Kimberly Nichole (a.k.a. The Rock Ballerina) is known by many fans from her subsequent stint on The Voice, or appearances on theatrical stages, we’ll always remember her first and foremost as the inimitable singer, MC, and host of AFROPUNK Fests past. Newly relocated to London, the multi-hyphenate artist is about to release her new record, West Coast Seattle Girl. And just in time for Halloween, we’re excited to bring you her latest single, an explosive cover of Seattle garage-rock legends The Sonics’ “The Witch.” And since we had her ear and a moment, we asked Kimberly a few questions about what she’s up to now. Read the interview at Afropunk at the link below.
Continue reading KIMBERLY NICHOLE REINVENTS “THE WITCH” FOR HALLOWEEN on AfroPunk.
What drew you in particular to “The Witch” by The Sonics?
I was put on to The Sonics years ago. Of course, they were big before I was even born, but I remember really trying to tap into the rock legends of Seattle other than Jimi and Nirvana. And I found The Sonics. I bought their music and “The Witch” was so bad ass! They say it’s garage, but that song sounded like early rock and roll, like Little Richard! I immediately loved it.
On how the name Rock Ballerina came to be
I always give credit to Valerie Simpson (legendary singer/songwriter/Ashford & Simpson). A while back Andre Leon Talley featured me in his Vogue Magazine column — they’re good friends — and her quote about me was “she’s a rock ballerina…wild and wonderful…” It kinda stuck.
Continue reading KIMBERLY NICHOLE REINVENTS “THE WITCH” FOR HALLOWEEN on AfroPunk.
