Del Water Gap played an intimate show in London (and you had to be there)

Photo by Gianmarco Rizzo

Del Water Gap is back with a fresh single, "Purple Teeth, The Bravery", and the announcement of the deluxe edition of his critically acclaimed sophomore album, I Miss You Already + I Haven’t Left Yet. The new edition, out August 16th via Mom + Pop Music, features three bonus tracks that expand on the album’s intimate storytelling and indie-rock brilliance. Following the success of his duet with Holly Humberstone on "Cigarettes & Wine", and in the midst of supporting Niall Horan on his UK tour, Del Water Gap continues to push creative boundaries while connecting deeply with his audience.

We met with him at Old Blue Last in London, where he performed an intimate set ahead of his O2 Arena show. Fans queued up from as early as 9AM to catch the set where an energetic Del Water Gap played his most famous tracks as well as his new single "Purple Teeth, The Bravery". The show was definitely a nigth to remember. The night before, his new track made its debut on BBC Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders. "Purple Teeth, The Bravery" is a haunting yet uplifting piece, embodying Del Water Gap’s signature mix of reflective lyricism and timeless soundscapes. As he explained, it’s a song about “the cycle of emotional release and regret, the bravery that comes after too much wine, and the guilt that lingers the morning after.”

In this exclusive interview, we sat down to talk about his journey as an artist, his connection with London, and the evolution of his sound.

It's nice to see you again! I think we've seen you at every show you've ever played here in London. [Laughs] That’s hardcore! Yeah, the Camden Asembly show was my first headliner here in London. It was amazing, although I had a bit of a crazy moment—I climbed up a trellis and almost fell!

You've played in the UK a few times now. How does it feel to be back, especially now with this new project? It feels amazing. I love London. New York is where I became an artist—it’s where I grew into myself. I moved there when I was 18, and it’s been the center of my world ever since. But London is the only other city that gives me a similar vibe to New York. There's this unique creative energy here that’s really hard to find elsewhere.

Photo by Gianmarco Rizzo

That’s interesting! Do you think the arts and music scene here has a similar feel to New York?

Yeah, I think so. The way the arts community is woven into the fabric of the city feels very similar to New York. It’s like, in both places, art and music are part of the city’s heartbeat. There’s a buzz that comes with that.

You’ve toured extensively in the US and Europe. Do you notice a difference in how audiences engage with your music in different places?

Definitely. Every place is unique. The Midwest in the US, for example, feels very different from the East Coast. And Europe? Scandinavia and Germany have their own distinct vibes, totally different from the UK or Australia. But that’s the beauty of touring—you get to experience different cultures and energies. And that energy exchange between the performer and the audience is what makes a show special.

Absolutely. What’s been your favorite city to perform in, or even just to visit?

I’ve loved so many places. Copenhagen is stunning, and I’ve always had a great time in Melbourne and, of course, London. In the US, I’ve seen places I probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise—like El Paso, Texas, and Birmingham, Alabama. Toronto was a favorite too. I played there with Niall Horan, and running along the water in the early morning was one of my favorite moments.

Photo by Gianmarco Rizzo

Going back to the beginning of your career, did you always want to do music? Or did you have a backup plan?

For most of my life, I didn’t see music as a real career option. It seemed too unrealistic. I went to school to become an audio engineer and producer, and I was doing a lot of producing after college. I even thought about going to law school to become an entertainment lawyer. None of those paths came from passion, though—they came from fear of not knowing if music could be a sustainable life. I was working multiple jobs in New York while making music at night. Just as I was burning out, the pandemic hit, and my career took an unexpected turn.

A lot of careers changed during the pandemic. How did it change for you?

Right before the pandemic, I released a song on Atlantic Records that didn’t really take off. It was released during the second week of the pandemic, and people’s minds were obviously elsewhere. But then something crazy happened—Florence Pugh posted about my music on Instagram. That kicked off this organic, pre-TikTok viral moment. More actors and musicians started discovering my songs, and Gracie Abrams even covered one of them. It was one of those slow, organic builds that eventually led to some press and a real shift in my career.

Photo by Gianmarco Rizzo

That sounds like an incredible moment. So, you’ve been touring since things opened up. How’s that been?

It’s been amazing but exhausting. I’ve spent more time with Irish people over the past three months than anyone else in my life! The US tour was wild, playing venues like Madison Square Garden and The Forum. It’s a surreal feeling, playing in front of 30,000 people. And tomorrow, I’m playing at the O2, which is a huge milestone for me.

You’re playing Old Blue Last tonight, which is a much smaller venue compared to the O2. Do you prefer intimate shows or larger ones?

It’s interesting. The difference, for me, is playing in front of my fans versus people who don’t know my music yet. Opening for someone is like walking into a party where you don’t know anyone—you have to make connections fast. But playing for a room full of people who know your songs, that’s a whole different kind of energy. It’s intense and intimate in a way that a massive crowd of strangers isn’t.

Speaking of your music, you recently released "Purple Teeth, The Bravery," which introduces the deluxe edition of your album. What’s the story behind that track?

"Purple Teeth, The Bravery" came from my experiences with sobriety. I’ve been sober at different points in my life, and it’s fascinating to be the sober person in a room full of drunk people. It gives you a different perspective on how people communicate and interact. The song is about balancing two sides of the same story—understanding someone on a deep level but seeing them in a different light when they’re under the influence.

Photo by Gianmarco Rizzo

Was it hard to write?

Yes. I didn’t want it to come across as bitter or resentful. It took me a while to find the right tone—something honest and delicate.

What usually inspires you when you write?

I’ve always been inspired by romance and intimacy, but recently I’ve been trying to broaden my perspective. I’m many things beyond just a romantic person—I’m a friend, a grandson, I struggle with anxiety and insomnia. I want to bring more of those sides of myself into my music. I’ve been journaling more, and I’m listening to music again after a long break. I want my next record to reflect all the layers of who I am.

Do you listen to your own music?

After some time, yeah. I recently listened to my first record all the way through while in Manchester, and it was a strange experience. It’s like seeing yourself from an angle you’re not used to—it feels foreign.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got an apartment in New York, and I’m going to take some time off. I’ll be hanging out in the city, drinking coffee, going on dates, seeing friends, visiting my grandma, and figuring out what I want to say next with my music.

That sounds amazing. Thank you so much for doing this!

Thank you. It was a pleasure.

Purple Teeth, The Bravery is out now.

Words by Sal F. and Photos by Gianmarco R.