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Jagwar Ma
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Jagwar Ma is an Australian psychedelic dance band formed in Sydney in 2011. It consists of Gabriel Winterfield (lead vocalist, guitarist), Jono Ma (guitar, beats, synths, production), and bass guitarist Jack Freeman, who joined in 2012.[1] The band name is derived from a satirical compound of the word "jaguar" and Jono's surname.[2][3] In 2013, Jagwar Ma signed with record labels Mom+Pop (US), Marathon Artists (EU), and Future Classic (Australia) and released its debut album Howlin'. It released its second album Every Now and Then on 14 October 2016.[4][5]
Key Information
Career
[edit]Ma and Winterfield met in 2007. At this time, both were playing in different groups, Lost Valentinos and Ghostwood. It would be until mid-2010 at an FLRL performance that the two shared the stage. FLRL was a locally based krautrock experimental pop group - initially founded by Jono Ma, Kirin J. Callinan and Julian Sudek - local musicians would get together, curate an evening of new music, and perform it to an audience. One night, Winterfield took vocals and guitar and Ma generated sounds from the use of vintage drum machines, radio frequency manipulation, improvised percussion, and other esoteric methods of creating sound. By 2011, Ma and Winterfield began frequently getting together at a studio (often a living room) and recording sounds and melodies, whilst also swapping old demos from unfinished side projects, "Jaguar Paw" and "Flintstone". Subsequently, loose jams and recordings started as anything from Motown to electronica. It would be during these recording sessions that the band's first songs "Come Save Me" and "What Love" would emerge. At this point, the pair decided to semi-relocate to France and to extend what was originally "going to be a one off 7 inch single" to a full LP.[6] Jack Freeman, a London-based musician and old friend, joined the live lineup in mid-2012. In June 2013, the band released Howlin',[7] which reached the UK album chart.[8] In 2015, the band toured as support to Tame Impala.[9]
The duo began writing material at their Crescent Head studio in rural Australia, before returning to the farmhouse in La Briche, France to record.[4][10] The record was finalised in London and featured guest appearances by Stella Mozgawa, Ewan Pearson and James Ford.[4] In May 2016, Ma confirmed that the second album would be released in the second half of 2016.[9] The band released the first single, "O B 1" in July, followed by a second "Give Me A Reason" in August 2016.[11] The 11-track album, Every Now & Then, was released on 14 October 2016.[4] Musicfeeds maintained that it "rewards a dedicated listener with a fine-tuned ear".[12] NME gave the album four out of five stars, calling it "a mind-altering second album with melody at its heart"[13] DIY Magazine said the album had Jagwar Ma "on a process of self-discovery, just a couple of steps away from striking gold."[14] The band embarked on a headlining tour in support.[15]
In 2018, the band began recording sessions in Iceland,[16] however further tours and recordings were delayed by an illness which confined Ma to Australia. According to Jono, the band has "by no means disbanded".[17] Both members have embarked on separate projects. Winterfield began a "surf blues" solo project as Golf Alpha Bravo, releasing singles "Groove Baby Groove", "Unwind", and "Blue Wave" via Mom+Pop Records in 2019. His full length debut album, The Sundog, was released on his own label, Treasured Recordings, on 12 June 2020.[18] Jono Ma started an ongoing project with Jonti called Mystics, who released their first single, "Steppers" in 2019, and performed live at Carriageworks in 2022. He also released an EP in collaboration with Dreems titled The Dreemas on Kompact in 2018, and a cover of Kraftwerk's "Neon Lights" on Bandcamp in 2020, in memory of Florian Schneider and Andrew Weatherall, with proceeds benefiting The Aboriginal Legal Service.[19]
Touring and shows
[edit]In 2014, Jagwar Ma played the Summer Festival circuit throughout the UK, EU and Australia including Reading and Leeds, Glastonbury, Pukkelpop, Latitude, Bestival, Paredes de Coura Festival, The Big Day Out, Splendour in the Grass among others. Jagwar Ma has played sold out headline tours in the UK, France, Australia and the US.
