Lakyn Heperi is a New Zealand singer, songwriter, and musician known for his participation in The Voice Australia and his subsequent musical releases. He has developed a strong online presence through his music. After cultivating a substantial online fanbase and garnering millions of video views for his original music on YouTube, Lakyn auditioned for The Voice Australia in 2012. Showcasing his distinctive talent with an acoustic rendition of MGMT’s ‘Kids,’ he prompted chairs from both Joel Madden and Seal, ultimately choosing to join Team Joel.
His journey through the competition included a standout performance of ‘Big Jet Plane’ by Angus & Julia Stone during the battle rounds, which made history as the first Voice contestant performance to top the iTunes singles chart. Lakyn progressed through to the quarterfinal stage, where he captivated audiences with his interpretation of ‘Friday I’m in Love’ by The Cure. This impactful television presence cemented his status as a compelling new voice in music. Building on his widespread recognition from The Voice, Lakyn swiftly released his critically acclaimed debut EP, ‘Better Than That,’ on November 16, 2012, through Universal Music Australia.
The EP, comprised of four original songs and an acoustic cover, garnered positive critical reviews for its remarkable maturity and depth. The success was further amplified with the release of a music video for ‘Don’t Tell Me’ from the EP in January 2013. Further solidifying his presence within the Australian music scene, Lakyn actively expanded his live performance portfolio. In April 2013, he undertook significant support roles, performing across Australia for celebrated artists such as Birdy and Lewis Watson on their respective tours, exposing his unique sound to broader audiences.
This project further cemented his reputation as a versatile singer-songwriter and demonstrated his continued artistic evolution.