Noah Kahan (/ˈkɑːn/ KAHN; born January 1, 1997)[2] is an American singer-songwriter who signed with Republic Records in 2017. His breakthrough single, "Hurt Somebody", achieved gold status in the United States and charted in multiple international markets. The single and EP of the same name preceded the release of his debut album, Busyhead (2019). Within five years, two more albums followed: I Was / I Am (2021) and Stick Season (2022), the second of which went on to be his mainstream commercial breakthrough and led to his nomination in 2023 for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
Noah Kahan | |
|---|---|
 Kahan in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | January 1, 1997 Strafford, Vermont, U.S. |
| Genres | Folk-pop[1] |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Labels | |
| Website | noahkahan |
Early life and education
editKahan was born in Strafford, Vermont, where he was raised on a 133-acre tree farm.[3][4] His Jewish father taught him to play guitar, while his Christian mother, who wrote parenting guides for a living, taught him to write.[4][5] Kahan has stated that his Jewish roots play a large part in his identity.[6] He was the third of four children.[7] Kahan began writing songs at age eight and uploaded them to SoundCloud and YouTube, where his music began to gain exposure. He received his first guitar at age 10.[8]
He attended Hanover High School in Hanover, New Hampshire.[7][9] He was accepted to Tulane University, but decided against attending to focus on his music career.[7]
Career
edit2017–2021: Busyhead and I Was / I Am
editKahan first went on tour at 19 years old, opening for Milky Chance.[7] In 2017, Kahan signed with Republic Records. He moved to New York City to work, and also spent time in Los Angeles and Nashville.[4][10] Kahan cites some of his inspirations as Paul Simon, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Counting Crows, Hozier, Sam Fender, Mumford & Sons, and Green Day.[11][12][13]
In 2018, Kahan was featured on the song "Tough" by Quinn XCII. The song was released on December 11, 2018. In 2019, he released his debut album, Busyhead.[4] The album featured the single "Hurt Somebody" featuring Julia Michaels which peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot Rock chart, marking his first appearance on any US charts. Kahan returned to Vermont at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There, he wrote his EP Cape Elizabeth over the course of a week, releasing it in May 2020.[4] In late 2020, he returned to Los Angeles, where he worked on recording his second album, I Was / I Am .[4] The album was released on September 17, 2021. The album did not garner Kahan any mainstream hits.
2022–present: Stick Season and breakthrough
editIn October 2020, Kahan began posting viral TikTok videos showcasing the first verse of what would become the hit single "Stick Season". Over the next two years, Kahan uploaded more snippets of the song and teased other songs from his forthcoming third studio album, leading Stick Season to become viral before it was even released.[4] On July 8, 2022, Kahan finally released the full version of the song to the public. Kahan says "Stick Season" is the kind of song he wanted to write, moving away from his pop heavy projects in the past to a folk centric project. Kahan also released the single "Northern Attitude" prior to the album's release.[14]
On October 14, 2022, Kahan released his third studio album, the 14-track Stick Season, which was produced by Gabe Simon.[15] The album debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200, Kahan's first appearance on the chart,[16] launching Kahan into mainstream success and helping make him a recognizable figure within the music world. On June 9, 2023, Kahan released a deluxe version of the album titled Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever), which features seven additional tracks, including an extended version of the single "The View Between Villages".[17] After the release of Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever), Kahan released tracks on the album with added collaborations from other artists, starting with "Dial Drunk" with Post Malone. Additional collaborations include "Call Your Mom", with Lizzy McAlpine; "She Calls Me Back", with Kacey Musgraves; "Northern Attitude", with Hozier; "Everywhere, Everything", with Gracie Abrams; and "Homesick", with Sam Fender.[18][19][20][21][22][23]
Kahan also collaborated with American country star Zach Bryan on the single "Sarah's Place" from Bryan's Boys of Faith EP. The single peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Kahan was nominated for Best New Artist at the 66th Annual Grammys Awards, marking Kahan's first Grammy nomination.[24] In 2023, Kahan was included as one of Time magazine's TIME100 Next.[25]
On January 5, 2024, "Stick Season" became number 1 on the UK Singles Chart marking the first number 1 of the year and Kahan's first chart topper of his career.[26] In February the single also hit number 1 on the Australian ARIA charts.[27] In February 2024, "Stick Season" hit a new peak on the Billboard Hot 100 at 10, the highest position of Kahan's career.[28] In late January, Kahan revealed a final version of the Stick Season album, Stick Season (Forever). Also produced by Simon, the new rendition of the album contains all the collaboration projects since the release of Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever), including a new track titled "Forever" and two new collaborations on "You're Gonna Go Far" with Brandi Carlile and "Paul Revere" with Gregory Alan Isakov.[29] The album also included a new version of "Northern Attitude" in collaboration with singer Hozier. The expanded album was released on February 9, 2024.[30] In the same year, Kahan announced a live album, Live from Fenway Park, which was released on August 30.
