In an alternate world without music, Reed Gnepper imagines himself as a cinematographer, architect, or mechanic. He still cringes lovingly at the short film he made with his best friend in high school, and his latest side projects include Legos and a slowly decaying moped.
Reed credits his parents, grandparents, coaches, and vocal teachers as his greatest influences — along with a special shout-out to YouTuber Van Neistat, “the spirited man,” for his creative inspiration.
Not much of a TV watcher, Reed recently found himself hooked on The Sopranos and Squid Game (Season 2) and finally understands the hype. His favorite films —Wes Anderson’s Rushmore, Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver, and John Carney’s Sing Street — are must-watches for any music lover. An avid reader of banned books, he’s recently been drawn to the writings of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose personal journals have reshaped his artistic perspective in a more authentic way.
Originally a musical theater kid, Reed’s ultimate dream role remains The Phantom of the Opera. On the operatic side, his “big indulgent four” — Rodolfo, Pinkerton, Calaf, and Cavaradossi — have been on his dream list since he first heard Pavarotti sing them. And just in case anyone’s listening, Sydney Opera House is at the top of Reed’s venue wish list!
With German roots, Reed’s surname is so rare that only about 80 people in the world share it. He suspects it may have originated from the more common “Knepper” (meaning cobbler in German), possibly altered by U.S. immigration officers who misheard the guttural KN as GN when his ancestors arrived in Ohio.
As for why he sings? To lift moods, shift perspectives, and create community. Bring it!
To read more serious facts about Reed and his singing career thus far, please read his professional bio here.