Deena Lynch (born 12 January 1992), commonly known as Jaguar Jonze, is an Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Brisbane, Queensland. Lynch has additionally worked as a visual artist and a photographer, under the pseudonyms Spectator Jonze and Dusky Jonze, respectively. She is best known for her participations in Australia Decides 2020 and 2022, where she placed 6th and 3rd respectively.
Career 2012–2017: Early career Deena Lynch was born in Yokohama, Japan to a Taiwanese mother and Australian father. She relocated to Australia at age seven. As a child, she experienced abuse and was later diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder. By 2009, she was based in Brisbane.
In 2012, Lynch released her first album, Lone Wolf, as Deena and in 2015 followed with a second album, Black Cat, which included the single "Cupid". For the latter album she provided vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards and organ; she was assisted by Joe Fallon on electric guitar and organ; Jack Killalea on bass guitar and guitar; Luke Sampson on drums and percussion. In 2015, she also released the single "Turpentine". All albums and singles under the performance name Deena, were removed from her streaming services, however some albums remained physically available in stores in 2020. Her two music videos under Deena, "Cupid" and "Turpentine", remain unlisted on YouTube.
2018–2025: Australia Decides & Bunny Mode In 2018 Lynch released her first single under the stage name Jaguar Jonze, "You Got Left Behind". She released three more singles, "Beijing Baby", "Kill Me with Your Love", and "Rabbit Hole" during 2019 to 2020. These were included on the extended play, Diamonds & Liquid Gold, alongside two new tracks, "Rising Sun", and the title track. During 2019, as Spectator Jonze, she displayed her visual artworks at the Brisbane Street Art Festival, and in the following year she was a finalist for the Brisbane Portrait Prize with Deena IX: Waking the Tiger. She developed the photographer persona, Dusky Jonze, as "a dialogue with the body".
In February 2020, Jaguar Jonze was a contestant on Australia Decides, entering "Rabbit Hole" to compete for Australia's Eurovision entry. She came 6th place, with 46 points. Lynch released a cover version of Britney Spears' song "Toxic". While in New York, Lynch cut short her American tour and returned to Australia in mid-March, to land in Sydney, where she was diagnosed with COVID-19. Later that year, she released two more singles, "Deadalive" and "Murder".
In November 2020, Lynch was commissioned by Christian Louboutin to create a concept film, visual artworks and photos featuring herself, in collaboration with Louboutin's Fall/Winter 2020 Cube Collection.
In early 2021, she issued her first singles of the year, "Astronaut", and "Curled In", both accompanied by a music video.
On 16 April 2021, Lynch released her sophomore EP, "Antihero", containing her four previous singles as well as one new track.
On 8 October 2021, she released "Who Died and Made You King?". Later that month, it was announced that she would be competing in Australia Decides 2022, later revealed to be with her 2022 single "Little Fires". She won the jury vote placing 3rd overall.
Jaguar Jonze released her album "Bunny Mode" on 3 June 2022. A survivor of sexual assault, Jonze described writing "Bunny Mode" as a "cathartic process".
Her 2024 album, "Victim Impact Statement", was a response to the 2019 sexual assault by two music producers, and her resulting #MeToo advocacy. In that year, Paul de Zubicaray painted her portrait, You can’t hurt me anymore, and entered it for the Archibald Prize.
2026+: Beastmaster In August 2026, Jonze announced Beastmaster would be released in January 2027.
Health Her 2022 album, "Bunny Mode", was a public response to her childhood sexual and physical abuse and the resulting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In February 2024, Lynch was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). She lost control of her arms and legs, and experienced chronic pain and seizures.
Freediving As part of her path to recovery, Lynch took up freediving. In 2025 she represented Australia in the AIDA 35th Freediving World Championships. During the event, she dived to 51 metres. As of 1 May 2026, she was ranked 9th in Australia for free immersion apnea (FIM), constant weight bi-fins (CWTB) and constant weight without fins (CNF), and 344th overall worldwide.
Discography Studio albums TitleDetailsLone Wolf Released: 2012 Label: Independent Format: Digital Download, Streaming, PhysicalBlack Cat Released: 2015 Label: Independent (DEENA008) Format: Digital Download, Streaming, PhysicalBunny Mode Released: 3 June 2022 Label: Nettwerk Format: Digital Download, Streaming, PhysicalBeast Master Released: 29 January 2027 Label: Nettwerk Format:
Extended plays TitleDetailsDiamonds & Liquid Gold Released: 17 April 2020 Label: Nettwerk Format: Digital Download, Streaming, PhysicalAntihero Released: 16 April 2021 Label: Nettwerk Format: Digital Download, Streaming, PhysicalVictim Impact Statement Released: 23 February 2024 Label: Jaguar Jonze, Nettwerk Format: Digital Download, Streaming
Singles As lead artist +List of singles as lead artist showing year released and album nameTitleYearAlbumCredited as Jaguar Jonze"You Got Left Behind"2018Diamonds & Liquid Gold"Beijing Baby"2019"Kill Me With Your Love""Rabbit Hole"2020"Toxic""Deadalive"Antihero"Murder""Astronaut"2021"Curled In""Who Died and Made You King?" (solo or featuring Shungudzo) Bunny Mode"Cut"2022"Little Fires""Trigger Happy""Punchline""Swallow""Angry, Angry" (with Haru Nemuri)2023 "Whiplash" 2024Victim Impact Statement"Naked" 2026 Beast Master"Half Devil" (with Kire Turn)"Kawasaki Ninja""Right Side Up"
As featured artist +List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album nameTitleYearAlbum"Heart-Shaped Box"2019 "You Can't Hurt Me Anymore"2022 Child in Reverse (Deluxe edition)
Videography TitleYearDirector(s)Credited as Jaguar JonzeAs lead artist"You Got Left Behind"2018Benjamin Wright & Giovanna Gonzalez"Beijing Baby"2019Ben Gerbanas"Kill Me With Your Love"Ash Lim"Rabbit Hole"2020Ribal Hosn & Jaguar Jonze"Rising Sun""Diamonds & Liquid Gold""Toxic""Deadalive""Murder""Astronaut"2021Natalie Sim"Curled In"Ribal Hosn & Jaguar Jonze"Tessellations""Who Died and Made You King?"Jaguar Jonze"Cut"2022"Little Fires""Trigger Happy""Punchline"Guest appearance"You Can't Hurt Me Anymore" 2022Joshua Tate
Awards and nominations AIR Awards 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.
! |- | 2021 | Deena Lynch (Jaguar Jonze) | 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award
| 2022 | "Who Died and Made You King?" | Independent Song of the Year
J Awards 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.
! |- | 2020 | Jaguar Jonze | Unearthed Artist of the Year
| 2021 | Jaguar Jonze | You Done Good Award
National Live Music Awards The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) commenced in 2016 to recognise contributions to the live music industry in Australia.
! |- | rowspan="2" | 2023 | Jaguar Jonze | Best Live Act in QLD | | rowspan="2" | |- | Jaguar Jonze | Best Live Voice in QLD
Queensland Music Awards The Queensland Music Awards (previously known as Q Song Awards) are annual awards celebrating Queensland, Australia's brightest emerging artists and established legends. They commenced in 2006.
| 2020 | Jaguar Jonze | Singer / Songwriter
| 2021 | Jaguar Jonze | Singer / Songwriter
Rolling Stone Australia Awards The Rolling Stone Australia Awards are awarded annually in January or February by the Australian edition of Rolling Stone magazine for outstanding contributions to popular culture in the previous year.
! |- | 2021 | Jaguar Jonze | Best New Artist
References
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