Daffo

Plus special guest: jo from school

Daffo (Gabi Gamberg), a 20-year-old singer/songwriter from Brooklyn, offers a fresh, unfiltered voice in indie-rock. Their music explores raw emotions like shame, self-loathing, and the chaos of an overactive mind. Growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, Daffo started writing songs at age 9, drawing from experiences in DIY shows and the local music scene. They recently signed to Concord Records and are preparing to release new work showcasing their poignant songwriting.

Daffo’s debut for Concord, a reimagined version of “Poor Madeline,” features Portland-based artist Searows and producer Philip Weinrobe. The track captures a blend of lap-steel tones, violin, and delicate piano, reflecting Daffo’s experience with mental health struggles at 17. Their single “Get a Life” explores the challenge of staying present amidst a cluttered mind, while their dark anti-holiday song “Winter Hat” turns traditional holiday motifs on their head, confronting feelings of loneliness and seasonal depression.

Daffo’s musical journey began with violin at age 6, but guitar became their true calling. They attended Berklee College of Music at 15, where they discovered the northern New Jersey DIY scene, further honing their craft. After a brief stint at Idyllwild Arts Academy during the pandemic, Daffo self-released their debut EP Crisis Kit in 2021. Following their move to NYU, they found viral success on TikTok with the song “The Experiment,” leading to the 2023 release of their sophomore EP Pest.

Fresh from their first tour with Sir Chloe, Daffo is now preparing for a fall tour with Illuminati Hotties. Despite growing fame, their songwriting remains personal and grounded: “I still write for myself and for my survival,” says Gamberg.