She’s for all the girl power things, water buffalos are her personal heroes, and her music career’s taking off at speed. Cityscape jams with Sarena Close, AKA Mousey about her upcoming album, touring, and the year ahead.

How have you been since we last spoke to you in 2019? It’s obviously been unsettled madness from a global perspective but from a Mousey perspective we are doing great! I managed to write a whole album, we have recorded it and pretty much finished it. I’m so proud of what we have achieved.

So you’ve got more new music in the works? Yes absolutely. Stay tuned for more new tracks. My excitement is kicking in and I can’t wait for you to hear what we have made over the last year.

Your new single ‘The Bench’ has a fiery vein of girl power running through it. Is that a message that’s particularly important to you? Yes! I am all for women, women supporting women, creating opportunities for women, all the things. I’m here and I have the energy for it!

Do you think your music style has changed since Lemon Law? It’s a natural progression. I haven’t switched lanes, I’ve just developed.

What do you like most about performing live? I love hanging out with the band, we usually go out for dinner, we get to spend lots of time together on tour and it’s almost always the best time.

What have been some of your most memorable performances? Honestly, the last time we went to Blenheim to play at The Plant. It was such a special show. My favourite show of the last tour that I did with Zoe Mi was the Christchurch show at Little Andromeda, such an amazing venue.

Do you have a favourite venue in Christchurch? I definitely can’t pick one favourite, they all are so special and unique! Darkroom, Space Academy, Blue Smoke, Little Andromeda, Loons and Wunderbar.

How is the Christchurch music scene right now? It’s safe, kind, supportive, diverse and unique.

Who’s your personal hero? Again, I can’t pick just one! I’ll just say Elizabeth Moss, Lorde, Kourtney K, St. Vincent, Chris Parker, every dog and water buffalo everywhere.

What tracks do you have on your high rotation list at the moment? ‘Running Up That Hill’ by Kate Bush and ‘Dedicated To The One I Love’ by The Mamas & the Papas.

Who would be your dream collaboration? Joanna Newsom.

Do you have a daily ritual? I try to go to the dog park every day. My puppy Meelo loves it so much and I’ll do anything to make him smile.

What’s inspiring your creativity right now? Psychological horror movies and visual art.

What’s on the cards for 2022? A slot at Nostalgia Festival in February. An album release! And then hopefully a nationwide tour.

mouseymusic.com