Del Water Gap | The Indie Pop Journey of Samuel Holden Jaffe

Introduction

Del Water Gap is the indie pop solo project of Samuel Holden Jaffe, an American musician and record producer based in Brooklyn, New York. Jaffe, also known by his moniker S. Holden Jaffe, gained widespread recognition following the release of his 2020 single “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat.” With a unique blend of introspective lyrics and catchy melodies, Jaffe has made a significant mark on the indie music scene, releasing two studio albums under the Mom + Pop Music label.

Career Beginnings

Jaffe hails from Sharon, Connecticut, and his musical journey began during his time at a boarding school in Millbrook, New York. It was there that he first began recording as Del Water Gap, a name inspired by the Delaware Water Gap, a national recreation area. According to Jaffe, the name came to him after seeing it handwritten on the back of a box truck when he was just seventeen. At that time, Jaffe was playing drums in a noise rock band where he wasn’t allowed much vocal freedom. This limitation led him to explore his own musical path, eventually leading to the creation of Del Water Gap as a solo project.

The Evolution of Del Water Gap

Jaffe’s musical aspirations led him to New York University (NYU), where he studied music and sound production at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. The project saw several lineup changes during his college years, including a brief stint with fellow musician Maggie Rogers, who played in the initial formation of Del Water Gap for about six months. After the original band members left the project, Jaffe decided to continue Del Water Gap as a solo endeavor.

In 2013, Jaffe released his first self-titled EP, “Del Water Gap EP,” marking the beginning of his official recording career. Four years later, he independently released another EP titled “1 (646) 943 2672,” which was named after a burner phone number that he encouraged fans to call, adding an interactive element to his music.

Rising Through the Ranks

In 2018, Del Water Gap released the single “Laid Down My Arms” through Terrible Records, which helped him gain further traction in the indie music world. The following year, Jaffe continued to build his discography with the release of the singles “Chastain” and “Theory of Emotion,” both of which preceded his third EP, “Don’t Get Dark,” also released on Terrible Records. That same year, he released another EP titled “Alive From Fresno,” featuring seven tracks recorded live, showcasing his ability to capture the raw energy of his performances.

Breakthrough with “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat”

Del Water Gap’s breakthrough came in 2020 with the release of the single “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat,” which was followed by another single, “Mariposa,” both released under Atlantic Records. “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat” gained widespread attention after actresses Margaret Qualley and Kaitlyn Dever shared an Instagram video of themselves dancing to the song during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, giving the track viral momentum.

That same year, Jaffe collaborated with Maggie Rogers on her compilation album “Notes from the Archive: Recordings 2011–2016,” featuring on the track “New Song.” The two artists continued their collaboration on Rogers’ second album, “Surrender,” where Jaffe co-wrote and produced the singles “Want Want” and “Anywhere With You” alongside Rogers and Kid Harpoon. Additionally, Jaffe worked with artist Claud on the single “My Body” and co-wrote and produced Claud’s track “Never Meant to Call.”

Debut Album and International Tours

In 2021, Jaffe released his debut LP, “Del Water Gap,” through Mom + Pop Music, marking a significant milestone in his career. The album’s release was followed by an international tour, allowing Jaffe to connect with a broader audience and solidify his presence in the indie music scene.

I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet

In 2023, Jaffe released his sophomore album, “I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet.” The album’s creation spanned 18 months and involved over 40 studio sessions. It features collaborations with notable musicians such as Clairo and Arlo Parks. Upon its release, the album debuted at number 97 on the Top Current Album Sales chart, reflecting Jaffe’s growing popularity and the album’s positive reception.

Supporting Major Acts and Festival Appearances

Throughout his career, Jaffe has had the opportunity to open for several high-profile artists, including Niall Horan, girl in red, Arlo Parks, Holly Humberstone, Jeremy Zucker, Maggie Rogers, and Mt. Joy. His performances at major music festivals such as Shaky Knees Music Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits, Splendour in the Grass, Governors Ball Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and Firefly Music Festival have further established him as a prominent figure in the indie music scene.

Television Appearance

Del Water Gap’s growing acclaim also led to a television appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” on January 26, 2022, showcasing his talent to an even wider audience.

Conclusion

Samuel Holden Jaffe, through his project Del Water Gap, has carved out a unique niche in the indie pop world. With a blend of personal storytelling, catchy melodies, and collaborations with other rising artists, Jaffe continues to push the boundaries of his craft. His journey from a small town in Connecticut to the global stage is a testament to his dedication and talent, and his future in the music industry looks brighter than ever.