Inspired #0048 - Mouse
Bristol hyper-pop artist Mouse has just released her new single ‘Glow’, her first single via Leisure Records. She took a moment to talk to us about all the things that inspire her.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
Musically, my influences are so eclectic that I try not to pin myself down to just 3. However, the following musicians who I find inspirational all have the same ‘IDGAF’ personality trait which I’m really drawn to. For example, I really admire Kim Petras because, although she’s had a long journey with her gender identity, she’s never let it define who she is. While I can’t personally relate to that particularly journey as a cisgender woman, I’ve read numerous articles about journalists who told her she was claiming she was transgender because it was ’trendy’, which I find completely shocking. However, her music is always fun and she never takes herself too seriously. I’ve always been really driven, almost to a fault, and have experienced many difficult sides of life. Watching someone Grow (ayy) into a superstar who’s able to take all that she’s been through in her stride and still write fun bangers is really inspiring to me.
Tyler Carter is another great source of inspiration to me. He’s a genre-defying vocalist who happens to be bisexual and an outspoken supporter of the LGBT+ community. His band Issues are one of my favourites and seamlessly combine groove-metal and pop. Sounds like shouldn’t go together? Oh it does, trust me. In their latest music video, he’s pictured wearing a bright red tutu trouser suit, gold crown and makeup. He’s also sitting on a throne, of course. As someone who enjoys fashion, but still feels a little shy of it, people like Tyler Carter allow me to feel empowered in the way I represent myself. I want to live in a world where no-one bats an eyelid at a man in a tutu and makeup, regardless of sexuality or gender identity. Tyler Carter’s voice is also WILD and constantly reminds me that I’ve got a lot of work to do - which I really like.
As a feminist, it would be a crime not to cite Gwen Stefani as an inspiration. She commands attention with her femininity and “girly” appearance, but can throw down as hard as the boys. In short, she taught me that I’m never going to be ‘Just A Girl’.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
Films generally aren’t my bag because I’m really physically active and have a short attention span so watching something for a few hours isn’t my favourite way to spend time. Having said that though, I recently watched The Imitation Game and loved it. It’s the tragic true story of Alan Turing and his team of mathematicians attempting to crack the Enigma code. I won’t spoil the ending for those who aren’t familiar with him, but it’s very sad in ways you wouldn’t expect. Anyone who uses their skills for the greater good is an inspirational person to me and Alan Turing fits the bill. I don’t care if that’s not the “coolest" answer.
What city do you find most inspiring?
Thankfully, Bristol (where I live). There’s one tiny stretch of road by the harbour called Narrow Quay and whenever I’m walking down it, a lyric pops into my head. It’s happened far too much for it not to be a coincidence! British Council and Boiler Room also recently released their documentary ‘Keep Bristol Weird’ which was partially filmed at my first gig. It highlights the many reasons why Bristol is such a wonderful place to be an artist, due to the community and support for the new and alternative.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
I read a lot of books about spirituality as it’s helped me transform my mental health and reconnect with myself. I found Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now particularly helpful, even though it took me months to read because every line is so poignant that you need to take a break after reading to let it sink in. Although it might not be the most practical, approachable or relatable book on spirituality, it was the first one that blew my mind. Oprah Winfrey’s a fan and so am I. Speaking of Oprah, she’s overcome a multitude of hardships and some of a similar vein to me and mine, so I find her life transformation inspiring.
How would you like to inspire people?
I want to inspire people to realise how fortunate they are to be alive. Although the world is hard, we all have the opportunity to make it a better place, even just for one person other than ourselves. I believe practising gratitude should be part of everyone’s daily routine in some form. I also feel passionate about encouraging young people to pick up meditation. Learning how to listen to your body and turn off external distractions are skills I believe everyone can benefit from.
Also, if you’re fortunate to have access to education, I want to inspire young womxn to feel empowered in their technical/scientific intelligence. As a music producer, there aren’t many womxn in technical fields - and that fact transcends the music industry. At school, I did much better in maths and science than I did in creative studies. I want to help eradicate the idea that womxn need to ‘dumb themselves down’ to be liked. Being liked shouldn’t even come into play with your life’s purpose, whether it’s science, music, sport or anything else.