Marklund therapist releases first album and donates proceeds to Marklund

Welcome back!

Music and Marklund. To Wes Kochan, they go together. A new album from Hurricane Warning Records, Inc. by the band First Star Destiny, was released in Nov., 2009, and its popularity is growing. The brains and talent behind both the record company and the album are Kochan’s. He serves as songwriter, solo artist and producer of the 16-song CD (also available in digital (mp3) format) album titled, “Something for Everyone.”

Kochan describes the music of First Star Destiny as Christian Rock and positive mainstream music with some diversity in approach ranging from rock to classical-flamenco with some electronica-dance influence and a bit of reggae. That’s quite a combination of sounds, but according to a growing fan-base, it works.

Kochan has always been musically inclined, but four years ago, while working as a recreational therapist with the very special residents of Marklund, he began writing songs. Marklund is a not-for-profit network of services that helps infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities reach their highest potential and live as full a life as possible.

“As I wrote the songs, I felt the influence of God leading me in the direction of what turned out to be a unique sound,” Kochan said. “The work is in the genre of Christian Rock, as well as songs that could fit into the secular realm of radio, and all with a positive spirit.”

Equally important to Kochan is his valued relationship with Marklund, where “Miracles are always within reach.” He has enjoyed working as a therapist with the special residents of Marklund since 1997, and a true joy for him is to perform his music for his incredible friends at Marklund, where he still works today. Kochan finds it tremendously gratifying to hear the residents – those who are able – sing along with him. Because of his devotion to Marklund, he is donating a percentage of the proceeds of the album to Marklund.

Also known as “wEs LeE ‘K’”, Kochan handled songwriting, lead and harmony vocals, lead guitar, keyboards-synthesizer, bass, and harmonica. In addition, there are other musicians on the album including session musicians on violin and backup vocals. Now performing in concert, both electronically and acoustically, whether with his solid backup group of musicians or in “one-man-band” style, he loves to perform his music.

When Kochan was a teenager, he started playing a Hawaiian lap steel guitar, however, he didn’t play it with a metal slide as it is meant to be played – he played with his fingers.

“Can you say finger callouses!?” he said. “Eventually I got my first $15 acoustic guitar that was actually meant to be fretted with fingers, and the rest is history. My listeners deserve a fun time of music and they don’t have to cover the kids’ ears for the lyrics! Really, it’s an album with meaning and many catchy grooves and hooks and lyrics for thinkers, seekers, believers and those who have a sense of emotion and a sense of what love is or should be. It has catchy beats and rhythms with something more than your average, everyday, just-make-sure-it-rhymes lyrics. Those who have heard this new release note the lyrical content and appreciate it right along with the sonic quality and catchiness therein.

“In summary, while there are other musicians on the album, it is primarily a solo artist album with a band name,” he said. “Whether playing in concert as a ‘one-man-band’ or with backup musicians, acoustically or electronically, my motto is to ‘bring the music to the people.’ And I love to do just that.”

Links for the First Star Destiny debut album, “Something For Everyone”, to iTunes, CD Baby, and Digstation are posted on www.Myspace.com/firststardestiny or www.Shoutlife.com/starwayrockband

For more information, call Wes Kochan at 630-310-1293 or email him at: wkochan@sbcglobal.net

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations. Marklund is not-for-profit.

Marklund’s main campus in Geneva, Ill., consists of six 16-bed residential homes for adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities as well as an educational and training center that provides for the intensive medical, social, emotional and physical needs of the residents.

In Bloomingdale, Ill., the Marklund Philip Center for Children encompasses the Children’s Home, a skilled pediatric nursing facility for infants, children and medically fragile adults; the Day School, an education program for children ages 3 – 21; early intervention for infants and toddlers age birth to three; and Marklund’s respite program.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482 or visit http://www.marklund.org