WHEN Northern Lights take to the stage at the Rock Beats Depression charity concert in September, the Ipswich alternative rock band won’t just be performing its latest music, it will be helping raise awareness and funds for mental health.
For frontman, songwriter and filmmaker Dustin Schmidt, supporting causes like mental health reflects exactly what music should be about: bringing people together, creating connection, and giving people an outlet.
The event comes as Northern Lights enters what Schmidt believes is the band’s strongest era yet, with a settled line-up, a debut album due later this year and new material already being written for future releases.
Musician, filmmaker, songwriter and storyteller Schmidt has spent the better part of a decade building Northern Lights into one of Ipswich’s most distinctive original bands.
Now, after years of line-up changes, pandemic setbacks and relentless creative work, he believes the alternative rock outfit has finally found the chemistry capable of taking the band to new heights.
“I’ve played in so many bands over the years and it’s very rare to find that sort of natural chemistry,” Schmidt said.
“Within only a couple of shows playing together, I think we realised we had something special going here and that we needed to keep on this path.”
Northern Lights has been performing for nine years, but the current line-up featuring Schmidt, Angie, Dane, Fraser and Logan has only been together for the past two years.
“When we first started, I was writing everything myself and playing most of the instruments on the recordings,” Schmidt said.
“I’d take the songs to the band and we’d work them up from there.
“Now everyone is contributing ideas, lyrics, arrangements and different influences. It feels much more collaborative and the songs are stronger because of it.”
Originally drawing heavily from punk, grunge and 1990s alternative rock influences, the band’s music has continued to evolve as different members brought their own tastes and ideas into the fold.
His passion for creating original music coincides with a period of renewed optimism for Ipswich’s live music scene, with more venues than ever before embracing local artists and original performers.
When Northern Lights first emerged, opportunities for original bands in Ipswich were limited.
“It’s skyrocketed compared to when we first started,” Schmidt said.
“There are so many venues now that are supportive of original music.
“It’s been a gradual process, but it’s definitely moving in the right direction.”
For Schmidt, performing at Rock Beats Depression is another reminder of music’s ability to make a difference beyond the stage.
“I think music gives people an outlet,” he said.
“A lot of people carry things around that they’re struggling with and music can help them express those emotions and connect with other people. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”
The band will perform at Rock Beats Depression at Mansfield Tavern on September 12, with proceeds supporting Beyond Blue and raising awareness of mental health.
