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Jagwar Ma
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
  • Mom + Pop Music (US)
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]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jagwar Ma is an Australian psychedelic band formed in in 2011 by multi-instrumentalist Jono Ma and singer-guitarist Gabriel Winterfield, who bonded over shared interests in melody and experimental beats; bassist and backing vocalist Jack Freeman joined the group in 2012. The band's music fuses contemporary , classic American pop, , and sun-soaked beach influences with strong indie-psych vibes, creating immersive tracks driven by electronic beats and live guitars. Their debut album, Howlin', released in 2013 on Future Classic, earned critical acclaim for its genre-blending sound and received nominations including six at the 2013 AIR Awards (where they led in nods but did not win), Australian Album of the Year at the J Awards, and Best Dance Release at the ARIA Awards. Jagwar Ma followed with their second album, Every Now & Then, in 2016, continuing their exploration of dance-rock psychedelia while emphasizing live experimentation and powerful performances that have built a dedicated following. The band later released live and remix albums, including Every Now & Zen (2017) and Another Dub In The Sun (2018), with no new studio album as of 2025. The group has also released singles such as "Come Save Me" (2012) and "Uncertainty" (2014), contributing to their reputation for innovative, high-energy music.

History

Formation and early years

Gabriel Winterfield and Jono Ma met in through shared involvement in the local music scene, including the jam-band collective FLRL, where they participated in improvised sessions at beach clambakes. 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. 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. 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. By early 2013, Jagwar Ma had signed international deals with for the and Marathon Artists for , expanding their reach ahead of full-length production. In mid-2012, London-based bassist and longtime acquaintance Jack Freeman joined the lineup for live performances, establishing the core trio configuration.

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 in the US. The album was primarily recorded at a remote farmhouse in La Brêche, , with additional writing and production sessions in , , and , , allowing the duo to experiment freely in isolated settings. Produced by band member Jono Ma and mixed by Ewan Pearson, Howlin' blended with electronic elements, earning widespread critical acclaim for its energetic, nostalgic sound. described it as a "heady swirl of baggy beats and unabashed 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 , marking modest commercial success and establishing initial international buzz, particularly in the UK where it was hailed as a revival of Madchester-era vibes. 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 after a near-fatal encounter disrupted early work in the ocean. Guest contributions from Warpaint drummer added rhythmic depth to several tracks, enhancing the record's expansive, groove-oriented production. Critics praised its bold evolution, with highlighting the "baggy beats" reminiscent of and early electronic acts like , 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 and number 85 on the , reflecting growing domestic recognition while maintaining a niche international appeal through festival slots and tours supporting acts like . After the release of Every Now and Then, Jagwar Ma entered a period of reduced activity starting around , with no new full-length albums and limited live performances, though they headlined events like Tasmania's 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.

Musical style and influences

Genres and sound

Jagwar Ma's music primarily blends with and elements, drawing from the rave culture and traditions to create a hazy, dance-oriented sound. Their style also incorporates and , fusing electronic grooves with rock instrumentation for an experimental edge that evokes the scene's euphoric energy. 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 . 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 , to the more polished and experimental trip-hop leanings of Every Now & Then. On the latter, they incorporate headier Balearic house elements and vintage synthesizers like the Two Voice for a broader, anthemic scope, shifting toward mid-tempo tracks with ravey breakdowns while retaining psychedelic depth. Comparisons to contemporaries highlight these influences: their echoes Tame Impala's neo-psych explorations, while the baggy, fusion aligns with MGMT's colorful electronic pop and Primal Scream's -era blend of rock and rave.

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. 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. The band's debut album Howlin' was largely recorded in a converted barn in rural northern , where Ma constructed a makeshift DIY studio to capture the natural acoustics of the space alongside initial demos from . For their second album Every Now and Then, recording spanned multiple locations, beginning at Sonar Studios in , , before returning to the French farmhouse and concluding in London studios to refine the tracks. This nomadic approach allowed for iterative experimentation, blending on-site live takes with electronic enhancements. Key collaborations have enriched Jagwar Ma's sound, with Warpaint drummer 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. Producer James Ford of provided mixing expertise and performed and additional drums on the second album, influencing its polished yet expansive percussion layers. 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.

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. Winterfield is recognized for his songwriting contributions and charismatic stage presence, which energizes live performances with dynamic energy and audience engagement. 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 influences. His multi-instrumental role has been central to crafting the band's experimental sound from the outset. Jack Freeman joined the lineup in 2012, providing the rhythmic foundation and occasional backing vocals as an old friend from the scene. With a background in indie-dance community, Freeman augmented the original duo without altering the core dynamic. 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. 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.

