INTERVIEW: Daffo

The songwriting project of Brooklyn-based, Philly-raised Gabi Gamberg, Daffo‘s debut album Where The Earth Bends was a definite highlight of 2025 for me, and it’s still pretty much on repeat since its release in September. Interweaving a scuzzy indie-pop musicality with a searing raw emotion and glistening heartfelt grace, it’s a deeply personal and beautifully resonant collection that showcases Gamberg’s unique gift for writing songs that really do feel like they reach out and gently caress how you’re feeling.

Since the album’s release, Gamberg has been relentlessly touring both Europe and the US, and only now just seems to be winding down. We were lucky enough to catch up with them to talk about the album, the DIY music community, Capitalism, pillow cases and more. Have a read, make sure you check out the exquisite sounds of of Where The Earth Bends (if – for some reason – you’ve missed it / been under a rock for the last six months), and also watch / listen to their poignant cover of Arthur Russell’s ‘I Couldn’t Say It To Your Face‘ which they shared earlier this month.

Hi Gabi! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! How are you doing today?
Good! I’m glad to have have a day off of tour finally – I got to sleep my usual 12 hours, lol. 

Are you able to tell us a bit about what initially inspired you to start creating music?
I guess it was always in me. Maybe always around me. So, I was always drawn to it. Plus my parents said I had to take music lessons when I was like 6!

I love the raw stirring emotion and scuzzy musicality of your songs, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
Probably Elliott Smith is the big one. I also feel like Frankie Cosmos and Alex G were big ones for me.

Your debut album Where The Earth Bends came out last year –  it really is a beautiful collection from start to finish (and was one of our ‘Albums Of 2025’), big congratulations! It’s said to deal with emotions ranging from rage and shame, to self-acceptance and resolve – are you able to tell us a bit more about this and how your experiences inspired your writing?
Well, my writing has always been an outlet for me, so when I experience big emotions I usually feel like writing about them in order to process them fully. And that ultimately led to the songs on my record. 

And – tricky question (sorry!) –  do you have a favourite track on the album? (I think mine might be ‘Carrot Fingers’, though I love them all)
‘Carrot Fingers’ is definitely one of my favourites as well. But I think, right now, my favourite is still ‘Sideways’ – I just love the way it turned out and the song means a lot to me. 

How would you say the process of recording the album has differed from your previous releases?
I think I took more time making the songs – I was more intentional with everything. 

From a young age, it seems like you’ve been really involved in the DIY music community where you’ve lived, which is something close to our hearts at Get In Her Ears. Why do you think these close knit communities are so important for artists? And how has being a part of one helped you personally?
It really allows you the space to explore and grow as an artist. The art world can be a very competitive place, and the DIY scene really is very welcoming to everyone, so you have the space to mess up and learn.

We were lucky enough to catch you live at The Great Escape in Brighton earlier this year – such a great show! How was this experience for you? And how was your recent trip to the UK last month?
Festivals can be hard! You don’t have a sound check and it all goes by very quick. But you get to play to a diverse fan base, which is a great opportunity and ultimately very fun. The UK was great! I had good beer for the first time in my life.

And, when you’re out on tour, or playing gigs, are there any particular essentials that you like to have with you to keep you going?
I always need to have my own pillow case to keep me safe from all the detergent I’m allergic to, lol. Other than that, as long as I have some sort of simple snack like corn chips or carrots I’m good. 

Has there been a specific show you’ve played over the years that stands out as a particular highlight?
I think the release show I did at someone’s apartment was the best. It was packed out and the first time I’ve had people sing my lyrics with me. 

As we’re an organisation with a focus on supporting new and marginalised artists, I just wondered how you feel the industry is for them at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the years in its treatment of female and queer artists?
Well, Capitalism is rooted in racism and sexism. We live in a Capitalist society, so you tell me. Can we really have a capitalist music industry where we are all treated with the same respect…? Most artists don’t even earn a fraction of what we are owed. I don’t know, this is a very hard question, I could write a whole essay (but I won’t because i hate writing essays!). 

