BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: Jaguar Jonze

Answered by: Deena Lynch

Give us a short description of your music: Jaguar Jonze crafts songs of melancholic beauty woven with gun-slinging guitar lines and a strikingly rich yet intimate voice. Born in Japan to Taiwanese/Australian parents, Jaguar Jonze is as eclectic as her cultural upbringing.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? Japanese Wallpaper, Milan Ring, First Beige, Electric Fields.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? Come watch an oriental cowgirl howl at the rising sun, and seriously cut loose into a cinematic, dark soundscape alongside a full band sound.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? I think elements of guitar and rock are starting to come back and will kind of meet in this middle ground of electronic and indie-rock.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Touring with Ocean Alley on their headline shows has got to be a huge highlight. Playing festival shows in Indonesia and Singapore last year is close to my heart too. I've never sang to a whole crowd who screamed, moshed and crowdsurfed along to the lyrics.

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? Connecting and exporting overseas to other territories, breaking into the festival circuit in Australia and building a passionate team around the project.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? I'm a huge mental health advocate, so I'm going to go with what I am super passionate about. I think we need to be talking about mental health more, breaking the stigma built around it and accepting the fact that we all have mental health.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? Get your own sound person so that all those quick, stressful transitions are as smooth as they can be!

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 3 Sep, The Zoo, 8pm; 5 Sep, Nettwerk Showcase, The Outpost, 5pm; 5 Sep, Family, 8.50pm.