Jaguar Jonze Makes Music for the Moment of Implosion
interviewed by Sydney Ling
Photos courtesy of Nettwerk
The camera moves down a strip of black brush strokes twisting into Chinese characters. The video bursts into a galvanizing beat, as the scene cuts to Jaguar Jonze, her face hidden by a yellow conical hat. “Tear me apart, just tear me apart,” she commands. Electric guitar slices through in a cathartic liberation as dancer Sho Yoneya contorts in twisting bends around Jonze. “I've never seen wrong be done right,” she intones in a hypnotic, grinding pulse. CURLED IN is a dichotomy of push and pull, a raw tug-of-war that curls under your skin.
Asian-Australian singer-songwriter Jaguar Jonze, real name Deena Lynch, creates cyber-punk worlds in her art, infused with homages to her heritage. Born in Japan and now residing in Perth, Australia, Jonze creates music that explores escapism of pain while keeping her grounded. She released her debut EP, Diamonds & Liquid Gold in 2020. Her new song, CURLED IN, just came out on February 26, and the full EP ANTIHERO will be out on April 16. In ANTIHERO, Jonze expresses throbbing lyrics complete with mesmerizing guitar riffs and echoing percussion. She reckons with her pain, breaking out of a shell. By listening, we feel like we’ve made it out too.
Tell us about yourself!
I'm a Japan-born, Taiwanese/Australian visual artist and musician. My music is known under Jaguar Jonze, my visual art under Spectator Jonze and my photography under Dusky Jonze. But we can definitely just stick with Jaguar today haha.
What first got you into music?
I actually got into music late in my life, it was after a certain traumatic event where I think, I couldn't keep holding and suppressing all these emotions anymore. Music became a cathartic avenue for me.
When and why did you start becoming involved in the music industry?
Once I started getting into music, I realised that I finally found something I was passionate about in life. Having had a taste of that passion, I couldn't turn back to my old life anymore. So, I decided to switch over from being a business analyst to a full time creative.
Who inspired you to make music?
My friend who is no longer here, he wasn't a musician but he was an amazing creative talent. He always told me that I wasn't exploring my creativity and that I wasn't living life passionately. I didn't understand that for a really long time until he was no longer here. I feel really blessed that he touched me with his energy and his spirit during his time in the world because it has given me the courage to hopefully contribute in some way to the legacy he left behind.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I get inspiration from whatever is on my mind, whatever I want to say, whatever I need to process.
What is your songwriting process like?
I actually don't have a set process at all. Sometimes it is lyrics first, sometimes I write a poem before I even dig into lyrics. Sometimes it is chords first or melody first.... and most times it comes hand in hand all together.
What gets you in the zone?
Haha, I feel like I'm always in the zone and you need to ask what gets me out of the zone.. because I'm still trying to figure out how to do that. I'm slowly learning how to unwind and self-care better so that I don't burn out. Though, environments are everything for me. I am at my best when I am in an open, clean space with natural light.
What is your favourite song that you’ve written?
Definitely ASTRONAUT which I released in January this year.
What is your favourite part about being in the music industry?
That no day is ever the same.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Ooohhhhh... Nick Cave or Alex Turner probably.
If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?
The Last Shadow Puppets
What would you be doing right now, if you didn’t have music as a career?
I can’t see myself doing anything else. Music is my career and I've worked really hard to make that happen. I think creative careers are often undermined in our culture because of their instability, insecurity and because it doesn't fit into the traditional norms of what society deems to be a 'successful' career. However, it is also the resilience of our culture that keeps us going when we're committed to our craft and that is what has gotten me to where I am now. It is important to believe in ourselves in every present moment and to not undermine what we are doing. That's not to say it won't change down the track but right now my music and my art are the only things on my mind.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
The abuse of power and misogyny.
What does music mean to you?
Music is my way of having a dialogue with my subconscious to stay present and grounded in my everyday.
What’s next for you?
I'm releasing my sophomore EP 'ANTIHERO' in April which also features the last 4 tracks I've released - DEADALIVE, MURDER, ASTRONAUT, CURLED IN. I've also filmed a short film to go alongside the EP and I'm excited to work on putting that together to release once the EP has had some time in the world.
Jaguar Jonze joins TEDxUQ 2021 to share her experience of overcoming complex PTSD through art on March 12th. Tickets available here.
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