Northern Lights are a five piece alternative rock band from Ipswich/Tulmur, QLD. The band have been blazing a trail around South East Queensland making a name for themselves as a high energy live act, as well touring the East Coast of Australia. Their music has appeared in film and television, most recently in several episodes of Channel 7’s Outback Outlaw Comedian, 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 vengeance, featuring a brand new lineup and an unbreakable resolve. The band are currently in the studio recording their debut album “Growing Pains” which is due out on October 30, 2026 through newly-minted boutique Ipswich record label Broken Records. Higher is the latest single from their forthcoming album.

Northern Lights began as a solo project from singer/guitarist Dustin Schmidt. Having cut his teeth playing guitar in numerous bands in the local scene, Schmidt wrote, recorded and produced the debut Northern Lights EP "Happy" to showcase his songwriting. Dustin then recruited the rest of the band to play the launch show for the EP at The Witch Hotel in Ipswich. The band enjoyed it so much it that Northern Lights became their primary creative outlet. They have since released several singles that reflect the band's versatile but unique sound. A sound that’s rooted in alternative rock but also combines elements of blues, metal, folk rock, pop punk and emo. Northern Lights are hard at work on their debut album, with several more singles and music videos on the way before then. Dustin was also selected by the Ipswich council to represent Ipswich at Bigsound on behalf of the band for the last two years in a row.

Angie Christie was initially recruited on backing vocals and tambourine to help fill out their sound when one of their former band members couldn't make it to a show. They loved the dynamic she brought to the band and she's been with them ever since. Dane Petersen soon joined on rhythm guitar so they could expand their sound even further, allowing them to venture off into new musical territory. Dane's younger brother Fraser joined on bass adding his unique groove to the mix. The band then recruited Logan Senjov on drums after seeing him perform at an open mic night at Banshees and were impressed by his playing, and even more impressed with the musical chemistry the quintet shared. Fraser and Logan played their first show with Northern Lights at Rics Bar in January 2025, which was filmed for the band's debut music video Leave Me Be. The band haven't taken their foot off the gas since.