Milwaukee music cares. It always has. And, like other cities in times of need, it steps up. For years, the city has been a creative center for all types of tunes, and Peter Buffet and Goran Kralj have had their hands in a lot of it.

Recently, both musicians stepped up to help out those in need.

"Where Are You Now?" is an emotionally-charged ballad from Goran Kralj, lead singer of Milwaukee's The Gufs. It's been available on mp3.com for months, and as OnMilwaukee.com first reported last month, the song has been reworked and newly composed as a benefit for the victims of the Sept. 11 tragedies.

"A friend who heard the song made us realize that there was a strong connection to people going through loss in their lives," said Kralj. "We decided to revisit the song and rework the lyrics to make them more direct. The message of this song is that through spirit and memory, the loss of someone dear to you doesn't mean you'll never be with them again."

All the proceeds go toward the "September 11 Fund," a United Way sponsored charity designed to help respond to the immediate and longer-term needs of the victims, their families and communities affected by the terrorist attacks.

Recorded on the city's East Side in BisonHead and Walls Have Ears studios, the song is now available at all area locations of The Exclusive Company and Best Buy for $5. Atomic Records, 1813 E. Locust St., and Disc Man stores also will sell the song.

Said Kralj, "I hope people are feeling a little bit closer to each other because of this tragedy, which has helped remove us from our general self-centeredness in our busy lives."

If you haven't already heard the song, OnMilwaukee.com is offering an exclusive mp3 download. Click here to download "Where Are You Now?" (it's a 3.3 megabyte file) then support the effort by buying the single.