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If you’re looking for a new favorite artist, look no further. Meet Noah Kahan, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter who hails from Vermont — and the best thing to come from the state since Ben & Jerry’s. He has been writing music since he was just 8 years old, and by 20 years old he had released his first set of singles. Noah Kahan started out playing at local open mic nights and was able to transition to concert venues around the world.
He has amassed a supportive following, which — given his remarkable talent and genuine engagement with fans — is no wonder at all. His musical style is not easily described — which is a testament to how perfectly unique his voice and body of work is — but it is something along the lines of indie-folk-alternative-pop. I was fortunate enough to attend the final leg of his Busyhead tour last fall at the House of Blues in San Diego.
I’ve been to more than my fair share of concerts, but none of them have indelibly lodged themselves in my memory quite like that one. I didn’t think it was possible at the time, but seeing Noah Kahan in concert made me fall even more in love with his music. Each song was imbued with so much genuine emotion that you couldn’t help but be fully absorbed, and the authenticity of his performance was breathtaking. Kahan creates authentic and relatable music by sharing his experiences of coping with self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. His songs include apologies to his past self, acknowledgments of his inner struggles, reassuring mantras, critical self-assessment, and perspective-maintaining reminders, all of which are forthright in their delivery.
Some of his musical inspirations include Cat Stevens, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Bon Iver, and their combined influence can be heard in his melodies and vocal style. We highly encourage you to give his music a listen, and I’ve outlined each of his tracks below to provide insight into the magic that is Noah Kahan’s creativity.
Singles: 1. “Hold It Down” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oXZ7JCLcuE&list=OLAK5uy_mNqM8wA7zXgm5Q4dvS0SGqStSOZ4o6jx0&index=2&t=0s ))
For all of its upbeat melodies, “Hold It Down” is lyrically critical. The underlying message seems to be the acknowledgment that life is not easy, and yet one must bolster themselves against the ups, downs, successes, and failures as best as they can. Noah Kahan has a talent for creating songs that are catchy while also being well-structured and unwaveringly honest.
2. “Hallelujah” (( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXY5pi3MbsaP1WEgClmglsA ))
Noah Kahan’s voice is mesmerizing in and of itself, and the layers of added harmony featured in “Hallelujah” (among others) is simply the cherry on top. It’s softly sung chorus is effortlessly soothing and it’s an uncomplicated song overall.
3. “Fine” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrMZOy6s0tU ))
It may not seem like it at first glance, but the repetition of “I’ll be just fine” throughout the song is a reassuring and empowering declaration. Come what may, Noah Kahan asserts that personal convictions will triumph in the face of self or outside doubt. Pre-chorus is a series of mantras worth keeping close to, especially during the dark days we all experience.
This is for all those dreams I believed in
This is for all those doubts in my mind
4. “Come Down” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXIiOOOWSsc ))
“Come Down” is unique in its styling, and while it may not sound quite like the others, the inherent Noah Kahan-ness is audible. He mentioned that it specifically references an experience he had with a new friend, which is perhaps the explanation for its singularity.
He is also featured on a handful of tracks including Matoma’s “Pieces” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utA2jJ299_4 )), Chelsea Cutlers’ “Crazier Things” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWYr-35O0Ww )), and Quinn XCII’s “Tough” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26svno14ADU )). Noah Kahan’s portion of “Crazier Things” is intensely emotive, and though the instrumentals in “Pieces” vary drastically from his usual flair, his voice is outstanding nonetheless.
Noah Kahan’s Album & EPs: “Hurt Somebody” – EP (2018)
“Hurt Somebody” is Noah Kahan’s first-ever EP, and its songs (particularly the middle three) serve as a phenomenal sampling of his overall tone, aesthetic, and originality. His emotive and dynamic style is refreshing, as is his thoughtful attention to lyrical arrangements. He doesn’t pull any punches–from start to finish it’s a look into the mind of the creator himself. While it is deeply personal, it is also familiar with its relatable sentiments.
1. “Hurt Somebody” ft. Julia Michaels (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNuOS-qwM0Q ))
You’ll notice that “Hurt Somebody” appears three separate times: twice on its titular EP (one of which features Julia Michaels) and again on the album “Busyhead”. Both versions bring something slightly different to the table, but they tackle the same dilemma of fear in the face of instigating change; just because you know you need to rip the band-aid off doesn’t make it hurt any less.
2. “Catastrophize” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViOsLsEyCek ))
The opening strains of “Catastrophize” never fail to make me take a deep breath and smile–the feeling of being understood and accepted is visceral. It’s a song about self-reflection and the desire to be enough, even with the inherent flaws and struggles we all possess.
