Sitting Down with Nahla Moon

By Adam Hill

There are some places that become more than just a venue – they become part of a person’s story. For Winnipeg singer-songwriter Nahla Moon, that place is Park Alleys. Tucked beneath its neon glow and familiar soundtrack of strikes, spares, and friendly conversation, the historic bowling alley has become what she affectionately calls her “living room” – a gathering place that has supported her through life’s highs and lows and connected her to a vibrant creative community. 

Settled into one of her favourite corners with a couple shots of whisky in hand, we talked about the importance of community, her experience bringing music into healthcare settings, and the journey toward releasing her debut EP, Nahla Moon & The Setting Sons. 

So, sitting here in Park Alleys, can you tell me about the importance of this place? 

“Park Alleys is it for me: it’s my place. I feel like Park Alleys has been a home away from home, and it’s supported me through some of the hardest times of my life. I struggled in a lot of ways during the year I was living across the street, and the Alleys was always somewhere I could come, no matter what state I was in. I was still treated the same. I still had my friends and people who cared about me. I’d say the Alleys, in conjunction with music, helped get me to where I am today.” 

Tell me a little bit about Wildflowers. Where did that song come from? 

“Up until recently, I helped run a small essential oil and natural perfume shop in Wolseley called La Parfumerie. It’s a big purple house and Michael, the owner, has this incredible garden out front. I was constantly surrounded by oils and flowers and, one day, while sitting in the basement pouring oils, I started writing the first verse. 

Years later, I found it again and thought, ‘This is actually kind of cool.’ 

I love nature so much, and sometimes I think we feel separate from it. It’s like trying to bring those adjectives of how we would hang out with people, but we do that with plants and nature and we don’t even realize it: like they’re doing it all with us at the same time.” 

Is there a reason you chose Wildflowers as your first release? 

“When I wrote Wildflowers, it was the first time I realized I could play music for myself, even though I barely knew how to play the ukulele. It felt like the beginning of my journey, so it made sense that it would be the first song I shared.” 

Could you tell me about another song from the EP? 

“Change My Mind is the love song on the EP. For years, I always said I’d never write a love song – not because I never thought I’d fall in love, but because I thought love songs were too sappy and just not my vibe. Then I fell in love. I fell in love with my partner’s kids, and I experienced family in a completely different way for the first time. Naturally, the first thing I wanted to do was write the lamest love song imaginable. That’s what Change My Mind became, and I love that.” 

The full EP, Nahla Moon & The Setting Sons, arrives in August. How did the collaboration come together? 

“I wrote the lyrics and chord progressions and brought them to The Setting Sons. I’d explain the vibe I was going for, and then they’d start messing around… it was cool to see them ‘cook’. 

My partner, Noah, sat in on all the recording sessions and offered input throughout the process. He has such a strong understanding of what I want from my music while still allowing it to remain my own. I can’t even describe how grateful I am for that.” 

How did you come to meet The Setting Sons? 

“It all started through Artists in Healthcare. Joel, who became the band’s first guitarist, was working with me at the Simkin Centre. We spent an entire summer playing music together. 

When I landed a gig for GentleFest, Joel asked what my dream band would look like. I told him I wanted upright bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar… and that I would want everybody to be able to sing because I love big harmonies. Immediately, he replied with, “That’s awesome – those are my best friends! I’ll message Marco and Simon, and we’ll get together.” 

How has your experience as an ‘artist in healthcare’ influenced you as a musician? 

“It pushed me to learn a lot more music. I think I learned nearly 45 new songs in my first month. I’d spend hours sitting on my floor practicing after already playing music all day. My fingers were bleeding at times, and I was literally super-gluing them together so I could keep going. 

Looking back, I have so much gratitude for that experience because nothing else would have pushed me to grow that quickly.” 

What was the most challenging aspect of that work? 

“Some of the residents I became close with passed away, and that was much harder than I expected. I’d always thought I had a healthy understanding of death, but when you’ve shared those intimate moments with people, it’s different. At the same time, I’m grateful I had the opportunity to know them. If I hadn’t taken that job, I never would have met those people.” 

Is there an artist who has had the biggest impact on you? 

“Cat Clyde is the reason I started writing music. I discovered her around 2019 when Hunter’s Trance came out, and it completely changed my life. I’ve followed everything she’s done since then.” 

Any upcoming shows you’d like people to know about? 

“My next single, Alcoholic Synonymous (12 Step Blues), will be released on July 24, and we’re planning a big party here at the Alleys. Then, on August 27, I’ll be performing at Blue Note Park for the official release of Nahla Moon & The Setting Sons.”

Nahla Moon’s debut EP, Nahla Moon & The Setting Sons, will be released on August 27, 2026.