Singing award nomination for AUSLAN interpreter

Luke Eastman is an Auslan interpreter who performs with Perth indie band Alter Boy as a performance signer.

As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), Luke first communicated with his parents using sign language.

So successful is his work that he was a finalist in the Singer of the Year category of the 2025 WA Music Awards.  

Luke attended Cyril Jackson Senior Campus and Ashdale Secondary College before formal Auslan training led him to work at the Mosman Park School for the Deaf. 

“Luke was always a delight in the classroom and a natural communicator,” said Monique Smith, Principal at Mosman Park School of the Deaf.  

“His presence always engaged and motivated students.” 

The role with Alter Boy began because of a performance for triple j’s Like a Version series. What was to be a once only appearance worked so well that performance signing is now an integrated element of the band’s lineup. 

Best of all, Luke explained, the performances are built from inception to be accessible.  

“As a CODA, Auslan and access are embedded as part of my identity and so the performance that I put on with Alter Boy involves dance, costume-changes, movement across the stage, Auslan-only verses to an instrumental backing, synchronised actions/movements with other band-members across the set, synchronisation with the lights and lighting effects, and more!” he said.

“The Auslan is front and centre.” 

Luke’s parents have enjoyed his performances, with his Mum even following the band on tour to Melbourne and the South West of WA. 

“She’s a huge fan, extremely proud and was blown away the first time she saw us,” Luke said. 

Luke has a list of bands he would jump at any chance to perform with, including locals such as Boox Kid and Ricky Neil Jr, Brisbane-based Osaka, plus US bands, Fallout Boy and Caged Elephant. 

“Outside of my 9-5, my full focus is on Alter Boy,” he said.  

“I'm happiest when I'm on-stage with the band, or catching up in the studio, or talking rubbish in long car-trips between towns during a tour.” 

While he doubts his 16-year-old self would pay any attention, the advice he would give a younger Luke Eastman is that the process is far more important than the result.  

“Growing up, I'd been stuck on this idea that if wasn't able to/willing to finish something, it wasn't worth starting,” he said.  

“Or, that if something I was going to do could be done better in the future, it's better to hold off.  

“As a result, there were many experiences I missed due to limiting myself.” 

And what’s next for Luke, aka NRG and Alter Boy?  

“The bigger our shows, the larger our budget, and there are some extremely talented deaf and CODA performers I'd love to work with,” he said.  

“As Auslan is Australian Sign Language, making an international show accessible is something I'm very keen to explore.  

“Perhaps 2026/27 will take Alter Boy abroad!  

“All we can do is keep working and performing our little hearts out.”