Press release
Chicago-based hip-hop artist and “king of Gen Z funk” (MTV News) Ric Wilson announces AMERICA RUNS ON DISCO, his first proper solo project in seven years, out June 20th on Free Disco/EMPIRE. No stranger to the scenic route, the trailblazing musician’s on a spiritual campaign to usher in a new era of disco music, primed for dancefloors and rooted in Black radical traditions. It’s communal music with an outsider’s spirit, made to move to and move through whatever the body holds. In conjunction with today’s announcement, Wilson unveils a new single, “Missin My Window” (feat. Party Pupils) and announces a run of select U.S. tour dates.
AMERICA RUNS ON DISCO began from a quick turn-of-phrase on a snack run and bloomed into part-mission statement, part-open question. Wilson conceived the project through the noise of the 2024 U.S. election season, choosing to channel the strangeness of the world after lockdown, sliding deeper into instability and peril. As he reengaged with pursuing his career and attempting to move on with life, Wilson observed the beauty and fragility of a good time, how the dance floor functioned as collective escapism from deteriorating conditions and a dark road ahead. AMERICA RUNS ON DISCO doesn’t wither under the weight of existence, but keeps a steady groove as these stories and snapshots play like episodes from a certain season in Ric Wilson’s life.
The Disco Ric hallmark sounds are all in play, featuring production from the likes of Jafunk, KMB, Norbz, and Yung Franco. Wilson reassumes his role as the worldly party-rocker, but offers new drops of guard as he moves through frustrations, close calls, and nights to remember. Today’s single features Party Pupils and Wilson trading harmonies about missed connections on the open road, a disco tune doubling as an ode to the ones that got away.
Of the track, Wilson says: “You ever get too caught up with work and come home and wanna make some love to your lover but they are asleep. hahaha this song is about that experience and feeling and it’s always your fault beloved.” On the song’s chorus he raps: “I can’t wait on you / All the things you do / Got me missing you / How much much can I / Wait on you.”Reflecting on his collaboration with Party Pupils who both produced and featured on the track, Wilson says, “Me and Party Pupils had been fans of each other for a while before this link up , this was the first session we did of many that had come after.”
Fresh off 2023’s collaborative project CLUSTERFUNK with Chromeo and A-Trak, sold out headline shows in London and Paris, and recent collaborations with likes of CHAI, Yung Bae, The Blessed Madonna, Cupidon, Devin Tracy, frequent collaborator Yellow Days, and Mayor Hawthorn, AMERICA RUNS ON DISCO is not just another statement on our world, but a taste of things to come as Ric Wilson evolves. Coming after its New Year’s Eve 2024 debut at Lincoln Hall in Chicago, the AMERICA RUNS ON DISCO dance party will have its second iteration on June 19th at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. This event serves as a sneak preview of the EP, featuring DJs and guest appearances curated by Wilson himself.
He will also play additional dates in Brooklyn, Milwaukee, and San Diego. A full list is available below, and tickets are available here.
Ric Wilson Tour Dates:
Sun. May 25 – Brooklyn, NY @ Breaking Bread @ Baby’s All Right
Thu. June 19 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle (AMERICA RUNS ON DISCO DANCE PARTY)
Fri. June 27 – Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club (AMERICA RUNS ON DISCO DANCE PARTY)
Sat. June 28 – Chicago, IL @ Red Bull Dance Your Style
Sat. July 19 – San Diego, CA @ San Diego Pride Festival
Fri. Oct. 25 – Utrecht, NL @ Juice Box Festival
