Tony Winner Levi Kreis Releases New Album IMAGINE PARADISE Today

Kreis became a Broadway star overnight with his effortless comedic timing and dazzling piano chops as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Tony nominated musical Million Dollar Quartet. The role won him a 2010 Tony Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award and a Drama League nomination.

Soon after, Kreis' own queer-centric music found a most unlikely audience. "I Should Go", originally written for a straight guy crush, became the breakout hit of the Season 2 Finale of The Vampire Diaries convincing Kreis to go back into the studio. He turned to his fans for funding and organized a Kickstarter campaign so successful that the August 2011 issue of Billboard Magazine sited it as in the top three most successful campaigns to date. A year and a half later, Kreis is back with a new sound, a new single, and a new tour.

"So Much Better" sets the tone for a new chapter in Kreis' career; one that more directly speaks to our LGBT history. Levi says, "It captures a period of time where r&b and dance music emerged from the black and gay communities as vital anthems of freedom. Some call it nu-disco. I honestly don't know what it is, but I wanted a sound that celebrates our history and takes pride in our accomplishments."

Imagine Paradise, Kreis' sixth album, drops today, June 20th and is a collection of 12 songs that are personalized, custom-written theme songs for some of his most generous fans. "I wrote 'So Much Better' after getting to know one of my backers in Nashville. David is a hard working, successful man and is often too hard on himself. I wanted the song to convey the peace inherent in letting go of that which you cannot change, but not in a melancholy way. It's my disco-love anthem to him. Every song on the album is a love letter to a fan."

Kreis begins his Flying Solo Tour on March 2rd. Dates are scheduled through April and will continue to add on as the album draws near release. The Chicago Tribune gives Kreis' solo show "5 Stars" and reviews continue to reflect the same charisma that Broadway recognized two years ago. But before the world ever heard of Levi, it was gay media that introduced his debut album to the world in 2005. Kreis now comes home to his roots, and we're glad to have him back.

Levi Kreis' music has been featured on NBC, CBS, CW, and FX. Most prominent features are The Vampire Diaries, Sons of Anarchy, and The Apprentice. He has appeared on The View, David Letterman, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. He is an OUT100 alum, #1 Logo Artist, and OUTMusic Award Winner.

"So Much Better: US Singles" comes out March 4th and is available for pre-order now on iTunes.

Current dates for the Flying Solo Tour: March 2nd - Chicago, March 21st - NYC, March 23rd - D.C.,
March 27th - Raleigh, March 30th - Knoxville, and April 13th - Atlanta. More dates TBA.

So Much Better: Official Music Video