpose you can do anything.

There is no doubt that in exchanging a self-centered for a selfless life we gain enormously in self-esteem. The vanity of the selfless, even those who practice utmost humility, is boundless.

You wonder why I only talk about my personal life. But that's all I've ever done.

No 22-year-old should have to enter the real world already in a virtual debtors' prison.

Nothing good is a miracle, nothing lovely is a dream.