Noah Kahan, the Strafford, Vermont-born 28-year-old singer-songwriter, has risen rapidly from rural anonymity to global stardom, mashing introspective songwriting with folk-pop hooks that span generations. His path—from posting tracks on SoundCloud to Grammy nominations and stadium sellouts—embodies the strength of authenticity in contemporary music.
Born on January 1, 1997, Kahan grew up on a 133-acre tree farm in Strafford, Vermont. His father, Josh, a graduate of MIT, taught him the guitar, while his mother, Lauri Berkenkamp, a Boston College graduate and writer, honed his writing skills. This combination of musical and literary inspiration provided the seedling for Kahan’s songwriting. He started writing songs at the age of eight and uploading them to SoundCloud and YouTube, starting to gain an online fan base. He put off college at Tulane University after high school to focus on music full-time. Breakthrough with “Stick Season”
His third studio album, Stick Season, released in October 2022, was the biggest breakthrough by Kahan so far. Its title track, which was teased on TikTok in 2020, became a viral hit, encapsulating the sadness of in-between moments and speaking to a wide group of people.
The album was a deviation from his previous pop-infused music, shifting towards a folk-oriented sound modelled after singers such as Phoebe Bridgers and Sam Fender. Kahan called the album a “love letter to New England,” drawing on themes of loneliness, transformation, and self-discovery. Stick Season peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200 upon release and went on to top charts in Ireland, Australia, and the UK. Success for the album was further driven by collaborations with the likes of Post Malone (“Dial Drunk”), Kacey Musgraves (“She Calls Me Back”), and Hozier (“Northern Attitude”). These collaborations increased Kahan’s exposure and highlighted his adaptability across different genres. Touring and Live Performances
To support Stick Season, Kahan went out on the “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)” tour, playing in North America, the UK, and Europe. Additional dates, due to popularity, included a second show at Boston’s Fenway Park. A live record, Stick Season (Live From Fenway Park), was available in August 2024, which caught the intensity of his sold-out performances.
Kahan’s live concerts are characterized by their emotional resonance and relationship with viewers. His first appearance on Saturday Night Live in December 2023, performing “Dial Drunk” and “Stick Season,” cemented his place as a rising talent.
Throughout his life, Kahan has openly discussed his own battles with anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia. He takes the experiences he has had and infuses them into his music, making his performances sound all the more real. On September 19, 2024, Vermont Governor Phil Scott proclaimed that day to be “Noah Kahan’s Busyhead Project Day,” praising Kahan for taking it upon himself to bring mental health services to Vermonters.
Kahan’s album has received critical success and industry accolades. He was nominated for Best New Artist for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards and featured on Time magazine’s TIME100 Next list in 2023.
As he continues to grow as an artist, Kahan stays true to his roots, finding inspiration in his upbringing in Vermont and life experiences. His dedication to staying real and connected guarantees that his music will keep on resonating with listeners all over the world.
