Northern Lights are a five piece alternative rock band from Ipswich, QLD. The band have been blazing a trail around south east Queensland since 2017, their music appearing in film and television as well as making the 4ZZZ Hot 100. After taking a brief hiatus while frontman Dustin Schmidt directed the award-winning indie drama film The Last of the Pretty Boys, Northern Lights are back with a bang featuring a brand new lineup and a fire lit under them like never before. The band are currently in the studio self-producing their debut album which is due out in 2026. Leave Me Be is the first single from their forthcoming album.
Northern Lights played their first show on March 31st 2017 to launch their debut EP Happy. Happy was recorded as a solo project by frontman Dustin Schmidt, initially as a side project. Dustin recruited the rest of the band to play the launch show for the EP but they had so much they decided to keep it going. By the following the year Northern Lights was no longer a side project. It became Schmidt and the band’s main creative outlet. They’ve since release several singles that reflect the band’s versatile but unique sound. They’re hard at work on their debut album with several more singles on their way.
Northern Lights have played extensively around South East Queensland as well as touring the East Coast of Australia. They’ve had their music appear in film and television, most recently Outback Outlaw Comedian by Paul Fenech (Fat Pizza, Housos). Their music has been played on independent radio stations all over the world, with the major support of 4ZZZ. Their last single The Ecstasy and the Agony also made it onto the 4ZZZ Hot 100.
The band recently had the opportunity to work with legendary rock photographer Tony Mott to photograph the new lineup of the band for the first time. Tony’s worked with a number of the band biggest inspiartions from Nirvana and Silverchair to Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. They knew they were in good hands and no else has been able to capture the raw energy and punk spirit of the band like Tony Mott. One of those photos ended up becoming the cover art for their latest single Leave Me Be.
Their next single Doomsday Blues is due out on September 11.
-Interview- (8/16/25)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Northern Lights" come about and is there any meaning to it?
Northern Lights is taken from a book by Phillip Pullman. It’s set in an alternate universe where the world is ruled by an oppressive, authoritarian government, A young girl travels through a portal under the Northern Lights to escape into other worlds. Our band name represents the freedom and escapism that music has to offer. Northern Lights is a place where we’re all free to be ourselves and make music we feel passionate about. It also happens to be the name of a strain of weed, a wrestling move and a DZ Deathrays song which is a happy coincidence!
The band originated as Dustin’s solo project, recording and performing our debut EP Happy. He then recruited other musicians to perform as a live band. Angie was initially recruited on backing vocals and tambourine to help fill out our sound when one of our former band members couldn’t make it to a show. We loved the dynamic she brought to the band and she’s been with us ever since. Dane joined us on rhythm guitar so we could expand our sound further, allowing us to venture off into new musical territory. Dane’s younger brother Fraser joined us on bass after our previous bass player (who was Dane and Fraser’s older brother) left to start his own business. We recruited Logan on drums after seeing him perform at an open mic night and were impressed by his playing. It felt like we needed all the right elements to really fit into place in order for this band to live up to its potential and this lineup just really clicks. There’s a great chemistry here and everyone brings something really unique to the table that’s helped to elevate our sound. There’s even more freedom to branch out of our comfort zone and push the boundaries of what Northern Lights can be. The band sounds bigger and better than ever before, just in time for us to record our debut album!
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
To be themselves. To stand up for what they believe in. To express themselves however they feel comfortable with. No one has the right to tell you who to be or to invalidate your identity. We’re living in divisive times and it’s more important than ever to stand your ground. We don’t abide by bullies whether it’s at school, at work or in the White House. When someone’s trying to belittle you or undermine your very existence just raise that middle finger in the air and scream “LEAVE ME BE!!!!”
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Like Nirvana and Oasis getting into a drunken parking lot brawl.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
My Chemical Romance, Fidlar and Sparks.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
AI generated art is not art. It’s computer generated theft. The kind of music we make is all about self expression, channelling your raw emotions and using music to get out your anger and your frustration in a healthy way. AI music has no place here.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Alternative Rock?
It’s become more niche and fractured than ever before. There’s so much great stuff out there but it's harder to sift through all the noise to find music that’s real and raw and honest. With so many iconic bands getting back together, maybe it's time for rock to make its comeback and take its rightful place at the head of the table.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Australia?
The local scene here in Queensland is more vibrant than ever. There’s a wealth of incredibly talented musicians everywhere you go. It’s an embarrassment of riches right now. Anyone who isn’t paying attention to what’s happening in the South East Queensland music scene is missing out.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
It’s a double edged sword. It’s saddening the way some companies are fattening their own pockets from artists’ hard work and talent but for an up-and-coming band you’re severely limiting your reach without them.
9. What’s next for Northern Lights?
We’re currently in the studio recording our debut album which is due out in mid-2026. We’re planning a number of singles and music videos that we are gradually rolling out in the lead up to our album launch. Our next single Doomsday Blues comes out early September.
10. Any shoutouts?
We’ve gotta give a shout out to our good friends and amazing artists in Canny and Hall, The Hefties, The Disgruntled Taxpayers and Your Man Alex Smith. All the incredible venues that have given us a platform like The Witch Hotel, Banshees Bar and Art Space, the Kerwick Hotel and the iconic Ric’s Bar where we filmed the music video for Leave Me Be. Not to mention everyone who comes to our shows, listens to our music or helps support us. You rock!
