History
Noah Kahan is an American singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and a sound that blends folk traditions with contemporary pop. Born on January 1, 1997, in Strafford, Vermont, Kahan began writing songs at the age of eight. He initially gained a following by uploading his music to SoundCloud, where his early work caught the attention of songwriters and industry professionals, including manager Drew Simmons and producer Dan Wilson.
Early Career and Breakthrough
In 2016, Kahan signed with Republic Records and began collaborating with producer Joel Little. His debut single, "Young Blood," arrived in January 2017, quickly garnering millions of streams and establishing his presence in the indie-pop scene. Later that year, he released "Hurt Somebody," which served as the lead single for his debut EP of the same name. A re-recorded version of the track featuring Julia Michaels was released in early 2018, further expanding his international reach and leading to his television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Busyhead and I Was/I Am
Kahan released his first full-length studio album, Busyhead, on June 14, 2019. The album featured the hit "Hurt Somebody" alongside singles such as "False Confidence" and "Mess." Following the album's release, Kahan headlined a North American tour and continued to build a dedicated fanbase, often referred to as "busyheads."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kahan returned to his family home in Vermont. In May 2020, he released the EP Cape Elizabeth, which was recorded in a friend's home studio over the course of a single week. This project signaled a shift toward a more acoustic, stripped-back sound. He followed this in September 2021 with his second studio album, I Was/I Am, which included the singles "Part of Me," "Godlight," and "Animal."
The Stick Season Phenomenon
In 2022, Kahan experienced a massive surge in popularity following the release of "Stick Season." The song, which he had teased on social media nearly two years prior, became a viral sensation and a fan favorite. On October 14, 2022, he released his third studio album, Stick Season. This record marked a definitive pivot into the folk genre, as Kahan sought to pay homage to the music he grew up with in New England.
The album received critical acclaim for its vivid storytelling and nostalgic melodies. In June 2023, Kahan released an expanded deluxe version titled Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever), which featured seven additional tracks. His work during this era has solidified his reputation as a premier storyteller in modern folk-pop, leading to collaborations with artists like Joy Oladokun and high-profile festival appearances.
Touring and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Kahan has toured extensively across North America and Europe. He has performed as a supporting act for several prominent artists, including:
Ben Folds and Anderson East (2017)
Milky Chance (2017)
The Strumbellas (2017)
George Ezra (2018)
Dean Lewis (2018–2019)
James Bay (2019)
In addition to his supporting slots, Kahan has successfully headlined multiple global tours, including the "Busyhead Tour," the "I Am / I Was Tour," and the "Stick Season Tour," performing at increasingly larger venues and arenas.
Discography
