On Your Radar: Del Water Gap

Top Tracks: “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat,” “All We Ever Do Is Talk,” “High Tops”
Similar Artists: ROLE MODEL, Royel Otis, Briston Maroney
Recent News: Will release his third studio album Chasing the Chimera on November 7 before embarking on a 2026 world tour.

Through his intricate explorations of romance, intimacy, and self-reflection, pop singer-songwriter Del Water Gap has made a name for himself as one of indie music’s most exciting and intentional acts. Ever since going viral in 2020 with his hit single “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat,” the singer has only continued to hone in on his craft, maintaining an artistry fueled by human connection, poetry and vulnerability.

Now with numerous extended plays and two full-length albums under his belt, Del Water Gap — the musical project of S. Holden Jaffe — is gearing up to release his third studio album Chasing the Chimera on November 7 via Mom + Pop Records. Through previously released album singles “Marigolds,” “How To Live” and “Damn,” Del Water Gap contemplates nostalgia, guilt and mortality, proving his upcoming release will be his most introspective to date.

“This is where I’ve been the last year and it’s been healing my cynical heart and I hope you’ll find a place for these songs,” the singer wrote in a social media post announcing the album’s release.

Following the release of Chasing the Chimera, Del Water Gap will embark on a massive world tour in 2026, playing across North America, Europe and the U.K. from January to April of next year. His first headline tour in nearly two years, he will hit the road with Hannah Jadagu as support.

While Del Water Gap has been tackling the music industry since 2013, releasing his debut EP that year, it wasn’t until going viral in 2020 that the singer found himself launched into mainstream stardom. When his single “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat” went viral during the COVID-19 pandemic, Del Water Gap earned widespread recognition and soon went on to collaborate with a number of artists including Maggie Rogers, Kid Harpoon and more.

In the years that followed, Del Water Gap released two full-length albums — Del Water Gap (2021) and I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet! (2023) — and “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat” was soon certified gold by the RIAA in 2024. The “Perfume” singer also went on to tour with many of pop music’s biggest names, including Niall Horan, Halsey, girl in red, Holly Humberstone and more.

Now, after spending over a decade as one of indie music’s most loved artists, Del Water Gap is preparing for the release of his most personal body of work yet. While he chases the chimera — which is defined as something that one hopes for, though is seemingly impossible to achieve — listeners are able to sit back and take in the joyous and bittersweet ride.

Pre-order Chasing the Chimera here.

Buy tickets to see Del Water Gap on tour here.