And are there any other bands or artists that you’d recommend we check out at the moment?
I’ve been loving earth 2 tiffany recently. I also love Superfan and Shmoo.

Huge thanks to Gabi for answering our questions! We can’t wait to hear more from them soon, and for now you can listen to Where The Earth Bends on repeat (like I do), and watch the new video for their poignant cover of Arthur Russell’s ‘I Couldn’t Say It To Your Face‘.

Photo Credit: Sam Penn

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GIHE: Ones To Watch 2026

It’s fair to say that 2025 was another tough year, but one positive we’re taking away from it is the immense amount of incredible new music that was released and the hope of more wonderful offerings from new bands and artists in 2026.

Following on from our features about our favourite Tracks, Albums & EPs and Personal Highlights of 2025, it’s now time for us to share our Ones To Watch for 2026 – naming a handful of bands and artists who we predict will be reaching ears far and wide this year. Have a read of our choices and make sure you give them all a follow on social media to keep track of their achievements over the next 12 months.

We’ve also added tunes from our favourite albums and from the bands included in this feature to our Tracks Of 2025 Playlist, to provide the best soundtrack to the start of your 2026! Have a listen on Tidal and be sure to download songs by the artists you love from bandcamp, go and see them live, buy their merch, and spread the word. They need your support now more than ever!

Here are a few of the bands and artists we’re most excited about going into 2026…

Cowboy Hunters
Having been building a reputation in the Glasgow scene for their memorable live shows, Scottish punks Cowboy Hunters create immense riotous anthems and I was very excited when I was first introduced to their seething single ‘Mating Calls’ back in March last year. Since then, I had the complete pleasure of seeing them at Deer Shed Festival in the summer and the fiercely engaging charisma and stark dry wit that they exuded throughout their immense instrument-swapping set exceeded all expectations. Strictly not adhering to the festival’s suggested reduced swearing policy, they raged about transphobes and needing money for drugs before ending the set by getting the whole crowd to join in doing ‘The Macarena’ with them. It really was the most surreal and perfect way to kick off a Saturday morning! And, with a full EP promised in the spring, I cannot wait to see / hear what wonderfully riotous offerings they have in store for us this year. (Mari Lane – Managing Editor)


Jessie Mac
South East London DJ, producer & label owner Jessie Mac is still a bit of an enigma to the GIHE team, but we all know that we’re obsessed with her track ‘Trans Is Beautiful’ – a total gem that I unearthed in my GIHE inbox last year. It’s a powerful and incredibly catchy “sonic statement” that is equal parts poignant, political and playful, featuring the vital words of American actress & activist Laverne Cox. Jessie’s blend of club-inspired beats and shape-shifting electronics have been ricocheting between my ears for the past twelve months. We know that she’s working on new projects and music for 2026 and we’re excited to hear more of her essential LGBTQIA anthems. (Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)


Lōwli
On both our Soho Radio show and in our monthly playlist features, I consistently coined Irish composer & songwriter Lowli as one of my favourite new music discoveries of 2025. Her debut album, Window In The Woods, is a moving rumination on unsettling memories and emotions, explored through her tender keys, crystalline vocals and beautiful instrumentation. Released via VETA Records, the album provides a safe haven from the stresses of everyday life, as Lowli is adept at crafting a serene, yet melancholic world for you to immerse yourself in. I look forward to hearing Window In The Woods live one day soon. (KC)

Midori Jaeger
An artist I discovered by accident when seeing Tanita Tikaram at Royal Festival Hall in November, Midori Jaeger instantly caught my attention with their unique style of playing the cello and the soothing allure of her vocals while playing in Tikaram’s band. Originally from Japan, Jaeger has recorded three EPs and played alongside the likes of Daughter and Courtney Pine, as well as Tanita Tikaram. But, kicking off this year with the rich sparkling splendour of her new single ‘Dark Green’, I have a feeling she’ll be commanding plenty of stages in her own right throughout 2026, with her immersive, genre-defying sounds. I for one can’t wait to immerse myself in more of her captivating folk-strewn musicality and shimmering heartfelt emotion. (ML)


