Hey guys, do you remember Kimberly Nichole from a previous Indie Files spotlight? Well, her debut album "The Yellow Brick Journey" dropped last week, and I love it! Check out her web site HERE, where you can purchase your copy. Support indie music! :)
Lyndriette, Brave, Seven and Audra make up the new girl group RichGirl. Here's five reasons I'm all about this group right now, and really believe they have what it takes to make a mark on the mainstream music scene.
1. They all fine! Just look at the "fashion" shot above. Yeah... wow. But a lot of girl groups can take good pictures... but still... man... ok... moving on to my next point...
2. They can all sing! It's been a while since there was a girl group where you would listen to the parts of the song to pick out who was singing where. Not to bash Electrik Red, but you can obviously tell only two of the girls "sing", and honestly it's not that impressive. But in this group, Seven and Lyn will take it to "chuch" and Audra and Brave give you those crisp, pretty vocals.
3. They're opening up for Beyonce. Yes, they are the opening act for Beyonce's "I Am" Tour. Lyndriette in particular is reminscent of an early Beyonce and the entire group recalls the magic of Destiny's Child, so it's safe to say that B's crowd might just appreciate these girls.
4. They've got a super-producer on their team. Rich Harrison is responsible for Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" and Amerie's "One Thing" among other hits... he knows how to craft catchy hits and how to make females sound good against his bombastic backdrops. First single "He Ain't With Me Now Tho" is evidence that Rich has tricks up his sleeve just for his girls.
5. They can harmonize! Okay, yes, I already said that they can sing individually, but a lot of great singers aren't so great at harmonizing. In the vain of En Vogue and, yeah, Destiny's Child, these girls will break it down for you a capella.
In this edition, I'm chatting with dynamic "young soul" songtress Kimberly Nichole. During her time in Atlanta, I saw this young lady perform several times, and each time was amazing! Known for her show-stopping vocals and undeniable stage presence, Kimberly is now preparing for the release of her debut album. It seems Ms. Nichole is ready to take over the world... here are some of her thoughts:
1. Your upcoming album is entitled Kimberly Nichole and The Yellow Brick Journey. Did the imagery of The Wizard of Oz (or The Wiz) influence the sound of your album?
"Yes, the album title was inspired by one of my favorite movies The Wiz - the project encompasses songs about things you experience in life - similar to the journey Dorothy took in The Wiz - - courage, love, wisdom, confidence etc."
2. I see that you recently opened a Twitter page. How do you feel about the Twitter phenomenon? Does it help you in stay in touch with your fans?
"Twitter is cool - you know our generation is all about technology. You're definitely more exposed this day in age. Twitter, Facebook, Myspace allows you to stay connected to your fans and also gain new ones. Love it!"
3. Seattle, Atlanta, and now New York - all these cities you've called "home". How have those distinct environments influenced you as an artist?
"All of those cities have definitely contributed to the artist I've become. Seattle - is where I was born and raised and it basically established the foundation of me being an artist - growing up in a household that was dominated by Gospel and Soul music was a major influence but then the music of my City was that of grunge/rock - so that also influenced the artist I've become. Atlanta was essential to my development - it's where I feel I was groomed and got my feet wet in music - gained confidence in singing/performing. BUT New York released something completely different - the energy here is incredible - New York definitely has fueled in me something greater - a boldness. All those cities I love dearly and have definitely played a part in the artist I've become."
