Lakyn Heperi

Lakyn Heperi (born 28 April 1992)[1] is an Australian-based New Zealand singer, songwriter and musician best known for appearing on The Voice Australia; he was eliminated at the quarterfinal stage. His debut EP, Better Than That, was released on 16 November 2012 through Universal Music Australia.

Lakyn Heperi
Birth nameLakyn Heperi
Born (1992-04-28) 28 April 1992
Auckland, New Zealand
GenresPop, pop rock, acoustic, folk rock
Occupation(s)Musician, singer-songwriter
InstrumentsVocals, guitar
Years active2010–present
LabelsUniversal Music Australia
Websitewww.lakyn.com.au

Early life

Lakyn grew up in Auckland, New Zealand and played piano from the age of 3, encouraged by his mother Anne-Maree and his musician father Doug. At the age of 12, Lakyn relocated to Victoria, Australia with his family.[2] In his mid-late teens he became a semi-professional skateboarder until he broke his ankle in an accident and was off his feet for eight months.[3] During this time, Lakyn developed his musicianship and songwriting from his bedroom and shared it on YouTube, developing a large fan base and receiving millions of views of his videos. This support gave him the encouragement to submit an audition tape to The Voice (Australia). He cites Bob Dylan, Bon Iver, Jeff Buckley and The Beatles amongst his musical influences.[4]

Music career

The Voice Australia

Lakyn auditioned in Melbourne with an acoustic version of "Kids" by MGMT, accompanying himself on guitar.[5] His audition impressed both Joel Madden and Seal enough to turn their chairs for him and he chose to progress in the competition on Team Joel.[4] He was pitted against Nick Len in the battle round with the song "Big Jet Plane" by Angus & Julia Stone where he was chosen as the winner by Madden. Lakyn's studio recording of "Big Jet Plane" was the first performance by The Voice contestants to top the iTunes singles chart.[6] In his first live show, Lakyn sang "Forever Young" by Alphaville. He progressed in the competition thanks to the public vote. At the quarterfinal stage, Lakyn sang "Friday I'm in Love" by The Cure. Lakyn was eliminated from the competition in the public vote after this performance.[7]

Performances
Performed Song Original artist Result
Blind Audition "Kids" MGMT Joined Team Joel
Battle Rounds "Big Jet Plane" (against Nick Len) Angus Stone Winner
Live Show Final, Part 2 "Forever Young" Alphaville Public vote
Live Show Final, Part 4 "Friday I'm in Love" The Cure Eliminated
Dance Floor Anthem
(as part of Team Joel)		 Good Charlotte

Better Than That EP

On 16 November 2012, Lakyn released his first EP Better Than That through Universal Music Australia.[8] The EP contains four self-penned songs as well as an acoustic cover of "(I Just) Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew. The EP received positive reviews from critics with The AU Review saying "Better Than That is a strong EP, with a maturity and depth in the music that's not easy to find in an artist."[9] On 20 January 2013, Lakyn debuted his first music video, for the track "Don't Tell Me" from the EP.[10]

In April 2013, Lakyn performed with Diafrix for Triple J's "Good Az Friday" at Melbourne Town Hall with a hip hop cover of James Blake's "Retrograde".[11]

Also in April 2013, Lakyn supported Birdy on her Australian tour, along with Lewis Watson.

Not Original Material EP

A second EP was released in January 2014, titled Not Original Material also via Universal Music Australia. The EP consisted of 5 covers[12] and debuted at number 44 on week commencing 20 July 2015.

Discography

Extended plays
Title EP details
Better Than That
  • Released: 16 November 2012
  • Label: UMA
  • Format: Digital download
Not Original Material
  • Released: January 2014
  • Label: UMA
  • Format: Digital download
& Pains
  • Released: September 2018
  • Label: Island Music
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

References
  1. Heperi, Lakyn. "Lakyn Heperi Music". Facebook. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  2. "Lakyn Heperi – Biography". Lakyn Heperi Official Website. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  3. Byrnes, H://www.southwestadvertiser.com.au/story/1136563/lakyn-destined-for-stardom/?cs=36 (21 November 2012). "Lakyn Destined for Stardom". South West Advertiser. Fairfax Regional Media.
  4. "Lakyn Heperi – Biography". Lakyn Heperi Official Website. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  5. "Lakyn Heperi: Bio". The Voice Australia. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  6. "iTunes – Music – Big Jet Plane (The Voice Performance) – Single by Lakyn Heperi". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  7. Vickery, Colin (11 June 2012). "Final four chosen for The Voice grand final". Herald Sun. News Limited. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  8. "Lakyn Store – Better Than That EP with Bonus Poster". Getmusic. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  9. Pritchard, Tahlia (26 December 2012). "Album Review: Lakyn – Better Than That (2012 EP)". Herald Sun. News Limited. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  10. Lakyn – Don't Tell Me (Music Video) (YouTube). 20 January 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  11. Diafrix (feat. Lakyn) cover James Blake 'Retrograde' for Like A Version YouTube, Retrieved 2013-10-14.
  12. "Not Original Material EP". iTunes Australia. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
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