Pinkshift
With the release of their second album, Earthkeeper, last summer, Maryland punk-rockers Pinkshift cemented their ability to create perfectly honed, refreshingly honest modern day rock anthems. As a fierce sense of urgency and relentless grunge-tinged energy rage throughout the album alongside the gritty raw emotion of front-person Ashrita Kumar’s vocals, it offers a welcoming hit of early noughties nostalgia whilst rippling with the band’s own unique groove. Apparently the aim of the record is to inspire us to “give a fuck”, and I certainly do – about the world, but also about this exciting band who I can’t wait to see on tour with Grandson in March – the UK is in for a treat! (ML)


Sijya
South Asian composer and producer Sijya crafted one of my favourite EPs of 2025, Leather & Brass, so it will come as no surprise that I have chosen her for our Ones To Watch feature too. Signed to the prestigious One Little Independent Records, Sijya’s experimental spirit is reflected in her music, which is an idiosyncratic blend of digital and analogue synths, drifting vocals and atmospheric beats. I was sad to miss her performance at the Tate Modern last year, where she played her EP live in the iconic turbine hall as part of their Tate Lates series, but I’m hoping to hear her expansive electronica in the flesh at some point in the near future. (KC)


Um, Jennifer?
Having first won me over with the playful energy of 2023 single ‘Girl Class’, New York trans duo Um, Jennifer? continued to be total faves last year with the release of their new album, Um Comma Jennifer Question Mark. Oozing so many deliciously scuzzy lo-fi pop-punk vibes, the album reflects on trans identity, lust and obsession, whilst offering a wonderfully empowering ode to defying expectations and not fitting into the moulds that society often places on us. Their band bio says “Fig and Eli met at a party in Brooklyn. Eli wanted to hook up with Fig’s friend. Now they make music together for nobody except the vengeful god, Jennifer. Jennifer thinks their music sucks.” I’d have to disagree with Jennifer, and have a feeling many other people will throughout 2026. (ML)


Yakkie  
Having been privileged enough to attend Yakkie’s first ever gig back in 2023, and since witnessing their immense live presence on more than one occasion, it had felt like a long wait for the debut single from the incredible supergroup back in October. Fronted by interminable force of nature Janey Starling (formerly of Dream Nails) and featuring Robin Gatt (Personal Best, Petrol Girls), Laura Ankles (Colour Me Wednesday, The Dumb Blondes) and Maeve Westall (Jasmine.4.t, itoldyouiwouldeatyou), it was amazing to see this absolutely epic collective of faves come together in all their seething punk-rock glory last year, offering the rage, joy and unity we all so desperately need. And now, with their debut album set for release in February, I cannot wait to be treated to plenty more of their relentless riffs and swirling empowering energy. Entitled Kill The Cop Inside Your Head, of the album Janey explains: “If we want a better world, we must first be able to imagine one. To do that, we have to kill the cop inside our head. Go to the protest! Join your union!” Offering a fierce, rallying cry for unity and rebellion, it’s now more important than ever to have bands like Yakkie, not afraid to speak up for what’s right and use their platform as a real force for change. I’m extremely grateful they exist and look forward to having them see us through 2026. (ML)

Despite our apprehensions about 2026, at least we’re heading into the new year with some fantastic music to accompany it. Huge love and thanks to all the bands and artists who continue to soundtrack our lives and offer hope that we can resist those seeking to oppress marginalised groups and continue to create powerful communities that bring joy, strength and comfort. And massive thanks to all who supported GIHE throughout 2025 and for the last ten years (!) – it really means the world.

Throughout 2026, if possible, please support your favourite artists by downloading their music from bandcamp, following them on social media and nabbing tickets to see them live! For a taste of who to follow next, listen to our playlist of 2025 favourites here.

A great way to discover your new favourite band is to come along to our GIHE gigs! Next up, we’re at The Waiting Room on 16th January with South London post-punk faves Hadda Be, plus support from Sussex alt-rockers Shallow Honey and upcoming shoegaze dreamers Mannequin Flowers. Tickets are on DICE now and they are always cheaper in advance!

