Del Water Gap on His New Album, His Upcoming Tour, and the Next Evolution of His Sound

In the ever-evolving landscape of indie pop, few artists have carved out a space quite like Del Water Gap. The solo project of Brooklyn-based songwriter and producer S. Holden Jaffe, Del Water Gap has evolved from bedroom recordings and viral pandemic-era moments into a critically respected act with a devoted following. With the November 7, 2025 release of his third studio album Chasing the Chimera, Jaffe delivers his most introspective and sonically adventurous work yet. As he prepares for the expansive Chasing the Chimera World Tour in 2026, the artist sits at a pivotal moment—reflecting on growth, vulnerability, and the chase for meaning in both art and life.

stir

Jaffe’s path to this album spans years of building momentum. After breakout success with 2020’s “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat”—fueled by a viral Instagram dance video from Margaret Qualley and Kaitlyn Dever during lockdown—he released his self-titled debut in 2021 and sophomore effort I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet in 2023. These records established him as a thoughtful chronicler of relationships, desire, and emotional nuance, often blending indie pop with folk, R&B, and confessional lyricism.

Chasing the Chimera arrives as a natural progression but with deeper emotional stakes. Clocking in at around 41 minutes across 12 tracks, it’s concise yet rich, rewarding repeated listens. The album title draws from Italian director Alice Rohrwacher’s 2023 film La Chimera, encountered during a conversation with actress Isabella Rossellini at a film club Jaffe runs with his 101-year-old grandmother, Patricia. This personal touch underscores the record’s themes of pursuit, illusion, and the mythological monsters we chase in love, ambition, and self-discovery.

Lead single “How to Live,” released in July 2025 ahead of his Lollapalooza set, poses existential questions with deceptively simple elegance: how do we find meaning in a demanding world? It marked his return after a two-year gap and showcased a softer, more introspective Jaffe. Follow-up “Marigolds” (August 2025) and “Damn” (October 2025) further teased the album’s blend of vulnerability and groove.

The full tracklist includes:

1. Marigolds
2. Small Town Joan of Arc
3. How To Live
4. Please Follow
5. Eastside Girls
6. (Additional tracks such as “We Don’t Have To Take It Slow,” “Ghost In the Uniform,” and “Eagle In My Nest” have been highlighted by reviewers)

Critics have praised the album’s cohesion. One review notes its “astonishing variety of textures,” from velvety saxophone and R&B-infused vocals in “Please Follow” to stripped-back piano heartbreak in “We Don’t Have To Take It Slow.” It’s Jaffe at his most preternatural, weaving indie folk, soul, and pop into a tapestry that feels both intimate and expansive.

Jaffe has described the album as healing his “cynical heart.” In a social media post announcing the project, he shared: “This is where I’ve been the last year & it’s been healing my cynical heart and I hope you’ll find a place for these songs.” This sentiment echoes throughout the record, which explores romantic encounters, dimly lit rooms, and the complexities of human connection—core inspirations for the artist who resides in Brooklyn.

flow

Compared to previous works, Chasing the Chimera feels more refined. Jaffe reconnected with collaborators like Gabe Goodman and producer Jonathan Wilson, adding layers of sophistication. The result is sonically cohesive yet diverse: mid-tempo indie pop that dips into jazz, soul, and evocative folk.

Lyrically, Jaffe delves deeper into vulnerability. Tracks like “Small Town Joan of Arc” paint vivid character studies, while others confront the human condition directly. Reviewers highlight how the album rewards casual and attentive listening alike, with standout moments that balance catchiness and thoughtfulness. It’s less about the playful lust of earlier singles like “Perfume” and more about reflection—chasing chimeras that may or may not exist.

This evolution ties into Jaffe’s broader artistic ethos. A former NYU student who once considered quitting music for a more stable path (like becoming a CPA), he has embraced ambition. His collaborations—with Maggie Rogers (co-writing and producing tracks like “Want Want”), Clairo, Arlo Parks, and Holly Humberstone—have expanded his sonic palette and network. Opening for acts like Niall Horan in 2024 and Halsey in 2025 honed his live prowess and exposed him to larger audiences.

