Bold truth: accessibility in music isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core element that changes who gets to experience the show. Alter Boy’s NRG earns a WA Music Award nod for Auslan performances, spotlighting a breakthrough in inclusive artistry.
Luke Eastman, known as NRG in Alter Boy, has been nominated for Vocalist of the Year, yet his role defies conventional labeling—he is a performance signer who interprets the band’s indie electro-pop for Auslan readers. Eastman grew up as a CODA (child of deaf adults) and describes himself as a native signer, having learned sign language long before words formed in his mouth. "I was exposed to the language very early on; I signed to both my parents before I spoke to anyone else," he recalls. This early immersion informs a career where signing is not merely translation but a vital component of the performance.
Alter Boy comprises five members—Eastman, Molly Priest, Andrew Wright MDNT, Josh Terlick HVN, and Josh Ellis Hell—and is dedicated to shows that welcome everyone. A common compliment from audiences is that the performance feels like a single cohesive unit, with sign language seamlessly integrated so that viewers don’t need to scan the stage in multiple directions to grasp the action. For Eastman, this is a powerful reminder that accessibility can enhance the whole concert experience.
As he explains, accessibility isn’t an afterthought for Alter Boy. When crafting a show, the possibilities for inclusivity are considered from the outset, a philosophy he believes distinguishes the band from others. Eastman never anticipated a path where he could perform on a major stage in this way, yet the reality—performing live and having audiences respond positively—demonstrates that accessibility can be harmonized with artistic ambition.
Eastman often reflects on the personal significance of the work. For him, performing in Alter Boy means making the deaf community visible at concerts and giving CODAs a space to enjoy live music with their families. He describes feeling a deep sense of fulfillment when audiences, including CODAs, connect with the performances and the message behind them.
Supporting his son’s nomination, Simone Shepherd, Eastman’s mother, expresses pride and hope. She envisions a future where Auslan interpretation becomes standard in more bands, improving accessibility across the industry. Her wish is that other artists adopt similar inclusive practices and bring Auslan interpreters to the stage as a normal feature.
For aspiring musicians interested in pursuing a path similar to Eastman’s, the message is clear: seek mentorship, share what you’re doing, and stay open to new formats for performance. Eastman encourages artists to view accessibility as a design choice, not a compliance box, and to follow Alter Boy’s lead in making inclusivity inherent to the show.
This nomination mirrors a broader conversation about whether every concert should be accessible by design. When CODAs and sign language interpreters are visible at mainstream venues, it challenges assumptions about who can enjoy live music and invites a wider audience to participate. The WA Music Awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday night, and the spotlight on NRG could inspire a shift toward more inclusive stagecraft across the industry.