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LIVE: Tanita Tikaram @ Royal Festival Hall, 15.11.2025

I think I’ve written before about how much of an influence on my musical tastes my dad has been. Growing up – whether at home, or in the car on long journeys up to Birmingham to see my grandma, or down to Cornwall for the summer – there was always music playing. Sounds ranging from ‘60s rock to ‘90s trip-hop, and everything in-between, I was able to experience an eclectic sonic smorgasbord from a very young age. One of the more ‘in-between’, genre-defying sounds that we would frequently enjoy together was Tanita Tikaram’s 1988 album, Ancient Heart. Even as a young child, the deep gravelly tones of her vocals, soaring alongside the lilting folk-tinged musicality, seemed to really take hold. I have so many memories of both singing along with my dad, and then later as a teen – after stealing the CD for my own collection – seeking catharsis in the sweeping raw emotion and striking lyricism whilst listening on my walkman on the way to school. 

So, when I heard that Tanita Tikaram was playing at Royal Festival Hall as part of the EFG Jazz Festival the same weekend that my parents had planned to come up to London, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for a dad-daughter nostalgic evening out. 

Celebrating the release of her latest album, LIAR (Love Isn’t A Right), Tikaram makes an entrance alongside a host of accomplished musicians, the matching deep orange hues of her shirt and shoes adding to the warm glow that exudes from the stage throughout the entirety of the evening. Opening with ‘World Outside Your Window’, the gently empowering anthem from her debut that – upon its release – showcased Tikaram’s clarity and emotional experience beyond her 19 years, and now highlights the timeless quality of her songwriting as it sounds as resonant and energising as ever, the set continues to perfectly juxtapose the past and present as Tikaram flits between instruments and decades. 

Intricately describing the inspiration behind each song, from young ideals of love to all-encompassing issues such as hopes for the freedom and safety of all people, Tikaram shares an endearing vulnerability as she opens up about her songwriting process and influences, adding a welcome sense of intimacy and rapport to the performance. And musically, from the sweeping strings and majestic grandeur of new album track ‘This Perfect Friend’ and exquisite heartfelt grace of Ancient Heart’s ‘Valentine Heart’ (played as a stripped-back duet between Tikaram and her violinist Helen O’Hara), to the blues-inspired hooks of 2016’s ‘Cool Waters’ and immense beats (thanks to drummer Marc Pell) of 2012’s ‘Heavy Pressure’, she showcases her ability to interweave a variety of different styles into something entirely her own. 

Throughout the evening, Tikaram pays homage to a number of other artists who have influenced her in some way. From sharing that the inspiration behind the name of the new album comes from the Molly Drake (mother of Nick) song ‘Love Isn’t A Right’, and referencing Philip Glass’ ‘Night Train’, to dedicating Nina Simone’s ‘Wild Is The Wind’ to her partner Natasha and joining her cellist Midori Jaeger in a spellbinding rendition of John Martyn’s ‘May You Never’, the passion she feels for music and the songwriting process, and her gratitude for those who’ve come before, clearly shines through from start to finish. And, when she talks about how much of an impact her parents’ record collection has had on her (“luckily they had good taste”), I turn to my dad, feeling extremely lucky to be have been in a similar position, and grateful to be able to share such a special evening of music with him. 

Whilst the performance continues to exude an intimacy throughout, as we gain an insight into Tikaram’s personality and warmth as she shares details like this, she doesn’t lose sight of the bigger picture, of her dedication to using her platform as a musician to expose societal truths and express solidarity with marginalised communities. Having discussed the need for, and comfort to be found in, community earlier in the set, she goes on to recognise that “we have so much more in common than what separates us” before introducing the London Gospel Choir who join her for recent single ‘I See A Morning’; their soaring voices adding a stirring sense of unity to the performance. 

