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MAKING THE WORLD DANCEc2

Singer, Chris Willis Can Move You

By: Sidney Alvarez, Fuerte Men

Powerhouse singer and songwriter Chris Willis will have you moving on the dance floors this summer as he continues his party momentum while performing at various LGBT 2012 Pride festivals throughout the USA. His music is infectious, a complete dance rapture that you want to embrace and accompanied with lyrics that actually make sense. Chris has scored two solo No.1 dance singles “Too Much Love” and “Louder (Put Your Hands Up)” off his debut album called Premium (Songs From The Love Ship) Vol. 1. He is 10-year collaborator with dance icon David Guetta, singing along side Fergie and LMFAO on the mega-smash single “Getting’ Over You.” At 44 years old, this Ohio native is an openly gay artist who has found a way of staying relevant in the fad-driven dance music industry. So put your hands up because you can never show too much love for the man who can make you move! Here is my Fuerte Men interview with Chris Willis (content edited for brief reading):

VIEW GALLERY BELOW

  

FM: You’re performing at various LGBT events this summer. Do they mean more to you because you’re gay?

CW: All of my performances mean so much to me, but I have to say the energy I get from a PRIDE event is wonderfully overwhelming. These performances become deeply personal. I’m in the crowd with them so to speak and I understand our need for celebration. 

FM: You came out at a later age, 32, what can you share with Fuerte Men about this experience?

CW: I remember being so afraid and adapting my behavior. I have to tell you, I am very impressed with the guts of today’s youth and I can only encourage parents to support their kids. I had a responsibility to my spirituality and sexuality and coming to terms with both. I needed to have the love from my family and surrounded myself with this. It took me sometime internally but the unconditional love of my family is what got me through it.

FM: How has being an openly gay singer impacted your career?

CW: I focus on my truth. How can I be the best artist I can be and remain true to myself? I think being gay allows me to be more in tune with emotions in general.   Love is universal and that is what I sing about. Professionally, I don’t walk around telling everyone about my sexuality or personal business.   I also don’t pretend to be something that I am not and to me that is very important.

FM: This is going to be a very busy summer for you, aside from the PRIDE performances, what’s next?

CM: I am so excited because I have three records coming out overseas in Europe. The single “One Life” will hit in France, then “Notice Me” will be in Spain, and “DJ Rock Superstar” will be released in Italy.   I try to keep busy with different projects and collaborations.

FM: Are you single?

CM: (laughing) I’m dating how’s that.

FM: I can tell you workout?

CM: (laughing) I’m so glad you noticed! I love going to the gym. I live at the gym. My favorite exercises are pull-ups. I just really enjoy them. I really try to change things up and remain focused on my health. Aside from exercising I also eat organically.

FM: What is your definition of Fuerte Men?

CM: To me Fuerte Men are comfortable with both their masculine and feminine sides. They should be very much interested in what others think and not afraid to be wrong. I think Fuerte Men are also compassionate and ready to take on the responsibilities to make things right.

PRIDE PERFROMANCES

Pridefest:  El Paso, Texas June 9, 2012

Michegan Pride:  Lansing, Michigan June 16, 2012

Rain Night Club Pool Party: The Palms Las Vegas, Nevada July 14, 2012

For more information log on to www.chrisworldentertainment.com

sidphotoAbout the Author:

Sidney Alvarez is a 10-year veteran in Public Relations and Brand Marketing; an Emmy award winning television journalist; workforce and economic development expert; and social media specialist.  Memorable Sidney one on one interviews include:  Pink, Beyonce, Destiny’s Child, Oprah Winfrey, Ricky Martin, President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Mexico President Vicente Fox, Laura Bush, Texas Governor Rick Perry, Shania Twain, Gwen Stefani, John Travolta, Kathy Bates, Garth Brooks, Patrick Swayze, Halle Berry, Bill Cosby, Colton Ford, Wynonna Judd, Naomi Judd, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, and Hillary Clinton.  Sidney has worked with different media affiliates as an on air talent; including: NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC, Warner Brothers, Univision, and MTV.  Sidney resides in New York City but is a native of El Paso, Texas.

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  • Robert
    6/01/2012 6:53 pm

    His music is great! Def. what I want to hear out in the clubs. I'm going to look up his gospel stuff . . . very curious! BTW Sidney you are a handsome man!!! When can we see you in a pictorial!