Kimberly Davis’ “My Fire,” is a song about personal empowerment. It’s meant to remind music fans that even on the darkest of days, there is a fire inside each of us that will light a path to the place we’re meant to be. Considered a strong contender for a Grammy, “My Fire” is the first collaboration between Davis and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nile Rodgers and two-time Grammy nominated music producer Tony Moran. It’s being called Electronic Music meets Soul because it artfully blends elements from Club, Disco and Funk. The song landed the #1 position on the Billboard Club Play Chart earlier this month, taking the spot held by Katy Perry’s “Swish Swish” featuring Nicki Minaj. Kimberly Davis performs “My Fire” live at NYC’s The Monster on August 25th.
Interview Tom Gallagher
Did you know right away that you had a #1 hit on your hands?
I knew what I wanted, which was a number one song! But I never imagined it would actually happen.
We’re so excited to see you perform it live on August 25!
I’m excited, too! I love a live crowd. I get to connect with the
audience and see how happy the music makes them. There’s nothing better than
seeing a mob of people twirling to your song!
As the lead singer of the legendary disco group, Chic, you have a lot of experience performing in front of live audiences.
That’s true. We’re performing fifteen cities this month.
How did you become a part of the group?
I was working a regular 9 to 5 when my good friend, Ralph Rolle, told me I needed to make my way down to audition for a band he was in called Chic. I left my job at lunch time and did just that! When I got there, hundreds of girls were lined up but because Ralph had told them I was on my lunch break, the manager allowed me to skip the line. Well, I belted out the classic Chic song, “I Want Your Love,” and the manager handed me the itinerary for the rest of the year, right in front of all the other girls I had just skipped! So I went back to work and gathered my things and quit that day. That was eight years ago. I’ve been with Chic ever since.
Is it true you considered fronting another legendary group, En Vogue?
Yes, I was asked to replace one of the girls in En Vogue for a world tour. I signed contracts and everything but then 9/11 happened, the day the World Trade Center was attacked. Not only did it kill my dream gig at the time, it changed the whole music industry and life as we all would know it.
What is it like working so closely with Nile Rodgers?
Nile Rodgers is the bomb. We are like homies. He calls me his girl and I call him my dude. He respects my talent and I certainly respect his. He’s got the best stories and we spend a lot of time laughing together with the band like family.
Does he demand perfection?
Not at all. He doesn’t have to because everybody in the band is here to do a job they know and love and together, its like magic. He allows us to come up with ideas for the show and he’s always down to try something new.
Was it his idea to work on “My Fire”?
No, it was mine! After I recorded “My Fire” with Tony (Moran), I suggested to Nile that he add his special “thang” to the song. He didn’t hesitate and the next thing you know, we have a #1 Billboard dance track!
Nile Rodgers is that good.
That is the truth. Young Black America needs to know that Nile is an icon and the music that he has under his belt is the reason for half the remixes we have today. Do the research, youngsters!
Is it true that a new Chic album is on the horizon?
Yes, we have done some recording but I’m not sure when it’s coming out. That is Nile’s baby.
What’s next for you?
More music, more collaborations. I’m looking into doing some acting as well. I’m ready for it all.
Kimberly Davis performs “My Fire” live at NYC’s The Monster (80 Grove Street, NYC) on Friday, August 25th at midnight hosted by Mitchell Ferrino – Visit her website: https://www.kimberlydavisshesangz.com.
