Chad King Unveils Personal Solo EP 'The Road Ahead' After Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
Fifteen years after rising to fame as one-half of the Grammy-winning pop duo A Great Big World, musician Chad King has returned with a deeply personal new project. On Friday, King released "The Road Ahead," a four-song solo EP that openly addresses his recent health struggles with multiple sclerosis. The lyrics for the new tracks were inspired by a series of journal entries in which King reflects on his experience living with the chronic condition.
Drawing Inspiration From Physical Changes
"A lot of it came to me at a time when my body was physically doing things that I couldn't ignore anymore," King, 40, explained in a recent interview. "For the longest time, I'd been hiding as much as I could from the public, but I couldn't ignore these physical changes. I had strength in my right hand and my left was losing strength, so I could still write."
The musician shared a pivotal moment that inspired the EP's first single, "Change Is Hard." "I was on the phone with a friend a few years back, and I said, 'Change is hard.' And she said, 'Well, being stuck is harder,'" he continued. "When I heard her say those words, I knew I needed to write a song because they spoke to me so much."
Musical Style and Health Background
The EP features acoustic ballads with empowering lyrics that resonate with anyone facing personal crossroads. Tracks like "Days Gone By" and "Golden Door" wistfully allude to the fleeting passage of time, with King's harmonies recalling early Joni Mitchell and Simon & Garfunkel.
King received his multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2007, approximately four years before A Great Big World released their breakout hit "This Is the New Year" with bandmate Ian Axel. The duo achieved even greater success in 2013 when "Say Something" from their debut album caught Christina Aguilera's attention. Her collaboration with Axel and King on a reimagined version won the 2015 Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Navigating Health Challenges and Career
While grateful for his mainstream success, King now acknowledges that it distracted him from addressing his MS-related health concerns. "I was having symptoms come and go, and MS felt like something I didn't have the time or space for," he admitted.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a significant turning point. "I started getting fatigued throughout the day. I couldn't walk without a walking aid," King revealed. Though health issues have limited his touring plans, fans will see him perform on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" on Monday.
Finding Support and New Creative Directions
King has found a kindred spirit in actress Christina Applegate, who publicly revealed her MS diagnosis in 2021 and has since become an advocate for those living with the disease. "I've had some pretty intimate talks with her when I've felt incredibly alone," King said of the "Dead to Me" star. "She's been such a guiding light for me in how I go about this journey. Her symptoms are completely different than mine, and the way she is figuring out how to navigate with this disease is inspiring."
Recently, King has turned his attention to theatrical projects. He and Axel collaborated on a musical adaptation of R.J. Palacio's 2012 children's novel "Wonder," which premiered at Boston's American Repertory Theater in December to positive reviews.
A Message of Resilience
Together, both "The Road Ahead" and "Wonder" have reinforced King's belief that "the spirit is so much stronger than the physical body." The musician emphasized this perspective, stating: "Yes, my physical body might look different, and I might sound different, but I'm still here. My spirit is still here and still doing great."
Multiple sclerosis attacks the central nervous system and impairs communication between the body and brain, with symptoms including tremors, vision loss, slurred speech, and weakness in the limbs. Through his music and public discussions, King continues to bring awareness to the condition while pursuing his artistic passions.
