Australian singer Jaguar Jonze releases EP called Victim Impact Statement

Australian singer songwriter Jaguar Jonze has revealed the toll speaking out on the abuses of power within the music industry has had on her — but she has no intentions of stopping.

Jaguar Jonze could have gone for an easier option.

Instead, the celebrated Australian singer has doubled down as she’s determined to stand up for what is right and in doing so, create change.

Jonze inadvertently found herself at the centre of the Me Too movement in Australia five years ago when she spoke up about abuses of power within the industry, particularly relating to women.

“I didn’t want to be complicit in the system so I knew that I would have regrets if I didn’t do my very best to try and create change in my little corner of the world,” Jonze told The Daily Telegraph.

“If it was that I chose an easy route, had a successful and sustainable career but I looked back and know that I was also complicit and part of that system, that would never sit right with me.

Singer songwriter Jaguar Jonze ahead of her new album launch. Picture: Richard Dobson

“So it was a huge risk, my career has been impacted by my choices but I am really proud, shocked and surprised at what my commitment to do that hard work, wear that heavy burden, has resulted in.”

Jonze, born Deena Lynch, in 2019 spoke up about an alleged incident of sexual assault by two male producers. The pair deny the claims. The matter has gone before the court in Brisbane and ended in a mistrial in December. It is relisted for trial in September.

Jaguar Jonze pictured on the Gold Coast. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Jaguar Jonze. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Her public advocacy since speaking up has led to changes in the music industry and legislation.

Now, she has released an EP titled ‘Victim Impact Statement’, featuring three tracks titled whiplash, nothing left and full stop. She said the title of the project “speaks for itself”.

“As an artist, I have felt like I have had to write on behalf of hundreds of survivors,” she said. “This EP for me was to say what I needed to and hold a space for my emotions, so I can move on to the next chapter.”

Singer songwriter Jaguar Jonze ahead of her new album launch. Picture: Richard Dobson

Jonze dropped the EP on Friday and said she was feeling “actually pretty scared” given how personal and raw the music is.

“It has been a long time since I’ve released my own music, this is a very raw and intimate side of me that most of the audience hasn’t heard before. There’s a bit of trepidation and a bit of excitement.”

Jonze recently performed alongside Japanese artist Haru Nemuri at Sydney’s Lady Hampshire with larger scale headline dates expected to be announced soon.

She is also working on her much anticipated second album.

“I am looking forward to releasing new music and being an artist with the freedom to create, which is the reason I came into the music industry in the first place,” she explained.

“I had to put my career on pause, was not able to create art, make music or work. I am back and it is really difficult to find the energy and the courage.

“The trauma has taken a lot from my body so it feels like a bit of a rehab process is in place where I need to build muscle mass again, emotionally and physically.

“I am excited to show that even through the worst of pain, I can come back stronger. In the pain, there is a power and I am excited to share the music that has come out of that.”

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