Vermont governor Phil Scott proclaimed Thursday, September 19, as “Noah Kahan’s Busyhead Project Day” in Vermont. Kahan founded the Busyhead Project as an initiative to provide resources and information to Vermonters struggling with mental health issues. Kahan performed a sold-out benefit concert that night having all proceeds going to Vermont-based mental health organizations.[31]
Personal life
editKahan moved with his fiancée to Watertown, Massachusetts in July 2022.[4]
He has experienced anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia throughout his life, and began attending therapy as a child.[32][4][7] While he writes music about his mental health, he is known to make light of his struggles with jokes on social media and in concert.[33]
He has a German Shepherd named Penny who often goes on tour with him.[34]
On his official TikTok account, Kahan admitted in a video that the only song of his that he listens to is "Maine" off of his 2020 EP called Cape Elizabeth.
Discography
edit- Busyhead (2019)
- I Was / I Am (2021)
- Stick Season (2022)
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Organization | Category | Nominated work- | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Billboard Music Awards | Top Rock Album | Stick Season | Nominated | [35] |
| Top Rock Artist | Himself | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | |||||
| Gold Derby Music Awards | Best New Artist | Nominated | [36] | ||
| Grammy Awards | Best New Artist | Nominated | [37] | ||
| People's Choice Awards | The New Artist Of The Year | Nominated | [38] | ||
| Brit Awards | International Song | "Stick Season" | Nominated | [39] | |
| iHeartRadio Music Awards | Best New Artist (Alternative or Rock) | Himself | Won | [40] | |
| Best Lyrics (Socially Voted) | "Dial Drunk" | Nominated | |||
| Social Star Award (Socially Voted) | Himself | Nominated | |||
| Americana Music Honors & Awards | Artist of the Year | Nominated | [41] | ||
| Country Music Association Awards | Musical Event of the Year | "Cowboys Cry Too" with Kelsea Ballerini | Nominated | [42] | |
| 2025 | Grammy Awards | Best Country Duo/Group Performance | Pending | [43] |
Tours
editHeadlining
edit- The Busyhead Tour (2019)
- The I Was / I Am Tour (2021)
- The Stick Season Tour (2022–2023)
- The Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever) Tour (2024)
Opening act
edit- Ben Folds and Anderson East (2017)
- Milky Chance (2017)
- The Strumbellas (2017)
- George Ezra – The Staying at Tamara's Tour (2018)
- Dean Lewis (2018–2019)
- James Bay – The Electric Light Tour (2019)
- Dermot Kennedy – The Sonder Tour (2023)
References
edit- ^ "Noah Kahan | Biography & History | AllMusic". AllMusic. Archived from the original on May 20, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ "Takeover Tuesday". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 17, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- ^ "Interview: Inside Noah Kahan's Beautiful Mess". Atwood Magazine. March 28, 2019. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Gera, Makena (August 31, 2023). "Meet Noah Kahan, the Voice of an Emotionally Evolved Generation". Boston Magazine. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ "WATCH: Musician Noah Kahan performs 'Stick Season' and dishes on TikTok stardom". Vermont Public. Archived from the original on July 24, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
- ^ Unterberger, Andrew. "HOW NOAH KAHAN TURNED 'STICK SEASON' INTO THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING". Billboard.
