Del Water Gap's "All We Ever Do Is Talk" is A Journey Through Love and Loss

The name "Del Water Gap" may have had humble origins, taken from a chance encounter with a phrase on the back of a truck with sharpie, but it now holds the essence of the artist's music—gentle, tender, and deeply personal. S. Holden Jaffe's journey into music and songwriting has been an evolution of emotions, guided by his fascination with romantic encounters and the enchantment of dimly lit spaces.

When the music project first began, Jaffe found himself playing drums in a noise rock band where singing opportunities were limited. However, his passion for music led him to enroll at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU, where he pursued studies in music and sound production. During his college years, the lineup of his band went through several changes. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Maggie Rogers, who joined the initial formation of Del Water Gap and remained part of the band for about six months. As college progressed, two of the original members of the project decided to leave, leaving Jaffe to take on Del Water Gap as a solo endeavor.

During 2018, Jaffe unveiled the single "Laid Down My Arms" through Terrible Records. The following year, he treated fans to the singles "Chastain" and "Theory of Emotion" as a preview of his third EP titled "Don't Get Dark," also released under Terrible Records.

In 2020, Jaffe made an appearance on the track "New Song" alongside Maggie Rogers, featured on her album "Notes from the Archive: Recordings 2011–2016". Additionally, he had a fruitful collaboration with Rogers on her second album, "Surrender", where they co-wrote and co-produced the singles "Want Want" and "Anywhere With You".

It was during the peak of the pandemic that Del Water Gap's music began resonating with a wider audience. His release, "Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat," became an anthem for the lovesick and housebound, striking a chord with those yearning for connection during times of isolation.

Now, with the release of "All We Ever Do Is Talk," Del Water Gap continues to captivate audiences with his poetic storytelling. The song delicately portrays the complexities of communication in relationships. Jaffe's tender vocals and emotive delivery draw listeners into the heart of the song's narrative—a plea for understanding, intimacy, and the longing for a past moment of connection.

The lyrics, "What happened? / To meeting you at the hotel, 3 AM / Pull the belt from your robe, pushing me on the bed / It was good, it was good, didn't know what it meant / But will we ever get that feeling again?" illustrate the nostalgia and uncertainty that comes with the passage of time. The longing for a lost moment of passion echoes through Jaffe's voice, leaving listeners reflective and empathetic to the yearning he expresses.

"All We Ever Do Is Talk" is not just a song; it's a testament to the power of vulnerability in music. Del Water Gap brings an authentic and relatable experience that surpasses genres and musical boundaries.

Del Water Gap also recently released a song titled, “Coping on Unemployment.” On his instagram, Jaffe explained the root of his lyricism. He said, “I wrote this song about navigating the floaty saltwater bath feeling of post covid life - you know it too well - the liminal space between sex/comittment - fear of permanence/self-doubt/mental health - addiction - the challenges of maintaining a meaningful relationship when ya still learning who you are - hope it brings you something.”

It’s no doubt Jaffe puts all his emotion into his songwriting, and it shows. As the world listens to "All We Ever Do Is Talk," and “Coping on Unemployment,” it's evident that Del Water Gap has found a way to create a profound connection with his audience, evoking emotions and memories that resonate on a deeply personal level. From the shadows of Brooklyn's music scene to global acclaim, S. Holden Jaffe has emerged as a distinctive voice, and his soulful journey is far from over. We eagerly await the next chapter in Del Water Gap's musical journey, certain that it will continue to touch hearts and souls with its sincerity and grace.