Imagine a music performance where language barriers vanish, and everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can fully experience the art. This is the reality Alter Boy creates, and it's earning them well-deserved recognition.
Luke Eastman, the 'performance signer' for the acclaimed Perth band Alter Boy, has been nominated for the Vocalist of the Year award at the Western Australian Music Awards. But here's where it gets interesting: Eastman doesn't sing. Instead, he interprets the band's indie, electro-pop music into Auslan, the sign language of Australia.
Eastman, known as 'NRG' within the band, is a CODA – a Child of Deaf Adults. Growing up, he communicated with his parents through Auslan before he even spoke, making him a 'native signer.'
Eastman expresses deep satisfaction with the recognition. He states that he never thought the music industry would embrace sign language interpretation as a performance art. Alter Boy, comprising five members including Eastman, Molly Priest, Andrew Wright MDNT, Josh Terlick HVN, and Josh Ellis Hell, aims to create inclusive performances for all audiences.
"It's amazing to see it all as one unit," Eastman explains, highlighting how deaf viewers can understand the entire performance without needing to shift their focus. "It's all a part of the performance."
Alter Boy's approach proves that accessibility doesn't have to be an afterthought. "When we create a show, we think about accessibility from the very, very beginning," Eastman emphasizes, "and that's what I think sets us apart from other bands."
Eastman says he never expected to be doing what he does on stage. "The fact that I get to do what I was doing growing up in the shower, on stage and people come to watch it and people enjoy it — it means I'm providing accessibility," he says. "It means the deaf community are able to come out and enjoy our shows, I'm able to see other CODAs with their deaf parents come and enjoy our shows."
Eastman's mother, Simone Shepherd, is incredibly proud of her son's nomination, hoping it inspires other bands to incorporate Auslan interpretation. She believes Alter Boy's unique approach should be replicated.
Eastman encourages other musicians to find mentors and embrace accessibility. He hopes his work inspires other CODAs to pursue their passions. His heart is full seeing other CODAs in the audience, and he wants to show them that they can have their own identity and follow their own path.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Could this be the future of live music, where accessibility is seamlessly integrated, or is it a niche art form? What are your thoughts? Do you think more bands should follow Alter Boy's lead? Share your opinions in the comments below!
