Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Kimberly Nichole

Known as the “Rock Ballerina,” Kimberly Nichole has a voice that will stop you in your tracks. She’s captivated audiences around the world with her masterful lyrics, show-stopping performances, and vocal prowess. She competed on the eighth season of The Voice, earning praise from the likes of Pharrell Williams, Christina Aguilera, Lionel Richie, Mark Ronson, and Reba McEntire. Since her run, she’s been hard at work putting together her new album, The West Coast Seattle Girl, which encapsulates her life after The Voice. Pop Culturalist caught up with Kimberly to chat about The West Coast Seattle Girl and her new single, “The Witch.”

PC: You’re dropping your new single “The Witch” on Halloween. Tell us about the track?
Kimberly: It’s a cover of a ’70s rock band from my hometown called the Sonics. One of my favorite bands, and I love the song. I started performing it a few years back and wanted to record it. The title makes sense to be released on Halloween! [laughs] Perfect evening for a witch.

PC: If you had to pick one song off The West Coast Seattle Girl that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Kimberly: Hmm…there are so many. They all really represent me and my journey. But I believe my song “Rosetta Tharpe” really shows me as an artist—my creative thumb. I produced the live recording of it and really heard the melodies and how I wanted the instruments to be composed even before there was instrumentation and only lyrics. It’s also pretty laid back and shows a softer side of my voice compared to the other balls-to-the-walls tracks on the album.

PC: What was the biggest takeaway from The Voice experience that you’ve been able to apply to your career moving forward?
Kimberly: Hard work and belief! The journey may not always unfold as you think or believe it will, but it’ll unfold as it should. Have faith in your path, no matter the outcome.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Kimberly: There are so many! I think a recent moment that has stuck out is playing the Gypsy/Acid Queen in The Who’s Tommy last spring at the Kennedy Center. It was an all-star cast! The director/choreographer, Josh Rhodes, said when he saw footage of me, he knew immediately I was the Gypsy. Such a surreal experience for me, playing such an iconic character in a legendary rock opera.

To keep up with Kimberly, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “The Witch” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.