So when my thoughts take off may I breathe deep
Lord, hold me strong when old loss comes to meet me
3. “Passenger” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Ps44EG5hc ))
Noah Kahan’s vocal range is impressive, and “Passenger” is a great example. His controlled yet effortless tonal shifts emphasize the emotionally insightful lyrics, with each word thoughtfully incorporated. In this regard, his talent is similar to Hozier’s in its profound emotive capacity.
4. “Please” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jM57P3G8p0 ))
“Please” is unassuming in its emotional impact; the chorus is softly introduced, and the guitar strumming is understated, but as the song progresses it gradually becomes more emphatic. It’s a deeply-rooted and emotional plea styled in such a way that the tension builds to an inevitable and cathartic breaking point.
And I walk wires and I pull teeth
And I’m so tired of chasing dreams
5. “Hurt Somebody” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdsER1S3t8k ))
“Busyhead” – LP (2019)
A friend of mine was given the unofficial Noah Kahan crash-course by yours truly and said that Noah could sing the phone-book with a paper bag over his head and still sound incredible. An odd statement to be sure, but “Busyhead” provides a plethora of evidence in support. His songs are, of course, far more interesting and thought-provoking than the phone-book, but it’s true that his voice is simply unparalleled. Each song is unique in its arrangement, and yet they culminate in a cohesive album with a shared mood. If you’re not sure where to start, “Busyhead” is a great place; there is a little something for everyone, and you’re sure to find a new favorite (or three).
1. “False Confidence” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF84c-Ehxls&list=OLAK5uy_nidO2U9YacRothgMdooRy9tRQm_xHrlMo ))
The opening track is relatively straightforward in its lyrical intent, and it metaphorically sets the stage for the remainder of the album. The accompanying video illustrates its theme quite well, and it unapologetically tackles the futility of disingenuous personas when the name of the game is being valued for your authentic self. (The added bonus is seeing Noah Kahan is all sorts of funky outfits.)
2. “Mess” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my0Gamy1jwc&list=OLAK5uy_nidO2U9YacRothgMdooRy9tRQm_xHrlMo ))
“Mess” is beautiful in its invocation of domestic simplicity. We have all found ourselves longing for the familiar comforts of home when embarking on a new chapter, and the lyrics reinforce the idea that re-centering yourself is sometimes easiest within the four comforting walls of nostalgia.
I’ll move back home forever, I’ll feed the dogs
And I’ll put all my pieces back together
3. “Hurt Somebody” ft. Julia Michaels
4. “Young Blood” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf-w6C9oy2A ))
“Young Blood” was Noah Kahan’s first officially released single and it is featured on his first studio album. It’s an uplifting anthem that is softly reassuring while serving as an anticipatory prelude. The chorus will stay stuck in your head long after the song has finished, and each line has entire worlds of meaning woven in.
I spend nights stitching up the loose threads in my soul
In the morning, I’m bulletproof
5. “Busyhead” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BROhrbyUuE&list=OLAK5uy_nidO2U9YacRothgMdooRy9tRQm_xHrlMo ))
Noah has mentioned that “Busyhead” was one of the first songs he wrote for this album, and it is clearly a personal ode to those who find themselves in a similar mindset to the one he describes. The lyrics seem somewhat malleable, and yet the concluding idea is that it’s just us in our heads and all we can do is take things one step at a time.
6. “Cynic” (( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXY5pi3MbsaP1WEgClmglsA ))
You would be right to think the lyrics below are sad, but the accompanying melody is quite the opposite. Noah Kahan has a talent (and seeming propensity) for melodically upbeat songs with lyrics that arguably skew towards depressive. Whether they’re specifically depressive is up for debate, but they are forthright and relatable nonetheless.
I cried at the rain, but there’s no way that I’m depressed
Oh, if I think too hard, I’m scared I might lose it
7. “Save Me” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0r2eErw7nE&list=OLAK5uy_nidO2U9YacRothgMdooRy9tRQm_xHrlMo ))
Like its companion pieces, “Save Me” is an introspective assessment; in this case, the questions of worth are posed to an outsider as their actions do not align with the speaker’s self-perception. Sometimes the outline we have of ourselves is not accurate, and yet those who care for us manage to see past the fun-house mirrors that our minds create.
8. “Sink” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vcMjYUBx7E ))
Though softly sung, something about the arrangement of “Sink” leaves an aftertaste of unresolved tension in its wake. Its melody seems to echo its lyrics in their description of the transitory nature of relationships–the commitment to knowing and being known in the face of impermanence.
