Chicago Disco-Funk Artist Ric Wilson Rings in the New Year with “America Runs on Disco” Dance Party
Chicago musician and activist Ric Wilson is set to host a New Year’s Eve dance party, “America Runs on Disco,” at Lincoln Hall on December 31st. The event serves as a grand finale to a whirlwind 2024 that saw Wilson tour domestically and internationally with artists such as DRAMA, Black Pumas, Yellow Days, and Chromeo. The party’s namesake also happens to be Wilson’s new single, and the title track of an upcoming EP slated for release in 2025.
The “America Runs on Disco” single, and the EP as a whole, reflects Wilson’s reflections on escapism and the inclusive spirit of disco music over the past two years. “It was primarily Black and brown, gay folks and queer folk; they initially started the disco movement,” Wilson explains. “What if America actually did run on disco, and had these same values that the old discotheques had on the dance floor? It would be a better place.”
Wilson, 28, has been a prominent figure on the local and international music scene since 2016, collaborating with artists such as 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, however, has brought its own pressures for his upcoming solo project, a work in progress since 2019.
“I’ve been overthinking the debut for a while… and feeling like I need to tell my story in this one piece of work,” he admits. “But if you’re an artist that’s gonna keep being an artist for a while, it’s not about telling your story in one piece of work. It’s about telling your story consistently. I feel like it’s a series, and this is my first season.”
The “America Runs on Disco” party marks Wilson’s debut as a dance party host. In collaboration 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 for Chicago house music, his international touring experiences, and his ongoing commitment to civic engagement.
Reflecting on his extensive touring schedule in Europe earlier this year, Wilson shared insights into the creative process behind his new album, emphasizing his desire to create music that offers an escape from the pressures of political events. He also discussed the importance of maintaining artistic quality, referencing the mixing and mastering work of MixedByAli, who has worked with Kendrick Lamar. Wilson acknowledged the pressure to create a “sound-defining” debut album but ultimately reframed his approach, viewing his music as an ongoing series rather than a singular narrative.
While acknowledging Chicago’s complex history with disco, including the infamous Disco Demolition Night, Wilson highlighted the city’s rich and positive contributions to house music. He emphasized the importance of understanding and celebrating Chicago house music, a genre he feels is often misattributed to other cities. His personal connection to house music, fostered through childhood experiences, has heavily influenced his musical style, incorporating elements of Black joy and freedom while acknowledging the struggles against racism.
”America Runs on Disco” Dance Party Details:
* Date: December 31st
* Time: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
* Venue: Lincoln Hall
* Tickets: Starting at $50