Chicago Musician Ric Wilson Hosts New Year’s Eve Disco Dance Party
Chicago disco-funk artist Ric Wilson will host a New Year’s Eve dance party, “America Runs on Disco,” on December 31st at Lincoln Hall. The event is a fitting end to a busy 2024 for Wilson, which included domestic and international tours with artists such as DRAMA, Black Pumas, Yellow Days, and Chromeo. His new single and upcoming 2025 EP are also titled “America Runs on Disco,” reflecting his observations on escapism and the inclusive ethos of disco.
Wilson, 28, has been a prominent figure on the local and international music scene since 2016, collaborating with artists like Terrace Martin, BJ the Chicago Kid, Sen Morimoto, Cupidon, Yellow Days, and CHAI. His 2023 album *CLUSTERFUNK*, created in collaboration with A-Trak and Chromeo, boasts over 2 million streams on Spotify for its lead track, “Everyone Moves To LA.” This success, while exciting, has also created pressure for his upcoming solo project, a work in progress since 2019. Wilson views this debut not as a singular narrative, but as the first season in a longer series of musical storytelling.
The “America Runs on Disco” party marks Wilson’s first foray into hosting. Partnering with Red Bull and Lincoln Hall, the event will feature DJ sets from Kit Kat, Timmy V, Billa, and Louie Kason, a live performance by Wilson himself, a limbo contest, and Dance Dance Revolution. In a recent interview with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez, Wilson discussed his love of Chicago house music, his experiences touring internationally, and his continued commitment to civic engagement.
Wilson’s extensive touring this year included multiple trips to Europe, culminating in headline shows in London and Paris. He balanced this with completing his upcoming album, a project he’s been developing since 2019. He discussed the high production standards he set for himself following the success of *CLUSTERFUNK*, aiming for the quality achieved through working with mixer and masterer MixedByAli, known for his work with Kendrick Lamar. He also addressed the pressure of creating a “sound-defining” debut album, ultimately re-framing his approach to albums as ongoing series rather than singular narratives.
Wilson also reflected on the political climate of 2024 and its impact on his creative process. While previously feeling pressured to comment on every current event, he now prioritizes his personal well-being and artistic expression. He explained that his new music, particularly the “America Runs on Disco” EP, serves as an escape, offering a counterpoint to the political turmoil. He emphasizes disco’s inclusive origins, started by Black and brown, gay and queer artists, and envisions a better America embodying these inclusive values.
He also addressed the complex history of disco in Chicago, contrasting the negative legacy of Disco Demolition Night with the positive impact of Chicago house music, born from the ashes of that event. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Black origins of house music, correcting misconceptions often held outside of Chicago.
Ric Wilson’s “America Runs on Disco” dance party takes place at Lincoln Hall on December 31st, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets start at $50.