Sophomore Spanish major Jonathan Koeppel has reached peers through his inspiring
music and new album, “Speak To Me Now.”  
Courtesy of Jonathan Koeppel

One Southeastern student works to promote his new album, “Speak to Me Now,” and to connect with his audience. One song from Jonathan Koeppel’s album even prevented someone from committing suicide. 

When not studying, this sophomore Spanish major works part-time and looks forward to performing at special events. The release of his new album prompted more performances and inspirational stories from his fans. 

“I’ve received stories via emails or personal testimonies where people are saying things like ‘I listened to your music the night I was about to kill myself. I decided not to commit suicide and it helped me to keep going,’” said Koeppel. 

Koeppel’s uniqueness lies in his ability to connect to the audience and have a positive impact on their mood and demeanor.

Koeppel released his album last October and has diligently worked to produce it. Recently, he published his first music video entitled “Speak to Me Now” on YouTube. He sang the “National Anthem” at a New Orleans Pelicans game, won third place in the 2014 Southeastern Star talent show, performed at the 2015 Miss Southeastern Pageant and 2014 International Night.

Koeppel said the main intent of his music is to “bring the audience joy.” 

“Another story that I heard was from a guy on Facebook [in the] early hours [of] the morning,” said Koeppel. “He saw my music video to my song, ‘Speak to Me Now.’ He was depressed [and] he was real sad. He said, ‘When I listened to your song, it just made me feel better and I wanted to tell you that.’”

Even though this emerging artist from New Orleans had music lessons as a child, his musical performances started when he formed a passionate desire to help his church and began playing electric guitar in the church’s youth band at 13 years old. 

When he started making appearances in 2009, Koeppel’s constant ambition and drive helped him shine, especially on the local level. His songs have played on KSLU and other local radio stations. 

“Check out his new album,” said Amairi Cordova, on-air personality of KSLU and junior communication major. “It truly lets people get to know the real him. I remember hearing his album when I debuted it on my show, ‘The Dirt Road’ for the first time. Honestly, I was shocked to see a person his age release a CD of this quality. I expected it to be good, but not this good.”

His songs are available on iTunes, where they are classified as easy listening or R&B. According to Koeppel, most people consider him a mix of Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Michael Bublé. 

Koeppel is not planning to slow down any time soon. After going on his first mission trip to Nicaragua, he saw third-world poverty first-hand. Seeing the missionaries assisting those in need gave him hope. 

After this eye-opening encounter he knew if his music became popular, he would be able to have enough money to support himself, a family and missionaries. He donates 10 percent of all proceeds to his church, White Dove Fellowship. 

He plans on reaching even more people internationally by creating an album in Spanish. For now, Koeppel is working with the Spanish club to put on a music festival he will perform on the night of April 28 outside the War Memorial Student Union. He is also preparing for an earlier performance he will give at REC Fest 2015, which will be held on April 23 from 3-9 p.m.

“I’m super excited about REC Fest,” said Koeppel. “I sang karaoke in one of the karaoke contests last year. They gave away free crawfish for the whole student body. Being a Southeastern student, I would rather play for the student body here than any other university.”

Koeppel desires to help high school seniors as well as college students because he feels it is easier to connect to people in his own age group.  Some have expressed praise of Koeppel’s artistry.

“It’s not often that I meet someone my age doing such big things for the Kingdom of God,” said freshman social work major Kristi Touchet. “It is a pleasure to know Jonathan and to be able to hear what he has to say. ‘Speak To Me Now’ is incredible. Each and every song has so much meaning.”

According to Koeppel, the inspiration for his uplifting messages and music is his faith in Jesus Christ.

“People really get attached to the songs and they just feel some kind of overwhelming joy,” said Koeppel. “I accredit that to Christ being behind my music and being my inspiration for a lot of my songs. From here, the only way to go is up.”