In 2017, Jagwar Ma played at Summer Bright Lager's Summer Sessions Tour[20] and at Coachella.[21][22] In the summer of 2017, the band performed at Panorama Music Festival on Randall's Island in New York City and England's Glastonbury Festival.[23]
In 2018, Jagwar Ma performed at Dark Mofo in Tasmania, headlining a Red Bull Music lineup.[5][24]
Members
[edit]- Gabriel Winterfield – lead vocals, guitar[25]
- Jono Ma – guitar, synths, drum machines, samplers, producer
- Jack Freeman – bass
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Year | Album | Peak positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS [26] |
BEL (Wa) [27] |
FRA [28] |
UK [8] | ||
| 2013 | Howlin'
|
— | 198 | 133 | 64 |
| 2016 | Every Now & Then
|
47 | 160 | 131 | 85 |
EPs
[edit]| Year | EP |
|---|---|
| 2013 | The Time and Space Dub Sessions
|
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Come Save Me" | 2011 | Howlin |
| "The Throw" | 2013 | |
| "Man I Need" | ||
| "Come Save Me" (re-release) | ||
| "Uncertainty" | 2014 | |
| "O B 1" | 2016 | Every Now & Then |
| "Give Me a Reason" | ||
| "Ordinary" | ||
| "Slipping" |
Awards
[edit]AIR Awards
[edit]The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013[29][30] | themselves | Best Independent Artist | Nominated |
| Howlin' | Independent Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| Best Independent Dance/Electronic Club Album | Nominated | ||
| "Man I Need" | Independent Single of the Year | Nominated | |
| Best Independent Dance/Electronic Club Song or EP | Nominated | ||
| themselves | Carlton Dry Global Music Grant | Nominated | |
| 2017[31] | Every Now and Then | Best Independent Dance/Electronic Album | Nominated |
APRA Awards
[edit]The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters". They commenced in 1982.[32]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Jagwar Ma | Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year | Nominated | [33] |
Australian Music Prize
[edit]The Australian Music Prize (the AMP) is an annual award of $30,000 given to an Australian band or solo artist in recognition of the merit of an album released during the year of award. The commenced in 2005.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Howlin' | Australian Music Prize | Nominated |
J Award
[edit]The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013[34] | Howlin' | Australian Album of the Year | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ Sendra, Tim. "Jagwar Ma | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ Litwin, Brian (20 July 2013). "Interview with Jagwar Ma". blahblahblahscience. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ Day, Laurence (11 April 2013). "Jagwar Ma". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ a b c d Wilkinson, Matt (18 August 2016). "Q&A: Jagwar Ma Detail Their New Album Every Now & Then". Stereogum.com. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
- ^ a b "Beyond the infinite: What Jagwar Ma did next". Red Bull. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ Alexis, Jeremiah. "Jagwar Ma's Long, Fascinating Journey to 'Howlin''". Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ Stevens, Jenny (26 April 2013). "Noel Gallagher says he's 'too busy talking about Temples and Jagwar Ma' to reform Oasis - NME". NME. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ a b "JAGWAR MA | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
- ^ a b "What's going on with... Jagwar Ma?". DIY. 24 May 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ Beaumont, Mark (19 August 2016). "Jagwar Ma Interview 2016". NME. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ "Jagwar Ma detail new album, share "Give Me a Reason" — listen". Consequence of Sound. 18 August 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ Madden, Ben (14 October 2016). "Jagwar Ma – 'Every Now & Then' - Music Feeds". Music Feeds. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ "Jagwar Ma - 'Every Now And Then' review | NME.COM". NME. 14 March 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
- ^ "Jagwar Ma - Every Now and Then". DIY. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
- ^ Brash, Tallah (18 October 2016). "Jagwar Ma interview: Every Now and Then - The Skinny". Retrieved 19 November 2016.
- ^ "Beyond the infinite: What Jagwar Ma did next". Redbull.
- ^ "Meet Mystics, the boundary-expanding new project from Jono Ma and Jonti". Redbull.
- ^ "Gabriel Winterfield: An interview". Fruit and Grooves Collective. 6 April 2020.
