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“I’m a story and I don’t know the ending…”

-Tim Halperin

The Last Song (2011)

Authenticity. While sometimes difficult to define, you almost always know it when you see it. Case in point: Tim Halperin.

Halperin’s distinctive voice, soulful piano vibe and acumen for writing original songs packed with raw emotion have catapulted him into the nation’s musical consciousness as one of its brightest young singer/songwriters.

Stylistically blending an infectious mix of pop and rock with a hint of jazz, Halperin’s trademark catchy melodies, pure vocal tonality and rhythmic piano style have struck a chord with audiences from coast-to-coast. Combine that with his unmistakable Midwestern genuineness and sincerity – interwoven throughout every original song and performance – and you have the ingredients that keep a steadily growing fanbase coming back for more.

Make or Break: Chasing a Dream

Less than a year removed from earning his degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Halperin, 23, has been organically pursuing his dream of being a full-time singer/songwriter for the past three years. Writing, recording and playing for crowds of all sizes, he has invested his heart and soul in his music.

During the fall of 2009, Halperin released his debut EP, Make or Break, featuring three original tracks that revealed his knack for intricate lyrics and contagious melodies. Two of those tracks, Holding This Rope and Let It Go, were featured on MTV’s The Real World: New Orleans in 2010.

Fresh off the release of his EP, Halperin teamed up with two local filmmakers in Fort Worth to create an original, continuous-shot music video for his song She Runs. Made on a shoestring budget with dozens of volunteers, the video debuted online and immediately went viral, earning accolades from bloggers and critics across the Internet for its ingenuity and fresh approach.

Halperin’s creativity, originality and reputation for high energy, crowd-pleasing performances also earned him an opportunity to play with several well-known artists, including Jon McLaughlin, Matt Wertz, Andy Davis, the Ying Yang Twins and Green River Ordinance.

Using Music to ‘Fight Back’

In the summer of 2010, Halperin partnered with his alma mater, TCU, to write and record an original song in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure – a non-profit organization dedicated to breast cancer research. His song, We Fight Back, was completed in five days and incorporated into an inspirational video shown at halftime of a TCU home football game.

Even before the video debuted, Halperin heard from breast cancer survivors all over the country who learned about the song and were touched by the message and lyrics. It became a rallying cry for the 35,000 participants in the Komen Race for the Cure in Dallas, where Halperin also performed for the Walk of Survivors. Moved by their courageous stories, Halperin made the song available on iTunes and donated all his proceeds to Komen for the Cure.

Shaped & Molded in Middle America

While no stranger to success, Halperin’s beginnings are relatively modest. Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, he developed a healthy appreciation for good music at a young age, listening to legendary artists like the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Billy Joel on vinyl records in his family’s basement.

At age six, he took his first piano lesson and, even then, it was apparent Halperin was destined for a bright musical future. His love for piano evolved into a passion for singing and, in junior high and high school, he became involved in vocal music at school and church.

While in high school, Halperin’s musical taste and style began to emerge as he started listening to some of his biggest influences – artists like Coldplay, Ben Folds, Jason Mraz and The Fray.

It was also in high school that Halperin formed his first band with friends from show choir. It was then his love for writing original music and performing on a stage in front of a crowd was born – a love that propels him today.

From America’s Heartland to American Idol

Halperin began work on his first full-length album in the fall of 2010. While working on the album, a friend encouraged him to audition for Season 10 of America’s highest rated television show, American Idol. With a field of more than 115,000 hopefuls vying for a spot on the show, Halperin emerged as one of the Top 24, earning a spot on the live broadcast.

During his time on American Idol, millions of viewers were introduced to Halperin’s fun-loving, genuine personality and musical talent, as he became one of the first contestants to debut an original song on the show. Following his stint on American Idol, Halperin released The Last Song for free as a way to thank his supporters – and to preview what they can expect on his upcoming full-length album, scheduled for release in September 2011.

Tim's debut full-length CD 'Rise and Fall' released on September 27, 2011. It immediately rose to #1 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart, and held that position for 4 days. 'Rise and Fall' also debuted at #14 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. These numbers were astonishing to many, considering the release was independent. The songs on this CD show off Halperin's versatility and maturity as a songwriter. The album was produced by Jordan Critz at Third Orbit Studio in Dallas, Texas.

Halperin’s fans can expect much more from the budding star as he continues to apply his musicality and lyrical creativity in fresh and innovative ways. Although his future may be unknown, one thing is certain: Halperin’s story has only begun.