In a whirlwind of success that has seen him crowned as one of the standout voices of his generation, Noah Kahan finds himself navigating the complexities of newfound fame. The 29-year-old singer-songwriter from Vermont, affectionately dubbed “Gen Z’s older brother” and “Folk Malone,” has captivated audiences with his poignant lyrics and relatable narratives. Yet beneath the accolades lies a candid struggle with mental health and the pressure of maintaining authenticity in an increasingly commercialised music landscape.
A Humorous Introduction
Just hours before our scheduled meeting, Kahan shared a cheeky video of himself singing in the bathroom of his West End hotel, tagged with the hashtag “explosive diarrhoea.” It was a playful jab at the absurdity of celebrity life, setting an informal tone for our conversation. As we greeted him, we wondered if we needed to prepare for any unexpected interruptions; however, it quickly became clear that Kahan’s self-deprecating humour is one of his greatest assets.
“The bathroom has really good acoustics,” he quipped, chuckling at the absurdity of his antics. “My fans enjoy when I mix music with bathroom humour, so why not?” This delightful blend of levity and sincerity is what makes Kahan’s artistry resonate deeply with a generation grappling with its own anxieties.
The Journey to Stardom
Kahan’s rise to stardom has not been a mere stroke of luck; it’s a testament to years of hard work and a profound connection with his audience. His music, steeped in themes of heartache and the existential uncertainties of youth, struck a chord with listeners, particularly on platforms like TikTok. In 2022, the young star’s trajectory shifted dramatically when Olivia Rodrigo performed the title track from his third album, *Stick Season*, on Radio 1, propelling him into the limelight.
That same year, Kahan took to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, donning a vibrant jumpsuit and sharing the spotlight with notable artists like Brandi Carlile. Despite the adoration he received, Kahan admits that the sudden spike in fame left him feeling disoriented. “I was always on stage thinking, ‘When will this end? How will I do this again?’” he reflected, revealing a profound sense of isolation amid the cheers of thousands.
Confronting Mental Health
As Kahan’s success soared, so too did the weight of expectation. He grappled with an intense fear of failure, which was exacerbated by his struggle to write new material. “Every time I sat down to create, I was consumed with worry about how it would be received,” he recalled. This anxiety resulted in a creative block, leaving him feeling inadequate in comparison to the effortless success of his breakout hit, *Stick Season*.
In March of last year, seeking clarity, Kahan ventured to California’s Joshua Tree National Park, hoping the desert would inspire him. Instead, he returned feeling even more lost. It was only after receiving a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that he began to confront the deeper issues at play. “The idea that my worth was tied to my creativity was horrifying,” he admitted, highlighting the profound impact of his mental health on his artistic process.
Recognising the need for support, Kahan resumed medication, a decision he previously resisted for fear it might dull his creativity. “I tortured myself for years thinking I couldn’t create if I was happy,” he explained. “But the medication allowed me to step outside of my obsessive thoughts and truly engage with reality.”
Reassessing Relationships and Identity
With newfound clarity, Kahan revisited his extensive collection of unreleased songs, discovering a wealth of material that had been overshadowed by his self-doubt. Many of these tracks diverged from the folk sound of *Stick Season*, exploring pop and heartland rock influences. In a twist of fate, several of these songs were completed in the very bathroom where he had posted his playful video.
As he reflects on his evolving identity, Kahan’s lyrics have taken a poignant turn. No longer shying away from the complexities of fame, his new work, including the single *Porchlight*, grapples with the challenges of returning home to a life that feels distant from his current reality. “You act like we just sit up here and wait for you to reappear,” he sings, capturing the tension between his humble beginnings and his soaring career.
This introspection has not only enriched his music but has also prompted a re-evaluation of his relationships. “Fame has forced me to reflect on whether I’ve been a good friend or a good son,” he stated, acknowledging the profound shift in dynamics that success can bring.
The Comfort of Home
Despite his fame, Kahan finds solace in his roots. His hometown of Strafford, Vermont—a quaint community of just 4,200 residents—remains a grounding force in his life. “They have their own stuff to deal with,” he chuckled, describing how the locals are far more interested in their own lives than in his celebrity status.
Kahan’s summer days are spent fishing, camping, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life with friends, offering him a stark contrast to the pressures of the music industry. He acknowledges the paradox of his success, questioning whether a lack of commercial achievement might allow for a healthier perspective on his art. “You want it to go well, but I think I have a better perspective on success now,” he mused, suggesting that his journey has equipped him to appreciate life’s moments more fully.
Why it Matters
Noah Kahan’s story is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between success and mental health. As he continues to navigate the complexities of fame, his candid reflections on anxiety, identity, and the struggle for authenticity resonate deeply in a world where many young people grapple with similar issues. Kahan’s journey speaks to the importance of vulnerability and the need for open conversations about mental health, particularly in creative industries. His evolution as an artist not only enriches his music but also offers hope and solidarity to a generation in search of connection and understanding.