- ^ "Neon Lights 2020 In Homage". Bandcamp. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
- ^ "Summer Bright Lager "Summer Sessions" Coastal Tour ft. Jagwar Ma, Jack River & The Babe Rainbow". Mucho Bravado. 9 February 2017. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ "Here's everything you need to know about Coachella's live streams". DJMag.com. 15 April 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ "Five Aussie acts that aced Coachella". Red Bull. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ "Lineup - Panorama NYC: Music • Art • Technology". www.panorama.nyc. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
- ^ "See what went down at Jagwar Ma's massive Dark Mofo rave". Red Bull. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ "Jagwar Ma's Gab Winterfield Gets Real On Tourin' The World W/ Tame Impala". Pedestrian TV. 2 February 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
- ^ "Jagwar Ma discography". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
- ^ "Jagwar Ma discography". Ultratop.be/fr/. Hung Medien. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
- ^ "Jagwar Ma discography". Lescharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
- ^ "Final AIR Awards 2013 Nominations Revealed, $50,000 Prize Announced". tonedeaf. 1 October 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
- ^ "History Wins". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ "A.B Original dominates 2017 AIR Awards nominations". theindustryobserver. 31 May 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
- ^ "APRA History". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). Archived from the original on 20 September 2010. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
- ^ "Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). 2014. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ "The J Award 2013". Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
External links
[edit]Jagwar Ma
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and early years
Gabriel Winterfield and Jono Ma met in Sydney through shared involvement in the local music scene, including the jam-band collective FLRL, where they participated in improvised sessions at beach clambakes.[7] Their initial collaborations began in 2011, blending Winterfield's vocal and guitar contributions with Ma's production and synth work, after both had been active in separate projects like Lost Valentinos and Ghostwood.[8] Jagwar Ma formed that same year as a studio duo in Sydney, inspired by the 1990s Madchester movement's fusion of rock and rave, acid house rhythms, and psychedelic rock elements, creating a sound rooted in euphoric, dance-oriented psychedelia.[9][10][11] The band's debut single, "Come Save Me," was released in early 2012 as a digital track, with a vinyl edition following later that year on the Australian label Future Classic, introducing their hazy, groove-driven electronic style to the local scene and garnering early buzz for its nostalgic yet modern vibe.[12][13][14] By early 2013, Jagwar Ma had signed international deals with Mom + Pop Music for the United States and Marathon Artists for Europe, expanding their reach ahead of full-length production.[15] In mid-2012, London-based bassist and longtime acquaintance Jack Freeman joined the lineup for live performances, establishing the core trio configuration.[16]Rise to prominence and major releases
Jagwar Ma achieved their breakthrough with the release of their debut album Howlin' on June 10, 2013, via Marathon Artists in the UK and Mom + Pop Music in the US. The album was primarily recorded at a remote farmhouse in La Brêche, France, with additional writing and production sessions in Sydney, Australia, and Berlin, Germany, allowing the duo to experiment freely in isolated settings. Produced by band member Jono Ma and mixed by Ewan Pearson, Howlin' blended psychedelic rock with electronic elements, earning widespread critical acclaim for its energetic, nostalgic sound. Pitchfork described it as a "heady swirl of baggy beats and unabashed Beach Boys melodies," while reviewers noted its intuitive fusion of influences akin to Tame Impala's psych-rock textures. The album peaked at number 64 on the UK Albums Chart, marking modest commercial success and establishing initial international buzz, particularly in the UK where it was hailed as a revival of Madchester-era vibes.[17][18][8][19][20][21] Following the success of Howlin', Jagwar Ma began work on their sophomore effort Every Now and Then, released on October 14, 2016, again through Mom + Pop and Marathon Artists. The album was recorded across multiple locations, including the same French farmhouse used for their debut, as well as sessions in Australia after a near-fatal shark encounter disrupted early work in the ocean. Guest contributions from Warpaint drummer Stella Mozgawa added rhythmic depth to several tracks, enhancing the record's expansive, groove-oriented production. Critics praised its bold evolution, with The Guardian highlighting the "baggy beats" reminiscent of Primal Scream and early electronic acts like The Chemical Brothers, though some noted it played catch-up to contemporaries in scale. Every Now and Then charted at number 47 on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia and number 85 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting growing domestic recognition while maintaining a niche international appeal through festival slots and tours supporting acts like Tame Impala.