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 , Jono Ma's home and studio were severely damaged by flooding, further impacting production capabilities and contributing to the focus on separate endeavors. Vocalist and Gabriel Winterfield channeled his experiences into a solo project under the moniker Golf Alpha Bravo, releasing his debut The Sundog LP on June 12, 2020, via his own Treasured Recordings label. The , comprising 11 tracks, draws on Winterfield's childhood growing up on Sydney's , blending surf-blues elements with introspective, wave-like soundscapes that evoke a fusion of folk introspection and electronic undercurrents reminiscent of his band work. The band's hiatus allowed Winterfield to focus inward, resulting in The Sundog's thematic emphasis on personal reflection and coastal , as heard in singles like "Stuck Being Me" and "Comet Loop." 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. Mystics debuted with live performances at events like 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 . As a and through his Sonar Music collective, Ma has contributed to tracks for international acts including , extending his influence in Australia's psychedelic and electronic scenes. His work aligns with broader collaborations in the Perth-Sydney psych network, including shared production circles with . 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 , 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 . 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.

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 before shifting to the east coast for performances at in on July 27, followed by shows at in on and The Standard in on August 2. 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." The band's international momentum carried into a European leg later that year, with headlining shows across the and from October to November , including performances at Scala in on October 23, in on October 24, in on October 22, Rescue Rooms in on October 20, Merci in on October 29, in on November 2, and Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavik on October 31. 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. In , Jagwar Ma continued their promotional efforts with a headline tour in May, featuring stops at The Cockpit in on May 11, The Library at The Institute in Birmingham on May 13, and Electric Brixton in on May 14, where setlists emphasized Howlin' material with an emphasis on high-energy singles like "The Throw" to engage crowds. By 2015, the band secured support slots for Impala's Australian national tour, including dates in , , Perth, and in November, exposing them to significantly larger audiences and amplifying their presence in the psych-rock scene. 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 show was praised for its loose, baggy energy reminiscent of indie dance, while a December 2013 performance highlighted improved stage dynamics and crowd engagement after months on the road. This period fostered a steadily growing fanbase, particularly among fans of electronic-infused acts, as evidenced by rave responses to their Los Angeles debut in October 2013 and upbeat vibes at a June 2013 gig.

Festival appearances and headlining shows

Jagwar Ma gained significant international exposure in 2014 through appearances at major festivals, including in the UK, where they performed on the Park Stage. These sets further solidified their breakout presence in the UK, blending 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 in in July and in in August, alongside headline tours in Europe (e.g., Academy 2 in in October) and the (e.g., in in September), where they showcased new tracks alongside earlier material in extended live sets. 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." They followed with a performance at New York City's Panorama Festival, featuring brightly colored visuals that amplified their psychedelic sound. 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. By 2018, Jagwar Ma headlined at Tasmania's festival, marking their first major Australian headline show of the year in an old wharf shed setting. The performance emphasized experimentation, with setlists evolving to incorporate longer improvisations and a focus on visual elements like lights. Critics praised the band's live energy, noting their ability to translate studio grooves into dynamic, crowd-energizing shows across these appearances. No further tours or festival appearances have occurred since , as confirmed by ongoing schedule checks into 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

Jagwar Ma has released two studio albums to date, with no new full-length releases as of November 2025. Their debut, Howlin', marked a in the psychedelic 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 and internationally, comprising 11 tracks that blend beats, psychedelic elements, and euphoric grooves evoking themes of escape and unbridled energy. Key singles included "Man I Need" and "What Love," which highlighted the album's infectious, Madchester-inspired hooks and shimmering production. 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 . It peaked at number 64 on the but did not enter the top 50 on the ARIA Albums Chart, though it gained traction on the ARIA Albums Chart at number 42.
TrackTitleDuration
1What Love3:52
24:02
3The Throw6:43
4That Loneliness4:10
5Come Save Me5:15
6Four5:28
73:40
8Man I Need4:32
9Exercise6:26
10Did You Have To3:59
11Backwards 4:13
Every Now & Then, released on October 14, , also via , features 11 tracks that delve into more introspective , juxtaposing ecstatic highs with themes of despair and emotional depth amid expansive soundscapes. Singles such as "O B 1" and "Give Me A Reason" showcased the album's adventurous, synth-driven from their debut. Reviews were mixed, with some lauding its broader ambitions and Primal Scream-like grandeur, while others noted it as less cohesive than Howlin', though it achieved modest commercial success by charting at number 47 on the ARIA Albums Chart and number 82 on the UK Albums Chart.
TrackTitleDuration
1Falling4:23
2Say What You Feel4:09
3Loose Ends4:25
4Give Me A Reason4:32
5Ordinary4:33
6Batter Up4:23
7O B 15:18
84:53
9High Rotations4:42
10Don't Make It Right5:12
11Colours Of Paradise3:50

