Noah Kahan
Biography
Noah Kahan, born on January 1, 1997, is an American singer-songwriter known for his folk-infused pop music. He was raised on a tree farm in Strafford, Vermont, an upbringing that has significantly influenced his musical style and lyrical themes. His father taught him to play the guitar, and his mother, a writer, encouraged his songwriting from the age of eight. Kahan began sharing his music on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, which helped him gain initial exposure.
Early Career and Debut
Kahan's career gained momentum when he signed with Republic Records in 2017. He released his debut single, "Young Blood," in January of that year, which quickly garnered millions of streams. His breakthrough single, "Hurt Somebody," achieved gold status in the United States and charted internationally. This led to the release of his debut EP of the same name in 2018, which featured a version of the title track with Julia Michaels. His first full-length album, "Busyhead," was released in 2019. Kahan has been open about his lifelong struggles with anxiety and depression, and a portion of the proceeds from his tours has supported his mental health initiative, The Busyhead Project.
"Stick Season" and Mainstream Breakthrough
Kahan's third studio album, "Stick Season," released in 2022, marked his mainstream commercial breakthrough. The album's title track went viral on TikTok before its official release. The album’s sound is a departure from his earlier, more pop-heavy work, moving towards a folk-centric style. The success of "Stick Season" led to a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist in 2023. The album and its title track topped charts in the UK and Australia in early 2024.
Collaborations and "Stick Season (Forever)"
Following the success of "Stick Season," Kahan released a deluxe version titled "Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever)" in June 2023, which included seven new tracks. He then released a series of collaborations, re-recording album tracks with artists such as Post Malone ("Dial Drunk"), Lizzy McAlpine ("Call Your Mom"), Kacey Musgraves ("She Calls Me Back"), Hozier ("Northern Attitude"), Gracie Abrams ("Everywhere, Everything"), and Sam Fender ("Homesick"). He also collaborated with Zach Bryan on the song "Sarah's Place". In February 2024, he released "Stick Season (Forever)," a 30-track collection that included the original album, deluxe tracks, collaborations, and a new song titled "Forever".
Musical Style and Influences
Kahan's music is characterized by its blend of folk, pop, and Americana, with lyrics that often explore themes of small-town life, mental health, and personal introspection. His New England roots are a central element of his songwriting. He cites artists like Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Counting Crows, Hozier, and Mumford & Sons as some of his primary musical influences.
Personal Life
Noah Kahan has been open about his experiences with anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia, often incorporating these themes into his music. He has advocated for mental health awareness and started The Busyhead Project to support marginalized communities. In July 2022, he moved to Watertown, Massachusetts, with his fiancée, Brenna Nolan. He confirmed their engagement in April 2024.