[18][22][23][24][25] After the release of Every Now and Then, Jagwar Ma entered a period of reduced activity starting around 2018, with no new full-length albums and limited live performances, though they headlined events like Tasmania's Dark Mofo festival that year. This hiatus followed extensive touring and allowed the band members to pursue individual projects, marking a pause in their collaborative output after establishing a foothold in the global psych-dance scene; as of 2025, the band remains on hiatus with no new releases.[26]Musical style and influences
Genres and sound
Jagwar Ma's music primarily blends psychedelic rock with acid house and baggy elements, drawing from the 1990s rave culture and shoegaze traditions to create a hazy, dance-oriented sound.[22][17] Their style also incorporates alternative dance and trip hop, fusing electronic grooves with rock instrumentation for an experimental edge that evokes the Madchester scene's euphoric energy.[27][28] Signature sonic characteristics include layered synths, echoing vocals, driving basslines, and psychedelic effects, which contribute to the band's immersive, otherworldly atmosphere. In tracks like "Man I Need" from their debut album Howlin', fluid breakbeats and classic psychedelic textures—such as backwards guitar—combine with tart, hooky melodies and yelping vocals to produce a deliriously catchy, rave-infused psychedelia.[17][20] The band's sound evolved from the raw, house-infused energy of Howlin', characterized by loose-limbed baggy beats and unabashed pop melodies reminiscent of the Beach Boys, to the more polished and experimental trip-hop leanings of Every Now & Then.[17][27] On the latter, they incorporate headier Balearic house elements and vintage synthesizers like the Oberheim Two Voice for a broader, anthemic scope, shifting toward mid-tempo tracks with ravey breakdowns while retaining psychedelic depth.[27][22] Comparisons to contemporaries highlight these influences: their psychedelia echoes Tame Impala's neo-psych explorations, while the baggy, acid house fusion aligns with MGMT's colorful electronic pop and Primal Scream's Screamadelica-era blend of rock and rave.[28][27][20]Production and collaborations
Jono Ma serves as the primary producer for Jagwar Ma, handling instrumentation on guitars, synths, samples, and beats while overseeing the overall recording and mixing process.[18][29] His production style emphasizes a fusion of live elements with electronic textures, incorporating analog synths for layered, psychedelic soundscapes and dub techniques evident in the band's 2014 EP The Time and Space Machine Dub Sessions, which features reimagined versions of tracks from their debut album using echoing delays and stripped-back rhythms.[18][30] The band's debut album Howlin' was largely recorded in a converted barn in rural northern France, where Ma constructed a makeshift DIY studio to capture the natural acoustics of the space alongside initial demos from Sydney.[31][18] For their second album Every Now and Then, recording spanned multiple locations, beginning at Sonar Studios in Sydney, Australia, before returning to the French farmhouse and concluding in London studios to refine the tracks.[32][18] This nomadic approach allowed for iterative experimentation, blending on-site live takes with post-production electronic enhancements. Key collaborations have enriched Jagwar Ma's sound, with Warpaint drummer Stella Mozgawa contributing percussion and drums across both albums, including prominent roles on Every Now and Then where her dynamic playing added organic drive to the electronic foundations.[33][34] Producer James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco provided mixing expertise and performed timpani and additional drums on the second album, influencing its polished yet expansive percussion layers.[34][18] Jagwar Ma's production consistently merges live instrumentation—such as guitars and drums—with electronic components, utilizing custom effects pedals for distorted textures and software for synth manipulation to create immersive, dance-oriented psychedelia.[35][29]Band members
Core lineup
