Chad King, a member of the Grammy Award-winning duo A Great Big World, has taken a brave step into the solo sphere with the release of his debut EP, *The Road Ahead*. Launched on 17 April, the four-track project delves into his personal journey of living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition he has managed since being diagnosed in May 2007 while attending New York University.
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Following his diagnosis, King initially ignored the realities of his condition. For over a decade, he carried on with his music career, which included the global success of A Great Big World’s well-known track “Say Something.” However, the emergence of debilitating symptoms—particularly during the pandemic—forced him to confront the impact of MS on both his life and career.
In a candid interview, King expressed the significance of this EP, stating, “For me, it’s capturing this moment when multiple sclerosis symptoms started to affect me and my world.” His lyrics reflect a period of vulnerability, describing how fundamental aspects of his artistic expression, such as his ability to walk and sing, began to change. This shift spurred the creation of *The Road Ahead*, where he channels his experiences into music that resonates deeply.
The decision to share his story was influenced by a sense of urgency. King revealed, “I got nervous—what if this progressed, and what if I didn’t have the ability to record and write songs the way I wanted to?” Compelled by the unpredictability of his condition, he felt it was crucial to release this project while he still could. The EP serves as both a creative outlet and a poignant glimpse into the realities faced by those living with MS.
Reflecting on his initial diagnosis, King recounted how he first experienced strange physical symptoms during his college finals. Although he sought guidance from neurologists who confirmed the diagnosis, King continued to tour and perform for many years, discovering ways to manage his health while nurturing his career. However, as his symptoms intensified, particularly during the pandemic, he found it increasingly difficult to maintain the same level of performance.
Despite the challenges, King’s relationship with his bandmate Ian Axel remained a source of support throughout this journey. When they first met, Axel was unaware of King’s diagnosis. As they built A Great Big World together, King prioritised creative expression over his health concerns, ultimately leading to discussions where he had to confront his condition more seriously.
The EP’s creation involved a transition in King’s musical approach, adapting both his songwriting and guitar playing. With his physical abilities in flux, he turned to journaling, using writing as a tool to process his feelings and navigate life with MS. “Change is Hard” emerged as one of the first tracks, capturing his journey toward acceptance of the new reality he faces.
Listening to his own limitations inspired King to produce *The Road Ahead*. He recounts a particularly eye-opening moment during a live recording session when he realised he could no longer sing as he used to. “I wasn’t singing the notes correctly,” he recalled, prompting a period of introspection about his live performances. This revelation pushed him to embrace the realities of his condition instead of resisting them.
The sincerity of King’s writing and willingness to share his truth offer audiences insight into the lived experience of MS. In one of the tracks, he lyrically conveys the struggle of adapting to significant changes within himself, stating, “My hands are not the same, my voice is not the same…” Through his vulnerability, he hopes to connect with others dealing with similar challenges, reinforcing that they are not alone in their experiences.
Looking toward the future, King expressed aspirations to expand his solo work into a full-length album. He is also involved in writing music for an adaptation of R.J. Palacio’s beloved novel *Wonder*, alongside Ian Axel. Yet, the unpredictability of his condition looms overhead, motivating him to pursue his creative goals with urgency.
Ultimately, King’s journey proves to be a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. He aims to counter misconceptions about living with MS, illustrating that individuals with the condition remain fully capable of achieving their dreams. As he moves forward on *The Road Ahead*, Chad King is not just crafting music but also fostering a sense of community and awareness around life with MS.