Copenhagen / Cologne-based songwriter (and former student of Jenny Hval) Zola Mennenöh joins Shahzad Ismaily's figureight records for the release of her eloquent debut album Longing for Belonging. Known - and highly in demand - as a session musician in her native Germany and her adoptive second homes in Denmark and Norway, Zola Mennenöh is a singer, guitarist, flautist and sound artist of huge talent. She has toured the world over, specialising in jazz, improvisation and experimental & avant garde choral music, both as a performer and as composer. It is through this experience and years of honing that Longing for Belonging comes into existence. Her debut solo album is a collection of delicate treasures: graceful, expressive and elegantly poised, exploring the great depth of her abilities as a musician and the cultured poetry of her lyrics. Zola's music touches on pastoral alternative folk, while splashes of classical decoration (such as the yearningly beautiful sea of undulating woodwind at the end of "I Will Always Be Yours, Forever") and melodic licks borrowed from jazz help illuminate unexpected corners. There is, in abundance, a songwriting sophistication in the mold of PJ Harvey or Beth Orton, a Southern Gothic shadow comparable to Neko Case and Nina Nastasia, and an omnivorous musical awareness that could stand alongside Cat Power's varied arrangements. Thematically, the album meditates on the search and discovery of personal and emotional unity. "It is an attempt to encounter and ultimately become one's true self," Zola writes. The record is largely performed by a core quartet of Zola, Nicole Hogstrand (viola da gamba), Johanna Borchert (prepared piano) and Szymon Pimpon Gasiorek (drumkit / percussion).
Release date:
April 23, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Ben Nichols In the Heart of the Mountain
Liberty Lament
July 25, 2025 -
Modern Nature The Heat Warps
Bella Union
August 29, 2025 -
Cave In Creative Eclipses
Relapse
August 15, 2025 -
The Wood Brothers Puff of Smoke
Honey Jar Records
August 1, 2025 -
Black Honey Soak
Black Honey
August 15, 2025 -
Waylon Jennings Songbird
Son of Jessi
October 3, 2025 -
Lola Young I'm Only F**king Myself (The 'Basic B*tch' Edition Nude Pink)
Island
September 19, 2025 -
Passengers In Panic Amnesia
Sleaszy Rider
August 1, 2025 -
James Morrison Fight Another Day (White)
Cooking Vinyl
October 3, 2025 -
Die Spitz Something to Consume
Third Man Records
September 12, 2025 -
Honeymoon Suite Wake Me Up When The Sun Goes Down
Frontiers New Recordings Physical Only
July 25, 2025 -
Marcus King Darling Blue
Republic Records
September 26, 2025 -
Allo Darlin' Bright Nights (Magenta)
Slumberland Records
July 25, 2025 -
Grizzly Bear Painted Ruins (Oxblood) [2xLP]
Warp Records
October 17, 2025