9. “Tidal” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTx77-x7feE ))
Oh, I’ll teach myself to swim and live in my head
And make sense of all my thoughts
If you listen closely, you’ll catch a number of aquatic references throughout Noah Kahan’s discography. They are generally in reference to his tumultuous state of mind, and “Tidal” is the embodiment of the overarching metaphor. We all sink or swim in the end, but sometimes in intermediary periods we must settle for a semi-buoyant blend of the two, and that’s okay.
10. “Carlo’s Song” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqkCMX10Ho4 ))
Experiencing “Carlo’s Song” live fostered an even deeper connection to the already poignant piece. The raw, unfiltered emotion Noah sang with was staggering, and I think the entire audience teared up. It’s a beautiful and heartfelt tribute that speaks to the unavoidable pain of love and loss and, as with all of his music, it came to me when I needed to hear it most.
But did you find what you were looking for?
Some escape from your skin
“Cape Elizabeth” – EP (2020)
Noah Kahan produced this EP in one week–one week. The songs were not written in their entirety during that period, but rather the culmination of notes and ideas from the last few years. It is a folksier adaptation of his usual style that includes descriptive narration and autobiographical influences. It was released in the midst of the pandemic, and while some of the lyrics were directly influenced by the resulting mindset many experienced, they are universally relatable. The authenticity is apparent in every line, as is the genuine enjoyment had while creating each song. Cape Elizabeth is a small town on the coast of Maine, and listeners don’t need to have visited to marvel at the picture Noah paints.
1. “A Troubled Mind” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr5OGgMUE3k ))
I worry for the sun, yes, I worry for the snow
I worry I’ll die young while I worry I’ll grow old
Oh, I worry for the time I spent worrying alone
This song tangentially addresses the pervading sense of unease and worry many are experiencing right now, but it is dressed up in such a way as to be soothing and depressurizing rather than inciting further distress. If the melody sounds familiar, that’s because it closely resembles that of “Fine” with the addition of a melancholic minor variation in the chord progression.
2. “Close Behind” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoGM-5aSuRI ))
It may not be the jauntiest tune on “Cape Elizabeth”, but it is reflective in its somberness and lyrically concise. It is effectively the musical equivalent of a palate cleanser between “A Troubled Mind” and “Glue Myself Shut”. The soft lull provides a fading in and out effect to its counterparts which emphasizes their similarities and differences.
3. “Glue Myself Shut” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bjU1dhzp0A ))
“Glue Myself Shut” incorporates an intentional narrative with the deep-seated regret of having lost something good from your life. I thought “Catastrophize” was it for me, but then I heard “Glue Myself Shut” and now I’m fundamentally unable to choose a favorite child. They both struck vital chords within me, and with each consecutive listen I can’t help but be overwhelmed in the best possible way. If for nothing else, I will forever be grateful to Noah Kahan for creating these two.
And does the wind blow in Cape Elizabeth?
Constant and cold, how do you live with this?
4. “Anyway” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HzpPl5a9EA ))
While the entire EP is intended to be somewhat instrumentally stripped, “Anyway” and “Close Behind” strike me as the most overt in this area. Backed by only a single instrument or two, each is intentionally arranged to showcase Noah Kahan’s astounding vocal talent. They complement each other well and tie into the larger narrative woven by the five songs.
5. “Maine” (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NogPlgO7jng ))
Maybe you’re like me and you don’t like long intros–they push my buttons almost every time. That being said, one minute and eleven seconds of Noah Kahan softly humming backed by light guitar and some tuneful birds is incredibly appealing. “Maine” is the inspiration for and conclusion of the EP in equal parts, and it paints a breathtaking picture of New England nostalgia.
Noah Kahan Extras
If you’re a fellow fan looking for more of Noah Kahan’s content, check out his live streams on Instagram. Every so often he streams mini-concerts from his family’s barn — with the occasional addition of his brother, Simon — featuring an assortment of his released songs as well as a number of unreleased gems. I, for one, cannot wait to listen to them once they’re officially recorded.
For the time being, I’m more than happy to tune into his Instagram stories for a glimpse or two of what’s in the works. There have been no official announcements yet, but Noah has plans to tour after the release of his highly-anticipated second album, which is still in production. Given my phenomenal experience at the final leg of the Busyhead tour, I will undoubtedly be purchasing a ticket as soon as they become available. If you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing him perform live, I highly encourage you to do so during his upcoming tour. The House of Blues in San Diego was an intimate venue tightly packed with devoted fans and new listeners alike, and the atmosphere created by Noah Kahan’s and JP Saxe’s performances was nothing less than spectacular.
They were both extremely personable and built a rapport with the audience from the very beginning. I cannot do the experience justice with my description, but suffice it to say that I am eagerly anticipating his next tour (fingers crossed!) and waiting patiently in the meantime. Do yourself a favor before his next tour and check out Noah Kahan on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and listen to his music on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music.