CHICAGO | Daffo is a self described “log planet crocodile adult child” sure to become the next indie-folk sensation. Artist Gabi Gamberg, who goes by the band name Daffo, has been writing songs their entire life. Their first EP, Crisis Kit, was released in April 2021. Sharing original songs and covers on TikTok earned them millions of views. However, social media was only a launchpad for Daffo. “My music career has been growing since I started gigging when I was 15,” Gamberg said. “Even before I got on TikTok, I had people coming to my shows. It’s been kind of steadily growing, which I think is hard to see from the outside.”
Daffo released their latest EP in October 2023. The six-song collection reveals intensely emotional lyrics that have been compared to musicians like Big Thief. Gamberg revealed that “Pest has definitely changed my life. I’ve known that the next project after Crisis Kit was gonna be, like, a turning point for me. Which is what I think took a long time and I’m glad… because I think it’s more representative of the music I’ve been making and where I am now.”
The album opens with “Collector,” a powerful anthem about dealing with guilt. “I’m a shame collector,” the chorus agonizes. When asked if Collector was a hard song to write, Gamberg said, “I think I didn’t even get a chance to feel horrible about it. I already felt horrible in my life about my own shame.” Writing songs is an emotional release. “I think that creating it and sharing it has been such a huge part of my healing process.”
The next track, “Good God,” takes a more humorous direction. Its music video features Daffo “sinning with God.” Another song shrouded in confession, Gamberg sings, “my belief in a good God is ruined, ‘cause how come I don’t get what I want?”
The most viral track on the EP is “Poor Madeline,” named after the French children’s book series. At 17, Gamberg attended boarding school; connecting to Madeline’s character inspired this song, which is “about the loss of the feeling of home.”
There’s also “Seed,” which Gamberg describes “is about being neurodivergent and also just being chronically ill. It’s hard to exist in a world that’s so not made for me.” Daffo’s sensitive lyrics provide comfort for anyone who has struggled with similar feelings. Such raw vulnerability may be difficult to share, but Gamberg says “someone’s gotta be open about it.” They make music so others feel less alone in their experiences. “The act of writing a song can be so, so healing,” Gamberg shared. “It’s a really good way to dip into your subconscious and kind of, like, process whatever emotions you might be feeling.”
The last two songs are my personal favorite. “Complete Circle” is a lyrical masterpiece. The first verse opens with, “lefty loosey for a hot bath, bruised knees kneeling on the bathmat. Break surface tension with my fingers. To the water, I surrender.” These brilliant words weave a vivid image, both mentally and sonically. The song ends with a chant of “no matter how I wanna be, here I am.”
“The Experiment” continues as a stunning testament to Gamberg’s writing talent. The song gained support on TikTok, after posting a video claiming the song came to them in a dream. Whimsical lyrics mimic Daffo’s playful tone. Coming from a family with a scientific background, Gamberg has always been fascinated with such concepts, as this song is named after the notable physics “Slit Experiment.” It dives into a discussion about particles and nature.
Science also permeates the writing process, as Gamberg compares writing lyrics to an experiment. “There’s a way to make songs work,” they say, “and there’s a method behind it that I really enjoy.” Pest proves that science and art can successfully intersect.
It’s only the beginning for Daffo, as Gamberg’s natural songwriting ability is passionate, unrestrained and moving.
Daffo is also supporting Sir Chloe at Lincoln Hall on March 12! Click here for tickets and more information.