The core lineup of Jagwar Ma consists of three primary members who have defined the band's sound since its inception. Gabriel Winterfield serves as the lead vocalist and guitarist, co-founding the group in 2011 alongside Jono Ma in Sydney, Australia.[1] Winterfield is recognized for his songwriting contributions and charismatic stage presence, which energizes live performances with dynamic energy and audience engagement.[36][37] Jono Ma, the band's other co-founder, plays guitar and synths while overseeing much of the production, incorporating electronic elements like beats and mixing to blend psychedelic and dance influences.[2] His multi-instrumental role has been central to crafting the band's experimental sound from the outset.[1] Bass guitarist Jack Freeman joined the lineup in 2012, providing the rhythmic foundation and occasional backing vocals as an old friend from the Sydney scene.[38] With a background in the local indie-dance community, Freeman augmented the original duo without altering the core dynamic.[39] The lineup remained stable from Freeman's addition in 2012 through the band's active years, with no major personnel changes reported until a hiatus preceding their 2018 return to performing.[40] This trio configuration supported the release of their debut album Howlin' in 2013 and follow-up Every Now and Then in 2016, maintaining consistency in their collaborative approach.[2]Solo projects and side endeavors
Following the release of Jagwar Ma's second album Every Now & Then in 2016, the band's activities slowed significantly after their 2018 performances, prompting members to explore individual paths. In 2022, Jono Ma's home and studio were severely damaged by flooding, further impacting production capabilities and contributing to the focus on separate endeavors.[41] Vocalist and guitarist Gabriel Winterfield channeled his experiences into a solo project under the moniker Golf Alpha Bravo, releasing his debut album The Sundog LP on June 12, 2020, via his own Treasured Recordings label.[42] The album, comprising 11 tracks, draws on Winterfield's childhood growing up on Sydney's coast, blending surf-blues elements with introspective, wave-like soundscapes that evoke a fusion of folk introspection and electronic undercurrents reminiscent of his band work.[43][44] The band's hiatus allowed Winterfield to focus inward, resulting in The Sundog's thematic emphasis on personal reflection and coastal nostalgia, as heard in singles like "Stuck Being Me" and "Comet Loop."[45] Jono Ma, Jagwar Ma's primary producer and synth player, shifted toward collaborative and production endeavors during this period. In 2019, he co-founded the Mystics project with producer Jonti and visual artist Babekühl (Pat Santamaria), an experimental electronic arts initiative blending synth-driven 1980s-inspired sounds with immersive storytelling and visual world-building.[46][47] Mystics debuted with live performances at events like Vivid Sydney in 2022, featuring analogue synth tributes and psychedelic electronica, and continued into 2025 with Krautrock-influenced sets at venues such as the Paramount Rooftop in Sydney.[48][49] As a producer and composer through his Sonar Music collective, Ma has contributed to tracks for international acts including Tame Impala, extending his influence in Australia's psychedelic and electronic scenes.[50] His work aligns with broader collaborations in the Perth-Sydney psych network, including shared production circles with Pond.[50] Bassist Jack Freeman has maintained a lower profile post-hiatus, focusing on understated contributions within Australia's electronic music community rather than high-visibility solo releases. While specific projects are sparse in public records, Freeman's involvement has centered on session work and informal collaborations in Sydney's underground electronic circles, building on his foundational role in Jagwar Ma's rhythm section.[2] As of November 2025, Jagwar Ma has seen no official reunion or new material, with members continuing to prioritize their separate endeavors and personal creative shifts.[51]Live performances
Early tours
Following the release of their debut album Howlin' in June 2013, Jagwar Ma embarked on their first Australian headlining tour, commencing in late July with dates in Perth and Adelaide before shifting to the east coast for performances at Splendour in the Grass in Byron Bay on July 27, followed by shows at The Corner in Melbourne on August 1 and The Standard in Sydney on August 2.[52] This promotional run marked the band's initial foray into larger Australian venues, building on the album's critical buzz around tracks like "The Throw," which served as a centerpiece in their early setlists alongside other singles such as "Come Save Me."[8] The band's international momentum carried into a European leg later that year, with headlining shows across the UK and EU from October to November 2013, including performances at Scala in London on October 23, Thekla in Bristol on October 24, The Haunt in Brighton on October 22, Rescue Rooms in Nottingham on October 20, Merci in Paris on October 29, London Calling in Amsterdam on November 2, and Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavik on October 31.