New Music Reviews

Neal Francis Returns with Danceable New Single ‘Back It Up’ + Tour Dates Announced!

  • November 12, 2024
  • 2 min read
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Neal Francis Returns with Danceable New Single ‘Back It Up’ + Tour Dates Announced!
Neal Francis, back it up, electronic dance music, dance music

Neal Francis, the Chicago-based singer-songwriter-pianist known for his soulful energy and magnetic performances, is back with a bang. His latest single, “Back It Up,” out now via ATO Records, is a danceable groove that combines glossy synth lines with a strutting piano riff, creating a sound both playful and full of swagger. This marks Francis’ first release in nearly two years, and it’s clear he’s embraced a lighter, more carefree approach. “It took me a while to accept that it’s okay to have fun with the lyrics instead of making everything so serious all the time,” he admits, capturing the spirited essence of this infectious track.

The track’s official music video, now available on YouTube, perfectly matches the song’s freewheeling vibe, bringing Francis’ personality front and center.

Already recognized by SPIN as “a mesmerizing performer,” Francis will hit the road to celebrate “Back It Up” with a series of headline dates, including a special two-night homecoming at Chicago’s Thalia Hall on December 13-14. Looking ahead, 2025 will see him sharing his soulful tunes internationally, from Bobby Weir’s Dead Ahead in Riviera Cancun to Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia.

For the full list of dates and ticket info, visit nealfrancis.com/tour.

Neal Francis – Tour Dates 2024-2025

November

15 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line †

16 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre †

22 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation @ The Intersection ^

23 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall ^

December

13 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall ^

14 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall + (SOLD OUT)

January 2025

9-13 – Riviera Cancun, Mexico – Dead Ahead *

April 2025

17-20 – Byron Bay, Australia – Byron Bay Bluesfest *

† with Wyatt Waddell

^ with Smushie

• with Liam Kazar

• Festival appearance

Catch Neal Francis on tour to experience “Back It Up” and his mesmerizing presence live – this is one act you won’t want to miss.

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Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is an accomplished promoter, event planner, producer, activist, counselor, poet and blogger. Within the course of two and a half years Chris Ryan has worked with some of NYC's most established promoters/event planners, been named 2007′s GaySocialite of the year, granted a promoter of the year award from NYC's most famous gay establishment, Splash. He's worked in some of NYC's top venues including; Avalon, Capitale, Cipriani, Cielo, Pacha, Element, Le Poisson Rouge, XL, G Lounge, Plumm, Hilton Hotel, Indigo Hotel, Spirit, Myst/Quo, Splash, The Ritz, Vlada, Roseland Ballroom, Heaven, etc. In 2008, Chris Ryan has begun to unveil some of the most innovative & unique parties New York City has ever seen. The Fusion events "fuse" together all disciplines of art into an event that remains diverse yet cohesive at the same time. ChrisRyanNYC.com won best gay promotions website from NYC Event Patrons in 2008 & he was granted an award from the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Gov. Patterson & Michelle Clunie (QAF) saluting him for his hard work in nightlife. Chris Ryan has also begun working with many renown companies, including; doctors, lawyers, physicians, modeling agencies & more. Chris Ryan has been responsible for wide-scale promotions for all these companies & generating tremendous business. Chris Ryan has even started to become National with events taking place in LA & Miami this year. In May of 2009 Chris Ryan received the very prestigious honor of being named a "40 Under 40″ Gays in America by the Advocate Magazine. He also created three successful parties that generated over 1,500 patrons each. In January of 2010 Chris Ryan was featured as one of the top promoters to look out for in Noize Magazine Chris Ryan joined forces with legendary promoter/event producer, Lee Chappell and created one of the most talked about events of all 2010, Desire @ Capitale. Chris Ryan and Lee featured one of the most outstanding artists NYC has ever seen, "Oh Land." Her performance coupled with an exquisite and unforgettable set design added to this extravagant event that held over 1,000 patrons in one of NYC's most successful PRIDE events! Chris Ryan then joined forces with legendary Pacha promoter, Rob Fernandez in addition to Jake Resnicow and Tommy Marinelli to bring one of the largest and most successful parties worldwide to NYC, MATINEE. The event on Governor's Island saw over 2,000+ attendees and one of the most ambitious productions ever. In 2011 Chris Ryan started Emerge Music Promotions with business partner Darren Melchiorre. Emerge Music promotions began signing artists with plans to develop and market the artists to the community at large. Emerge Music promotions has big events planned for 2012 and 2013. Chris Ryan debuted the IMAGE events which took place on top of two of NYC's most beautiful rooftop venues, Rare View and Indigo Hotel. The events were blogged everywhere and featured the fashion designs of several clothing designers, artists and photographers. Chris Ryan felt that fashion and art should be displayed at every event and attracted the likes of Malan Breton, Calvin Klein and even Katy Perry. Chris Ryan began an extremely successful event which incorporated the concept of a house party into a nightclub atmosphere. The event Twist'D at G Lounge has been one of the most talked about events in NYC and allows it's audience to play nearly-naked Twister, beer pong, flip cup & more with other attendees. Chris Ryan was granted an excellence in volunteering award from AVP (Anti-Violence Project) for all his efforts in supporting the organization. 2013 has a very promising landscape on the horizon and Chris Ryan is complacent in saying "you haven't seen anything yet!"

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