The debut of a new album is the first of what one TCU student hopes will elevate him to the next level of rock star status.

Sophomore business major Tim Halperin displayed his talents at a CD debut party put on by the Programming Council on Wednesday night in the Brown-Lupton Student Center.

The album, “You Are The Moon,” is Halperin’s first CD, equipped with five tracks, which were featured on XM radio last week.

“I sent out a copy of my EP to XM and they chose it to be featured with 12 other unsigned artists,” Halperin said. “It was really cool.”

Kristen Chapman, chair of the Programming Council, tries to do as many free functions for TCU students as possible, as well as work with artists in the area to put on events on campus.

Cade McCloud, director of Programming Council’s live performances committee, said the council wanted someone local to play, so he chose Halperin, whom he met through his fraternity, Brothers Under Christ.

“With Tim’s music on iTunes now we thought it would be a good time for him to get some recognition.” McCloud said.

Halperin was invited by the Programming Council to play on campus and introduce other TCU students to his music. It’s part of a plan by the council to get students involved with other music, McCloud said.

At the debut party, Halperin played piano and sang melancholy tunes while students enjoyed free cake and punch.

Halperin has been playing the piano since he was in first grade and has not looked back, he said. The Nebraska native said he came to TCU to get away from home and follow in his brother’s footsteps as a Horned Frog.

“My inspiration comes from Ben Folds, The Beatles and Coldplay,” Halperin said.

Halperin said he started writing his own music in high school and decided he wanted to get serious, so he joined a band when he got to TCU. It didn’t last, but the band did manage to win TCU’s Battle of the Bands two years ago. Halperin also won the National Room Renovations Contest on NBC’s “Kansas City Live” with his original song, “Life In The Dorm Room.”