[53] These outings extended the Howlin' promotion into key indie markets, where logistical hurdles from transcontinental travel—such as coordinating equipment across time zones and borders—tested the trio's endurance, though specific details on disruptions remain limited in contemporary accounts.[54] In 2014, Jagwar Ma continued their promotional efforts with a UK headline tour in May, featuring stops at The Cockpit in Leeds on May 11, The Library at The Institute in Birmingham on May 13, and Electric Brixton in London on May 14, where setlists emphasized Howlin' material with an emphasis on high-energy singles like "The Throw" to engage crowds.[55] By 2015, the band secured support slots for Tame Impala's Australian national tour, including dates in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide in November, exposing them to significantly larger audiences and amplifying their presence in the psych-rock scene.[16] Audience reception during these early tours was enthusiastic within indie and electronic circles, with reviewers noting the band's ability to translate their album's psychedelic dance sound into immersive live experiences; for instance, their October 2013 London show was praised for its loose, baggy energy reminiscent of 1990s indie dance, while a December 2013 San Francisco performance highlighted improved stage dynamics and crowd engagement after months on the road.[56][57] This period fostered a steadily growing fanbase, particularly among fans of electronic-infused psych acts, as evidenced by rave responses to their Los Angeles debut in October 2013 and upbeat vibes at a June 2013 London gig.[58][59]Festival appearances and headlining shows
Jagwar Ma gained significant international exposure in 2014 through appearances at major festivals, including Glastonbury in the UK, where they performed on the Park Stage.[60] These sets further solidified their breakout presence in the UK, blending psychedelic rock with dance elements to captivate audiences. In 2016, following the release of their second album Every Now & Then in October, the band promoted it with festival appearances including Splendour in the Grass in Byron Bay in July and FYF Fest in Los Angeles in August, alongside headline tours in Europe (e.g., Academy 2 in Manchester in October) and the US (e.g., Bumbershoot in Seattle in September), where they showcased new tracks alongside earlier material in extended live sets.[61][62] In 2017, the band promoted their second album Every Now & Then with slots at Coachella in California, where they mixed new material like "Give Me a Reason" and "Ordinary" with fan favorites such as "O B 1."[63] They followed with a performance at New York City's Panorama Festival, featuring brightly colored visuals that amplified their psychedelic sound.[64] A return to Glastonbury on the Park Stage rounded out the year, showcasing extended jams that extended songs like "Come Save Me" into immersive live experiences.[65] By 2018, Jagwar Ma headlined at Tasmania's Dark Mofo festival, marking their first major Australian headline show of the year in an old wharf shed setting.[66] The performance emphasized experimentation, with setlists evolving to incorporate longer improvisations and a focus on visual elements like laser lights.[67] Critics praised the band's live energy, noting their ability to translate studio grooves into dynamic, crowd-energizing shows across these appearances.[68] No further tours or festival appearances have occurred since 2018, as confirmed by ongoing schedule checks into 2025.[69]Discography
Studio albums
Jagwar Ma has released two studio albums to date, with no new full-length releases as of November 2025.[70] Their debut, Howlin', marked a breakthrough in the psychedelic dance genre, while their sophomore effort, Every Now & Then, expanded on those foundations with broader sonic explorations. Howlin' was released on June 3, 2013, via Future Classic in Australia and Mom + Pop Music internationally, comprising 11 tracks that blend baggy beats, psychedelic elements, and euphoric dance grooves evoking themes of escape and unbridled energy.[71][17] Key singles included "Man I Need" and "What Love," which highlighted the album's infectious, Madchester-inspired hooks and shimmering production.[72] The record received widespread critical acclaim for its vibrant debut energy and seamless fusion of rock and electronic influences, earning praise as a thrilling, singular entry in indie dance.[17][73] It peaked at number 64 on the UK Albums Chart but did not enter the top 50 on the ARIA Albums Chart, though it gained traction on the ARIA Dance Albums Chart at number 42.[74][75]| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What Love | 3:52 |
| 2 | Uncertainty | 4:02 |
| 3 | The Throw | 6:43 |
| 4 | That Loneliness | 4:10 |
| 5 | Come Save Me | 5:15 |
| 6 | Four | 5:28 |
| 7 | Let Her Go | 3:40 |
| 8 | Man I Need | 4:32 |
| 9 | Exercise | 6:26 |
| 10 | Did You Have To | 3:59 |
| 11 | Backwards Berlin | 4:13 |
| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Falling | 4:23 |
