Erik Kjelland: Everybody Falls

Madison, Wisconsin singer/songwriter Erik Kjelland and producer Jilladair “JD” Carlson have teamed up to create an emotional and inspirational CD, Everybody Falls, to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Available from Stone After Stone Records, the lead track, “Brighter” is an anthem to everyone touched by multiple sclerosis. With lyrics by Carlson, herself suffering from MS for the last 27 years, the song was written to encourage people with MS to ask for help, to thank others for their support, and to call on everyone to fight for a better quality of life for those affected by MS. The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for individuals with MS. By providing ongoing support and direct services to these individuals and the people close to them, MSAA also promotes understanding of the needs and challenges of those who face physical obstacles. In addition to a variety of programs and services – such as consultations, equipment distribution, home modifications, MRI diagnostic funding, and public awareness campaigns – MSAA also provides valuable information through its quarterly magazine The Motivator and other literature. Funding research to prevent MS is only one part of the struggle. What happens to those diagnosed in the meantime? The MSAA needs help to assist people with MS in their daily lives. They need wheelchairs, homes able to accommodate a wheelchair, a place to call for support, meetings they can attend in their own neighborhoods, treatment options, informed literature about those options, someone who will listen and help. By purchasing Everybody Falls, consumers directly support the MS community through the programs and services provided nationally by the MSAA. Kjelland and Carlson have set lofty sales goals in their quest to benefit the 36 year-old MSAA and its good works. Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS, and every week about 200 people more are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS affects over 2.5 million individuals. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years old and 2 to 3 times as many women as men have this disease. A celebrity auction, CD release party and concert by Kjelland in early March was held at NYC’s Home Guesthouse to raise funds and awareness for MSAA. Stars donating auction items included George Clooney, Bob Costas, Calvin Klein, Mary Tyler Moore, Shaun White, Carmen Electra, Maria Sharapova, Meryl Streep, and Conan O’Brien. Musically, Kjelland’s songs combine thoughtful lyrics with compelling arrangements and vocals in styles ranging from rock to acoustic guitar-based AC. In additon to Kjelland’s rhythmn guitar and vocals, the musicians featured are Nick Fry (bass), Art Ranney (lead guitar) and Mike Steckling (drums).