STELLAR MOON BRINGS KIMBERLEY STORIES AND SOUL TO WA STAGES
BY KALMIA SAMBO
Kimberley singer-songwriter Monique Le Lievre, known on stage as Stellar Moon, is bringing a powerful mix of genres and storytelling to audiences across Western Australia.
Performing with her band Stellar Moon and the Dark Knights, the artist blends soul, reggae, country, rock and funk into what she describes as a “big power sound”.
But behind the music are stories about life, healing and resilience.
Monique Le Lievre says many of her songs explore the struggles people face and the ways they find freedom through personal growth and connection.
“I sing about the human stuff — the struggles we go through individually and together as communities,” she says.
“It’s about finding freedom in ourselves and working through the things that weigh us down.”
Stellar Moon is currently performing a series of shows alongside acclaimed Kimberley musician Kankawa Nagarra, a collaboration she describes as deeply meaningful.
She says sharing the stage with the respected elder and blues artist is both an honour and a learning experience.
“Every time I sit down with Auntie for a cup of tea it feels like a masterclass in life,” she says.
“She’s full of wisdom and also an incredible musician. We’re all so proud of her.”
Kankawa Nagarra has received international recognition for her music, including performing overseas and winning the Australian Music Prize, one of the country’s most respected music awards.
Stellar Moon says bringing Kimberley music to venues in Fremantle, Bridgetown and Witchcliffe is also an opportunity to share deeper cultural stories.
She incorporates elements of her Nyikina heritage into her performances, sometimes singing in her traditional language as part of her own journey to reconnect with it.
“I talk about how we lost language and how we’re trying to learn it again,” she says.
“That process of healing and reconnecting with culture can resonate with people in their own lives.”
Themes of Country and environmental care also run through her music.
Monique Le Lievre says connecting with nature is often part of healing, something she reflects in songs such as Mother Water.
Live performances can range from high-energy full band shows to more intimate sets, depending on the venue.
The larger shows feature a full band with brass, electric guitars and audience sing-alongs, while smaller venues offer a quieter, more reflective atmosphere.
Her latest single Dark Night, released recently, reflects the themes that run through much of her songwriting.
The song speaks about hardship, resilience and finding hope after difficult times.
“It’s about the human struggle and celebrating that we’ve made it through the dark times,” she says.
“Rangar Marangar Yimbalan — sunrise is coming.”