| 2 | Say What You Feel | 4:09 |
| 3 | Loose Ends | 4:25 |
| 4 | Give Me A Reason | 4:32 |
| 5 | Ordinary | 4:33 |
| 6 | Batter Up | 4:23 |
| 7 | O B 1 | 5:18 |
| 8 | Slipping | 4:53 |
| 9 | High Rotations | 4:42 |
| 10 | Don't Make It Right | 5:12 |
| 11 | Colours Of Paradise | 3:50 |
Extended plays
Jagwar Ma has released two extended plays. The first, The Time and Space Machine Dub Sessions, was released in 2013 by Marathon Artists and Rough Trade Records in the UK. This five-track EP features dub remixes of material from the band's debut album Howlin', produced by Richard Norris of The Grid under his alias The Time and Space Machine.[78][79] The release served as an experimental extension of Howlin', emphasizing the band's production prowess through extended, immersive dub treatments infused with krautrock elements. Tracks include "Man I Need Dub" (9:18), "Exercise - Exorcised" (6:24), "Did You Have To Float On?" (9:39), "Uncertainty Dub" (6:53), and "The Throw - Levitational" (12:17), with the latter transforming the original single into a 12-minute levitational groove of syncopated rhythms, guitar echoes, and organ synths.[78][79][80] Initially issued on CD in a card sleeve and later on 12-inch vinyl, the EP highlighted Jagwar Ma's versatility in electronic remixing but garnered niche appeal primarily within dub and electronic music communities.[78] It did not achieve notable commercial charting, focusing instead on artistic exploration for dedicated fans.[79] Their second EP, Every Now & Zen, was released in 2017 via Marathon Artists as a limited-edition 12-inch vinyl. This four-track remix EP features reworks of songs from Every Now & Then by Rebolledo and Michael Mayer, extending the album's psychedelic and electronic elements into club-oriented dub and house interpretations.[81][82]| Track | Title | Duration | Remix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | O B 1 (Rebolledo Remix) | 7:45 | Rebolledo |
| 2 | Give Me A Reason (Michael Mayer Remix) | 7:02 | Michael Mayer |
| 3 | Ordinary (Rebolledo Remix) | 7:28 | Rebolledo |
| 4 | Slipping (Michael Mayer Remix) | 7:45 | Michael Mayer |
Singles
Jagwar Ma's singles discography features a selection of promotional and lead tracks primarily tied to their albums Howlin' (2013) and Every Now & Then (2016), with earlier pre-album releases establishing their psychedelic dance sound. The band's singles often served as album previews, emphasizing extended grooves and electronic elements, though none achieved significant commercial chart success in major markets like the UK or US.[74] Their debut single, "Come Save Me" b/w "What Love," was released on January 24, 2012, via The Blue Rider label as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl and digital download, marking the band's entry into the indie electronic scene with its hazy, Madchester-influenced production.[83] This track later appeared on Howlin', but the initial single version helped build early buzz through remixes by artists like Andrew Weatherall.[84] From Howlin', "The Throw" followed on January 27, 2013, released as a 12-inch single by Marathon Artists, featuring a video directed by Andrew Lancaster that captured the band's energetic, festival-ready aesthetic.[85] The single's extended runtime and psychedelic layers positioned it as a promotional cornerstone for the album. "Man I Need," released May 20, 2013, also via Marathon Artists, continued this momentum with its driving bassline and was issued as a promo CD and digital single, earning nominations at the 2013 AIR Awards for independent releases.[86] An additional single, "Uncertainty," emerged on March 31, 2014, as a digital release promoting ongoing touring, blending indie rock and house elements.[2] For Every Now & Then, "O B 1" debuted on July 15, 2016, through Future Classic as a promotional CDR and digital single, premiering on BBC Radio 1 and highlighting the album's more experimental, bass-heavy direction.[87] "Give Me a Reason," released August 19, 2016, via Marathon Artists, served as the second single with its anthemic chorus and was accompanied by official audio streams, further teasing the album's themes of introspection and rhythm.[88] A promo single for "Ordinary" followed in 2016, but no further standalone singles were issued after the album's October release.[2]| Title | Release Date | Label | Format | Album Tie-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Come Save Me" b/w "What Love" | January 24, 2012 | The Blue Rider | 7-inch vinyl, digital | Pre-Howlin' |
| "The Throw" | January 27, 2013 | Marathon Artists | 12-inch, digital | Howlin' |
| "Man I Need" | May 20, 2013 | Marathon Artists | CD promo, digital | Howlin' |
| "Uncertainty" | March 31, 2014 | Marathon Artists | Digital | Howlin' |
| "O B 1" | July 15, 2016 | Future Classic | CDR promo, digital | Every Now & Then |
| "Give Me a Reason" | August 19, 2016 | Marathon Artists | Digital | Every Now & Then |
| "Ordinary" | 2016 | Marathon Artists | CDR promo | Every Now & Then |