Noah Kahan

Noah Kahan, born on January 1, 1997, in Strafford, Vermont, is an American singer-songwriter who has made significant strides in the folk-pop genre. Raised on a 133-acre tree farm, Kahan was immersed in a musically rich environment from a young age. His father, a Jewish musician, introduced him to guitar, while his mother, a Christian author, influenced his writing skills. This blend of musical and literary influence shaped Kahan’s artistic trajectory early on. By age eight, he was already composing his own songs, which he began sharing on SoundCloud and YouTube. At ten, he received his first guitar, further fueling his passion for music.

Kahan attended Hanover High School in New Hampshire and was accepted to Tulane University. However, he chose to forgo higher education to focus on his burgeoning music career. At 19, he embarked on his first tour as an opening act for Milky Chance, marking the beginning of his professional journey. In 2017, Kahan signed with Republic Records, and soon after, he relocated to New York City, spending time in Los Angeles and Nashville to cultivate his craft. His early influences included Paul Simon, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Counting Crows, Hozier, Sam Fender, and Mumford & Sons, all of whom contributed to his distinct folk-pop sound.

Kahan’s breakthrough came with his debut single, “Hurt Somebody,” featuring Julia Michaels. Released in early 2018, the track achieved gold status in the United States and helped establish Kahan’s presence in the music industry. The accompanying EP, also titled Hurt Somebody, garnered positive attention and set the stage for his debut album, Busyhead, which was released in 2019. The album’s success was bolstered by “Hurt Somebody,” which peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot Rock chart.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw Kahan retreat to Vermont, where he wrote and released the EP Cape Elizabeth in May 2020. His second studio album, I Was / I Am, came out in September 2021, but did not achieve the mainstream success he sought. It was not until October 2022 that Kahan’s career reached new heights with the release of his third album, Stick Season. The album marked a shift towards a more folk-centric style and was met with critical acclaim. The title track, “Stick Season,” became a viral hit on TikTok prior to the album’s release and solidified Kahan’s position in the music industry. The album debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200, marking Kahan’s first appearance on the chart and leading to widespread recognition.

In June 2023, Kahan released a deluxe version of Stick Season titled Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever), featuring additional tracks and collaborations with artists such as Post Malone, Lizzy McAlpine, and Kacey Musgraves. This expansion further elevated Kahan’s profile and contributed to his Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2023. The success continued into 2024 with the single “Stick Season” topping the UK Singles Chart and achieving a new peak on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 10. Kahan also released Stick Season (Forever), a final version of the album with additional collaborations and new tracks.

In his personal life, Kahan moved to Watertown, Massachusetts, with his fiancée in July 2022. He has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which he has managed through therapy since childhood. Kahan also has a German Shepherd named Penny who frequently accompanies him on tour. His journey from a rural Vermont upbringing to international acclaim highlights his resilience and dedication to his craft.