Jagwar Ma

Jagwar Ma are an Australian psychedelic pop group from Sydney. The line-up consists of Gabriel Winterfield on lead vocals and guitar, Jono Ma on synths, production and guitar, and Jack Freeman on bass and vocals. Freeman joins in 2012. The group starts in 2011 and remains active.

Background

The band name comes from a satirical combination of the word “jaguar” and Jono Ma’s surname. They are based in the UK after forming in Sydney.

Releases and label work

In 2013, Jagwar Ma sign with Mom+Pop in the US, Marathon Artists in Europe and Future Classic in Australia. That same year they release their debut album, Howlin.

Reception and collaborations

Howlin receives strong attention from music press including NME, Pitchfork and the London Times. It also draws praise from artists such as Foals and The xx, and Jagwar Ma tour with both acts. Their work is described through tracks such as “Come Save Me”, which features Gabriel Winterfield’s vocals, additional production from Ewan Pearson and additional percussion from Stella Mozgawa of Warpaint, and “What Love”, a slowly building trance-influenced track.