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Queen City Rising is in the studio working on the new EP — Your Friendly Neighborhood Black Man, arriving January 2027. No shows scheduled right now, but that changes when the music drops.
EP In Progress
Your Friendly Neighborhood Black Man
January 2027
Our Story
The Dream Doesn't Have a Deadline
Queen City Rising is the solo project of Duluth, Minnesota-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Mike Paris. Inspired by alternative rock, grunge, and the twists and turns of real life, every song is written, sung, and performed with one goal: telling stories that feel honest.
Some roads take longer than others. After years of chasing careers, responsibilities, and life's unexpected detours, Paris is finally pursuing the dream that never completely let go. With a new EP, Your Friendly Neighborhood Black Man, arriving in January 2027, the next chapter is just beginning.
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From Mike Paris
Some Roads Take Longer
For most of my life, music was something I carried with me. Today, I live and record in Duluth, Minnesota.
Sometimes it was front and center. Other times, life pulled me in different directions. Careers, responsibilities, setbacks, opportunities, and everything in between have a way of changing the route you thought you'd take.
But some roads take longer.
That's why I'm excited to share the next chapter of Queen City Rising.
I'm currently finishing a new EP titled Your Friendly Neighborhood Black Man, scheduled for release in January 2027.
Before the EP arrives, I'll be releasing a new single called The Politician on December 15, which also happens to be my birthday.
I'm also preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign to help bring this project to life. Independent music isn't cheap. Recording, mixing, mastering, artwork, promotion, and distribution all come with costs, and I want to make this project the best it can be.
More than anything, I want to thank everyone who's been following along. Whether you've been here since the beginning or just recently discovered Queen City Rising, I'm grateful you're part of the journey.
Some roads take longer. But they're worth traveling.
Mike Paris Queen City Rising
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