Ric Wilson is taking his love for disco to new heights with his upcoming second installment of the America Runs on Disco Dance Party, scheduled for Thursday at the Empty Bottle.
This vibrant celebration will feature live music, DJ sets, and, most importantly, plenty of dancing, in an effort to bring the spirit of disco back into the American cultural fabric.
The series kicked off on New Year’s Eve at Lincoln Hall, marking the beginning of Wilson’s mission to deliver a disco revival.
Coinciding with Juneteenth and the release of his new EP, America Runs on Disco, Wilson sees the dance party as a way to not only celebrate the genre’s rich history but also the community that birthed it.
Wilson, known for his unique disco-funk style, will perform several unreleased songs from the EP, demonstrating his commitment to both his craft and his roots.
Joining him are Chicago’s talented DJs Emmaculate, Kit Kat, and Tre Daniels, alongside Kiéla Adira, a local musician and a longtime collaborator of Wilson.
Earlier this year, Wilson shared his thoughts with Vocalo, indicating that his EP and dance party series stem from a profound appreciation for the values that disco embodies.
“It was primarily Black and brown, gay folks and queer folk; they initially started the disco movement.
Then everyone else started coming to these spaces,” he explained.
His vision poses a compelling question: What if America truly embodied the values that early discotheques treasured?
According to Wilson, the result would likely be a more harmonious society.
America Runs on Disco marks Wilson’s first solo release since 2018, and it draws inspiration from the 2024 presidential election.
While some tracks have been in development since 2020, Wilson acknowledges their ongoing relevance in today’s sociopolitical climate.
In an interview with Vocalo, Wilson reflected on how his advocacy work and community roots laid the groundwork for his journey into music.
“Getting into the music scene in Chicago came through me being an organizer,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of community in his life, stating, “My house is open-door to all my friends and family; my house is never really empty.
I try to reflect it in the music as much as possible. In fact, the EP was a critique of last year’s election year, but it turned out to still be relevant.
A lot of what I’m saying in these songs resonates with the current situation.
I’m excited for people to hear this.”
Willson’s choice of title for the EP, America Runs on Disco, reflects his desire for a return to the essence of disco—a feeling of freedom and inclusivity.
He noted the genre’s roots in the contributions of queer, Black, and brown individuals, describing them as integral to America’s cultural soul.
In Wilson’s view, the country’s vibrancy and creativity stem from these communities, and he believes that to appreciate one, you must acknowledge the other.
His music may sound upbeat, but Wilson pointed out that it often touches on serious themes.
He draws parallels between dance music and protest chants, stating, “I think about protest music and chants during marches and rallies, which sound really cheerful but are pretty heavy.
But they still get the people moving. I wanted people to move but also listen.
I feel like the best way to get into someone’s brain is to hypnotize them with a groove, and then all of a sudden, they’re chanting along.
For example, in my song, ‘We don’t party with Nazis,’ people might be vibing and suddenly realize the underlying message.
I believe that getting people to free themselves ultimately leads to liberation for others as well.
This dance party embodies that ideology and celebrates a legacy that Wilson is passionate about.
With his EP set to release on Friday, anticipation is high for an energetic night dedicated to the spirit of disco, community, and the promising message that America can embrace its roots in a colorful way.
For Wilson, the America Runs on Disco Dance Party is not only about music but a movement toward shared values that celebrate diversity and freedom on the dance floor.
image source from：wbez