Flowing with an engaging warmth throughout, this wholesome evening not only showcases evidence of Tikaram’s timeless talent as a songwriter and sound ability to orchestrate a band of incredible musicians, but it also seems to offer a beautifully open celebration of her queer identity; each song bringing with it its own unique sense of joy and pride. A sentiment which is highlighted by the fact that she has been raising money for Switchboard (the LGBTQIA+ support line that I volunteer for) with each sale of a special rainbow picture disc of LIAR (Love Isn’t A Right).

Tanita Tikaram’s latest album LIAR (Love Isn’t A Right) is out now.

Mari Lane
@mari_getinherears

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Introducing Interview: Madison Cunningham

Having been included as a favourite by not just one, but two, other artists in their ‘Five Favourites’ features for us (Laura Reznek earlier this year, and Sarah Walk back in 2020), we’re so glad to have been introduced to LA artist Madison Cunningham and her swirling heartfelt creations. With the release of her third album, Ace, last month, she has continued to hone her sound; interweaving a lilting folk-tinged musicality with a soaring cinematic splendour and the captivating delicate crystalline grace of her rich vocals, it offers a stirring reflection on heartbreak and perseverance.

We caught up with Madison to find out more about the new album, collaborating with Fleet Foxes and her thoughts on the industry at the moment. Read below and make sure you check out the truly exquisite Ace if you’ve not already!

Hi Madison! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! How are you doing today?
I’m feeling well and like I’ve had too much coffee today.

Are you able to tell us a bit about what initially inspired you to start creating music?
Watching my Dad and Grandma and their relationship to guitar was my initial introduction.

I love the raw stirring emotion and glistening musicality of your songs, but who would you consider to be your main musical influences?
Very hard to choose just a handful. The most expansive influences have to be: Juana Molina, Ry Cooder, Jon Brion, Bjork, and Joni Mitchell. 

Your new album Ace has just been released, which is super exciting! It’s said to be a really personal collection, reflecting on heartbreak – are you able to tell us a bit more about this and how your experiences inspired your writing?
Recently I’ve been inspired by passion. Specifically passions that are born out of heartbreak. The chefs, authors, and poets that were inspiring me while writing Ace really lit the way for how to talk about my own heartbreak. Essentially there are no rules to telling the truth. You just have to be willing to greet the consequences and understand that the ability to understand and tell your own story is the closest we get to liberation. 

And how would you say the process of recording the album has differed from your 2022 Grammy winning album, Revealer?
This process was much more free and clear. Oddly enough, I think that was the direct result of putting more rules in place. No vocal overdubs, no demos, and nothing that felt overly cool, for example. The emotion and first instinct had to be priority. It’s also worth mentioning I recorded with my touring band for the first time, aside from the one single I produced called ‘Subtitles’. 

You collaborated with Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes on the album track ‘Wake’ – are you able to tell us a bit about how this collaboration came about, and what the experience of working with him was like?
I met Robin backstage at our second to last Revealer show. I was so amazed he even wanted to be there. We kept in touch and I braved the ask after the ‘Wake’ harmony was written. Robin is the consummate professional in every way you can imagine. Prepared, kind, hard working, and wouldn’t let up until it was right. Didn’t think it was possible to walk away being a bigger fan. 

And you’ve recently been on tour with Mumford & Sons – how was this experience for you? 
I love those wild boys. Was blown away by their live show and their kindness. 

When you’re out on tour are there any particular essentials that you like to have with you to keep you going?
I have my headphones, spearmint tea, a good candle, books, and running shoes. 

And has there been a specific show you’ve played over the years that stands out as a particular highlight?
The release show we just played at Largo as a band was an all timer spiritual experience for me.

As we’re an organisation with a focus on supporting new and marginalised artists, I just wondered how you feel the industry is for them at the moment? And do you feel much has changed over the years in its treatment of female and queer artists?
I think we need to do better. I want more for artists and I imagine I always will, but I am thankful that at least we’re attempting to talk to each other, and that’s a start. 

And are there any other bands or artists that you’d recommend we check out at the moment?
Do check out Sam Weber, Anna Tivel, Mike Viola, and Dylan Rodruige. The best in the business.

Huge thanks to Madison for answering our questions! Listen to / order her exquisite new album here.

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