The album also reflects personal growth. Jaffe’s film club with his grandmother adds a layer of intergenerational wisdom, grounding his work in something timeless amid the music industry’s chaos. As one exclusive noted, Rossellini’s involvement in naming the album bridged cinema and music in a meaningful way.

scope

With the album out, Jaffe is hitting the road in earnest. The Chasing the Chimera World Tour kicked off in January 2026 and spans North America, Europe, and beyond, with festival appearances sprinkled throughout the year. Support includes Hannah Jadagu on select dates.

Early announced North American dates include:

• May 22–24, 2026 — BottleRock Napa Valley (Napa, CA)
• June 6, 2026 — Governors Ball Music Festival (Queens, NY)
• June 6–7, 2026 — RBC Amphitheatre (Toronto, ON)
• June 14, 2026 — Bonnaroo Music Festival (Manchester, TN)
• September 25–26, 2026 — All Things Go Music Festival (Columbia, MD)

The tour extended internationally, wrapping up in places like Copenhagen in early April 2026. Festival slots in 2026 include Governors Ball in New York (June 6), Bonnaroo (June 14), All Things Go, and others. Jaffe has expressed excitement about connecting with fans worldwide: “I have met so many of you since [previous tours]… things are looking up for next year.”

Live, Del Water Gap is known for energetic yet intimate performances. Recent shows blend new material with fan favorites like “High Tops” or “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat.” Expect the neon “Horse with Bowl Cut” sign—a whimsical logo drawn on a napkin in 2019—to make appearances, symbolizing continuity and playfulness amid deeper themes.

Touring has always been central to Jaffe’s story. From early DIY days answering a burner phone for fans (via his 2017 EP 1 (646) 943 2672) to supporting major acts at arenas like Madison Square Garden, he values the connection. The 2026 run represents the next evolution: bigger stages, new songs, and a chance to showcase the album’s emotional range in real time.

commune

Jaffe’s career is a testament to persistence. Early EPs on Terrible Records built a cult following, but the pandemic single catapulted him forward. He’s collaborated widely, produced for others, and maintained authenticity. In interviews, he’s spoken about place shaping community—Brooklyn’s influence is palpable in his romantic, nocturnal songwriting.

For Chasing the Chimera, the process involved healing and introspection. Jaffe has mentioned the recording taking him through personal challenges, resulting in music that feels therapeutic for both creator and listener. This aligns with his humanist approach: acknowledging hurt but finding beauty and connection in it.

Looking ahead, the tour will test and refine these new songs. Jaffe has hinted at evolving the view identity, including potential collides like past Catbird jewelry ties. His substack journal and social presence keep fans close, fostering the community he cherishes.

why

In an era of fleeting trends, Del Water Gap offers substance. Chasing the Chimera isn’t just another indie pop record—it’s a meditation on pursuit, rendered with craft and heart. Tracks like “How to Live” capture universal anxieties, while the album’s sonic warmth provides solace. Reviewers call it one of his strongest, most cohesive efforts, blending genres without losing identity.

For longtime fans, it rewards loyalty with growth. Newcomers will find accessible entry points amid depth. Jaffe’s songwriting—poetic yet relatable—stands out in a crowded field.

As the 2026 tour unfolds, expect memorable nights: sold-out crowds singing back every word, the glow of that bowl-cut horse sign, and Jaffe delivering performances that feel like shared catharsis. From Brooklyn bedrooms to global stages, Del Water Gap’s chase continues—not for illusory perfection, but for genuine connection.

In Jaffe’s own words, the album is for those finding a place in its songs. For many, it already has. Whether you’re catching him at Brooklyn Paramount or a festival field this summer, Chasing the Chimera promises to be the soundtrack for chasing your own meaning in 2026 and beyond.