Jaguar Jonze and its adjacent projects, the narrative illustration project Spectator Jonze and the gender-subverting photography project Dusky Jonze, are powerful ways in which Deena has always processed her most intimate vulnerabilities while empowering others to do the same.
Deena’s meticulously realized work has earned her the partnerships with brands like Christian Louboutin, Reebok, BMW, Obey and Stüssy, and an abundance of press (Refinery29, PAPER, V Magazine, VICE, Fashion Journal, Talkhouse,Vogue Australia, Marie Claire Australia, and the cover of NME Australia) praising her commitment to confronting social ills and breaking stigmas. The enigmatic yet vulnerable songwriter continues to deliver defiant ferocity through smoky vocals on “WHO DIED AND MADE YOU KING?,” the first single from a forthcoming debut album.
How did you get started in music?
I got started in music late in my life, but that was because I needed it. I had so much trauma, repressed emotions, and unprocessed thoughts inside my body that I used music as a vessel to take it outside of me and put it somewhere else safe so that I could live my best life. It really saved me.
How do you think this record is different from your past ones?
This record is different from my past ones as previously, as mentioned above, it was a method of having a dialogue with myself. This record ‘WHO DIED AND MADE YOU KING?’ is a protest piece. It wasn’t to have an inner dialogue with myself; it was to start one with others.
What’s the significance of this video and track for you?
I had been leading the #metoo movement in the Australian music industry for over 18 months, but it came at a sacrifice to my artistry as I prioritized my advocacy. This brought my artistry in line with my advocacy and gave me back my voice, power, and art.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing the song and/or filming the video?
The ‘bleugh’ that’s featured at the end of the bridge was recorded 34 times because I wanted the right disgusted sound, haha. Two ten-year-old twins also sang the chorus with me as I wanted to add a bit more brat than I could give it.
What are the dynamics within you and your band? How does the recording process work?
We’re awesome. COVID-19 pandemic showed me the working relationship we had developed in the years prior. Once the pandemic hit, we had to record everything without ever being in the same room, and we understood each other so well. They are extremely supportive of me as a person and as an artist, and I don’t think I could’ve gotten through COVID-19 and being at the front of so much media around #metoo without them. We always work together in the recording process. Usually, it starts with myself and Aidan Hogg, the bassist who co-produces everything together, then we bring in Joseph Fallon, the guitarist, to form the cream and strawberries on the sponge cake. We bring in Jacob Mann, the drummer, to re-track over our electronic drums, fill choices, etc.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
ASTRONAUT for sure. That song went through 4 arrangements and involved an orchestral element that we had never delved into before.
Who is an artist or band you look up to these days?
AAPI artists such as Mitski, Audrey Nuna, MILCK, Silk Sonic etc.
Any future projects?
Oh, plenty. Never stops. Keep an eye out 😉
What does music mean to you?
Music is how I regulate and self-care. It keeps my head sane and my body free and allows me to converse with myself and others around me without fear, shame and boundaries.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Oooh… one of my Patreons recently said that Jaguar Jonze is an experience and is undefinable, and I think I agree. I care so much about the world around the music that there is a lot to dig through and understand. Music-wise, I tend to genre bend a lot, but it always seems reminiscent of a particular sound. I dip my toes into pop, rock, indie, Western, punk, industrial, cinematic; it’s whatever I feel is suitable for the song and the expression.
