theaussieword.com’s special interview with US singer/songwriter Tim Halperin.
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
When I was a kid, I’d play basketball in our basement while listening to my parents’ record collection. I thought I was training to be in the NBA, but really I was training to be a songwriter, listening to Michael Jackson, James Taylor, The Temptations, Styx, Stevie Wonder, and others. I also started taking piano lessons at 6 years old…but I didn’t enjoy it until I started learning how to play pop chord charts in middle school.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
The goal for me has always been to write songs that can meet people right where they are. Songs with real emotion break through the clutter and help us in the midst of whatever we’re experiencing in our lives. I want to write those songs.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
It’s never been about the awards or numbers for me. It’s always been a hope that my music might make a difference to one person at a time. I also hope to continually grow as a songwriter, writing a variety of songs that still feel strong and impactful.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I’m constantly writing, and am aiming at releasing a few new singles in late summer/early fall. I’m playing a handful of shows as well. They’ll start popping up on my website soon.
Tell us a bit about your latest album and how would you best describe your music?
I like to describe my genre as meaningful pop. So you get the fun nature of a pop song, infused with lyrics that have purpose behind them. CHANCES was such a fun album to write/record…it is the most pop-heavy melodies and production of anything I’ve done and I’m really proud of it.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Getting back up. Inevitably you’ll be let down and turned down in music, or any career for that matter. The ones who keep getting back up make it.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
I got to do a show with my hero, Ben Folds a few years back. It meant the world to me to share the stage with him. He’s inspired me in a huge way.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Coldplay, James Taylor, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ben Folds, Jon Bellion.
Any new projects in the pipeline?
Yes, working on a few new singles…not sure if it’ll turn into a full record, or if I’ll just release them as singles yet. But expect them to surface in late summer/early fall this year.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I’ll still be working hard as an artist. I think the only difference will be the variety of songs that I’ll hopefully be writing. I’d like to write more rock and alternative music for other artists.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
Crowded House, Jet, Jarryd James, Troye Sivan.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I’m a believer that a good song will always find its way to an audience. I think even in the crazy world of social media that we’re in, great artists making great music trump any sort of hype. Having said that, I do my best to keep a social media presence and stay connected to fans of my music. I just try to spend more time creating music and less time scrolling through Instagram.
I also think that the current state of the music industry works in the favor of up and coming artists. The public is much more likely to listen to new music than ever before and I’m glad streaming has been embraced for the sake of underdogs like myself.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Thanks for supporting Independent Artists like me. It goes a really long way for us!
Website: www.timhalperin.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TimHalperinOfficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/timhalperin
Instagram: www.instagram.com/timhalperin