Interview: Get to Know Northfield

Interview with Jesse Perkins.

What first got you into music?

My dad had an acoustic guitar and used to play Dylan songs. And then we finally got MTV around 1986 and my head exploded.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

Grungy alt-country jams.

Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?

No, not one specific moment. It been more like having a disease, always there, sometimes in remission, other times flaring up, often requiring medication.

Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics or melodies?

People I know, situations I’ve been in, other songs I’ve heard. A lot of times I hear a song and say, “I want to write my own version of that”.

How do you balance personal expression and creating something your audience will love?

That’s always a challenge but I’m lazy and repeat a lot of my lyrics within a song and that helps the songs be somewhat easily digestible.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

Opening for bigger bands is always fun and having venues contact us about playing shows (instead of us contacting them) makes us feel good about what we’re doing.

Are there any specific milestones you’re working toward in your career?

No, just keep making music and having fun doing it.

How do you prepare for a show or tour?

We don’t we just get on stage and do our thing. There’s no act or “performance” we just play our songs and if you like them, that's great.

Can you tell us about your latest project or release?

Northfield’s debut album Lost and Found was released on Oct 17, 2025, on Pilot Light Records. 11 songs written 20+ years ago and put into hibernation, only to be resurrected recently, like a 90s/00s indie rock time capsule. Our song It’s Too Easy has done pretty well streaming, so that’s cool.

Are there any collaborations in the works you’re excited about?

No, we’re a very insular band at this point we do everything on our own.

What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your music?

We’re like comfort food - makes people feel happy or sad or both at the same time while reminding you of the stuff you grew up eating.

Who are you listening to right now?

New bands: Wednesday, Geese, Palehound, MJ Lenderman Old bands: Dinosaur Jr, Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, Afghan Whigs Ancient bands: Stones, Neil, Bob, Credence, Janis

How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?

We have better material on the way that we just haven’t been able to get our heads wrapped around how to arrange/record them, so hopefully we will evolve from a scruffy DIY indie outfit to a more polished act in the next few years.

How do you handle the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity?

We have no commercial success.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises?

More shows, new album being recorded as we speak.

Anything You'd Like Your Fans to Know.

Keep supporting local original music. Get off the couch and away from your tv/screens.

Link to Album

Northfield - Lost and Found