Noah Kahan, the folk-pop artist who has captured the hearts of Gen Z with his poignant lyrics and relatable melodies, is navigating the dizzying heights of fame while grappling with his own identity. Just hours before our meeting in a chic West End hotel, Kahan shared a whimsical video of himself singing in his hotel bathroom, joking about “explosive diarrhoea.” This playful glimpse into his life underscores the unique blend of humour and sincerity that defines his artistry. As he reflects on the pressures of sudden success, Kahan provides a candid look at how he balances his burgeoning career with personal struggles.
A Humble Beginning
Kahan’s ascent to fame has been both rapid and disorienting. Hailing from Strafford, Vermont, he is often dubbed “Gen Z’s older brother” and “Folk Malone,” a nod to his ability to resonate with young audiences through themes of heartache, alienation, and the complexities of early adulthood. His lyrics are laced with a mix of levity and introspection, as illustrated by his haunting line, “Time moves so damn slow I swear I feel my organs failing,” from his hit track, “Homesick.”
The turning point in Kahan’s career came when Olivia Rodrigo covered his song “Stick Season” for BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge in 2022. This exposure propelled him to headline arenas within a year, culminating in a performance at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival, where he donned a vibrant jumpsuit and shared the stage with celebrated artists like Brandi Carlile and Laufey.
The Weight of Success
However, with success has come an overwhelming sense of pressure. Kahan’s rise was not without its challenges; despite his talent, the sudden influx of attention left him feeling vulnerable and anxious. “I was always on stage thinking, ‘When is this going to end? How am I going to do this again?'” he admits, reflecting on the solitude that accompanied his performances. The fear of losing it all loomed large, especially as he struggled to write new material.
Diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) during this tumultuous period, Kahan found himself at a crossroads. “I got too attached to this idea that my value came from what I created,” he explains. The pressure to produce resonant music only deepened his sense of inadequacy. After taking a brief hiatus from songwriting, he sought help, ultimately returning to medication that helped alleviate his obsessive thoughts and allowed him to reconnect with his creative spirit.
Finding Clarity Through Music
Armed with a newfound perspective, Kahan revisited his collection of demos, only to discover a wealth of material he had initially dismissed. “There were probably 35 to 40 songs to choose from,” he reveals, many of which reflect a shift in his sound towards a more upbeat style, while still paying homage to his roots. Notably, Kahan’s songwriting process has evolved, with many tracks being completed in the unlikeliest of places—his bathroom, where he finds solace and inspiration.
His latest work grapples with the complexities of fame and its impact on relationships. In “Porchlight,” he writes about the tensions that arise when someone returns home after achieving success, capturing the frustration and resentment of those left behind. “It forced me to reflect on whether I took care of my relationships,” he says, acknowledging the personal growth that has come from his journey.
The Ties That Ground Him
Despite his rising star status, Kahan remains grounded in his hometown. The simplicity of life in Strafford, where the population barely exceeds 4,200, serves as a reminder of his roots. “The people there have their own stuff to be getting on with,” he jokes. This perspective allows him to embrace his past while navigating the complexities of his present.
His idyllic memories of summer days spent fishing and camping with friends juxtapose the pressures of the music industry, prompting a poignant reflection: “You obviously want it to go well, but on another level, I don’t think that’s the healthiest thing.” Kahan’s journey suggests a delicate balance between ambition and authenticity, as he strives to enjoy the moments that matter most.
Why it Matters
Noah Kahan’s story is a compelling examination of the complexities of modern fame, particularly for a generation grappling with their own identities in an increasingly chaotic world. His ability to articulate the struggles of young adulthood through music not only resonates with his audience but also sheds light on the importance of mental health and self-acceptance. As Kahan continues to carve his path, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder that success is not merely defined by accolades, but by remaining true to oneself and nurturing the connections that ground us.