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 in the UK. This five-track EP features dub remixes of material from the band's debut album Howlin', produced by Richard Norris of under his alias The Time and Space Machine. The release served as an experimental extension of Howlin', emphasizing the band's production prowess through extended, immersive dub treatments infused with 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. 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. It did not achieve notable commercial charting, focusing instead on artistic exploration for dedicated fans. Their second EP, Every Now & Zen, was released in 2017 via Marathon Artists as a limited-edition 12-inch vinyl. This four-track 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 interpretations.
TrackTitleDurationRemix
1O B 1 (Rebolledo )7:45Rebolledo
2Give Me A Reason (Michael Mayer )7:02Michael Mayer
3Ordinary (Rebolledo )7:28Rebolledo
4Slipping (Michael Mayer )7:45Michael 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 or . 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. This track later appeared on Howlin', but the initial single version helped build early buzz through remixes by artists like Andrew Weatherall. 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. The single's extended runtime and psychedelic layers positioned it as a promotional cornerstone for the . "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. An additional single, "," emerged on March 31, 2014, as a digital release promoting ongoing touring, blending and elements. 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. "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. A promo single for "Ordinary" followed in 2016, but no further standalone singles were issued after the album's October release.
TitleRelease DateLabelFormatAlbum Tie-in
"Come Save Me" b/w "What Love"January 24, 2012The Blue Rider7-inch vinyl, digitalPre-Howlin'
"The Throw"January 27, 2013Marathon Artists12-inch, digitalHowlin'
"Man I Need"May 20, 2013Marathon ArtistsCD promo, digitalHowlin'
"Uncertainty"March 31, 2014Marathon ArtistsDigitalHowlin'
"O B 1"July 15, 2016Future ClassicCDR promo, digitalEvery Now & Then
"Give Me a Reason"August 19, 2016Marathon ArtistsDigitalEvery Now & Then
"Ordinary"2016Marathon ArtistsCDR promoEvery Now & Then

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

Jagwar Ma received several nominations from the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) Awards, recognizing their contributions to the independent music scene, though the band did not secure any wins. In 2013, the band was nominated for Best Independent Artist of the Year. Their debut album Howlin' was nominated for Best Independent Album and Best Independent Dance/ Album at the AIR Awards. The album's psychedelic electronic sound earned it a spot alongside other notable independent releases, underscoring Jagwar Ma's breakthrough in the genre. Additionally, the "Man I Need" from Howlin' was nominated for Independent Single/EP of the Year and Best Independent Dance/ or Club Single, further highlighting the track's impact. The band continued to garner recognition in 2017 for their second album Every Now and Then, which received a nomination for Best Independent Dance/ Album. This nod reflected the album's evolution in blending with electronic elements, positioning Jagwar Ma as enduring figures in Australia's independent landscape. These nominations illustrate Jagwar Ma's consistent acclaim within the independent sector, emphasizing their role in elevating Australian electronic and on national stages without translating to award victories.

APRA Awards

Jagwar Ma's songwriting duo, Jono Ma and Gabriel Winterfield, received a nomination at the 2014 APRA Music Awards for Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, recognizing their emerging contributions to contemporary music. This accolade highlighted their innovative work on the band's debut album Howlin', which featured psychedelic dance elements and garnered international attention following its 2013 release. The nomination underscored early industry acclaim for Jagwar Ma's songwriting prowess, positioning them alongside other rising talents like and Kylie Sackley in the category. Although they did not win—the award went to Louis Schoorl—no further APRA nominations followed for the band, marking this as a pivotal moment in their career focused on songwriting recognition.

Australian Music Prize

The Australian Music Prize (AMP) is an annual award established in 2005 to recognize outstanding albums by Australian artists, with a focus on independent releases, and awards $30,000 to the winner for artistic merit and innovation. Jagwar Ma's debut album Howlin' (2013) was nominated for the 2014 Australian Music Prize, shortlisted among nine top independent albums including works by Big Scary, Jen Cloher, and Kirin J Callinan. The album did not win the prize, which was awarded to Big Scary for Not Art. Jagwar Ma received no further AMP nominations in subsequent years. This recognition from industry peers underscored the critical acclaim for Howlin' as a standout independent release.

J Award

The J Awards, presented annually by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-oriented radio station since 2005, celebrate outstanding achievements in Australian music by recognizing creativity, musicianship, and cultural impact across various categories. Nominations are determined through input from the family, with final selections made by panels comprising music and on-air teams from , Unearthed, Double J, and rage. In 2013, Jagwar Ma's debut album Howlin' received a nomination for Australian Album of the Year at the J Awards. The album did not win the category, which was awarded to Flume's self-titled debut. This nomination underscored triple j's endorsement of the band's innovative blend of and electronic elements, amplifying its visibility among the station's young audience and contributing to broader cultural buzz during the album's promotional phase.

References

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