- ^ a b c d e Lefrak, Mikaela; Smith, Matthew F (August 23, 2022). "WATCH: Musician Noah Kahan performs 'Stick Season' and dishes on TikTok stardom". Vermont Public. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ Saner, Emine (February 19, 2024). "The secret life of Noah Kahan: pop's sudden superstar on No1s, packed arenas – and impostor syndrome". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- ^ "Exclusive Interview with Noah Kahan". The Fix. May 15, 2018. Archived from the original on May 21, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
- ^ Kurutz, Steven (December 1, 2023). "Noah Kahan, Low-Key Superstar, Contemplates 'Stick Season'". The New York Times. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ "Singer Noah Kahan leaves small town life behind". Chicago Pride. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
- ^ Skinner, Tom (January 19, 2024). "Listen to Noah Kahan and Sam Fender's huge new collab 'Homesick'". NME. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
- ^ Saner, Emine (February 19, 2024). "The secret life of Noah Kahan: pop's sudden superstar on No1s, packed arenas – and impostor syndrome". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
- ^ Paul, Larisha (July 9, 2022). "Noah Kahan's Latest Single 'Stick Season' Is The Song He's Always Wanted To Write". uDiscover Music. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ "Noah Kahan goes all in on Vermont for new album 'Stick Season'". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Cabison, Rosalie (January 2, 2013). "Billboard 200™". Billboard. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Wheeler, Sage (June 14, 2023). "REVIEW: 'We'll All Be Here Forever' is Kahan's latest masterpiece". Daily Trojan. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Mier, Tomás (July 18, 2023). "Post Malone and Noah Kahan Can't Stop Drinking About You on 'Dial Drunk'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ "Noah Kahan to Release New Version of 'Call Your Mom' with Lizzy McAlpine | Holler". holler.country. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ "'She Calls Me Back' by Noah Kahan & Kacey Musgraves - Lyrics & Meaning | Holler". holler.country. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Frank, Jason P. (November 10, 2023). "Irish Hozier and Vermont Hozier Have the Same Attitude". Vulture. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Grow, Kory (December 1, 2023). "Noah Kahan and Gracie Abrams Get Morbid on Gruesome Love Song 'Everywhere, Everything'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Brandle, Lars (January 17, 2024). "Noah Kahan and Sam Fender Set 'Homesick' Collaboration". Billboard. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ Willman, Chris (December 21, 2023). "Noah Kahan on Becoming One of 2023's Biggest Music Breakouts: How 'Stick Season' Made America Fall in Love With Seasonal Affective Disorder". Variety. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Shiffrin, Mikaela (September 13, 2023). "2023 TIME100 Next: Noah Kahan". Time. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ Griffiths, George (January 5, 2024). "Noah Kahan's Stick Season secures first Number 1 of 2024, and first for Vermont singer-songwriter". Official Charts. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Brandle, Lars (February 2, 2024). "Noah Kahan Lands First No. 1 In Australia With 'Stick Season'". Billboard. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ "Noah Kahan | Biography, Music & News". Billboard. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
- ^ Lane, Lexi (February 7, 2024). "Noah Kahan's New Album 'Stick Season (Forever)': Everything To Know Including The Release Date, Tracklist, And More". UPROXX. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ^ Griffiths, George. "New Releases: Zara Larsson, Usher, Noah Kahan, Sia & Kylie Minogue and more". Official Charts. The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ^ News Team, WCAX (September 18, 2024). "Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan gets his own day in Vermont". www.wcax.com. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
- ^ Ewens, Hannah (June 19, 2024). "On the road with Noah Kahan, where men feel free to cry along". British GQ. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
- ^ "The rapid rise of Noah Kahan - The Eagle". www.theeagleonline.com. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
- ^ Kurutz, Steven (December 1, 2023). "Noah Kahan, Low-Key Superstar, Contemplates 'Stick Season'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ "Billboard Music Awards 2023: Taylor Swift racks up 10 wins, including top artist". USA Today. November 19, 2023. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- ^ Daniel Montgomery; Chris Beachum; Denton Davidson; Marcus James Dixon; Joyce Eng; Ray Richmond; Christopher Rosen (February 2, 2024). "2024 Gold Derby Music Awards winners: Clean sweep for Taylor Swift". Gold Derby. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
- ^ Minsker, Evan (November 10, 2023). "Grammy Nominations 2024: See the Full List Here". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
- ^ VanHoose, Benjamin (February 18, 2024). "Taylor Swift, Barbie and Grey's Anatomy Score at 2024 People's Choice Awards: See the Full List of Winners". People. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (January 24, 2024). "Brit awards 2024: record-breaking Raye lands seven nominations". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
- ^ Grein, Paul. "Taylor Swift Leads 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards Nods, With Jelly Roll, 21 Savage & SZA Close Behind: Full List". Billboard. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ Nicholson, Jessica (May 7, 2024). "Tyler Childers & Sierra Ferrell Lead 2024 Americana Honors & Awards Nominees". Billboard. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
- ^ Stace, Madi (September 9, 2024). "CMA Announces Nominees For "The 58th Annual CMA Awards" -". CMA World. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
- ^ Willman, Chris (November 8, 2024). "Grammy Nominations 2025: Beyonce Leads With 11 Nods as Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX Are Among Top Nominees". Retrieved November 8, 2024.