Noah Kahan is a global folk pop artist who is known for connecting with fans across not only the United States, but the world. He has recently released a new album “The Great Divide” on April 24th, following his global hit “Stick Season” released in 2022. Starting as a small artist who grew up in Vermont, to selling out shows at Fenway Park, it’s safe to say people love Noah Kahan. Fans connect to his personal lyrics about growing up in a small town with his parents and three siblings, including his vulnerability about relationships, his parent’s divorce in 2020, and his own mental health.
Kahan grew up surrounded by music, so not surprising he started making his own music at eight. In just a few years as a young teenager, Kahan used Soundcloud (a global online audio distribution and music sharing platform) to upload songs. He then started playing at local bars, which gained him some industry notice, but it never led anywhere. At age 20 he got discovered on Tik-Tok and shortly after signed with Republic Records. Kahan has since collaborated and performed with a range of artists, including Hozier, Gracie Abrams, and Brandi Carlile. He is now considered a global sensation.
Diving into Kahan’s newest album, “The Great Divide” begins with the song “End of August”. Some would say this is the perfect first song, as Kahan starts the song off with a light mix of piano and gentle vocals that captivate the listener. Produced by Aaron Dessner, the song sets the scene for the next chapter of Kahan’s life. The Daily Bruin writes, “The first sounds to grace listeners’ ears are the chirps of crickets. Tied for the longest song on record, the piece is a slow burn but highly effective introduction to the world Kahan is crafting.” It is clear that this song is captivating and extremely personal, starting off the album with a tone of profound reflectiveness.
A deluxe edition of the album, “The Great Divide: Last of the Bugs”, was released the following day and quickly became a fan favorite, especially with the long-awaited track “Staying Still” finally available. Noah Kahan first introduced the song to fans at a Spotify event in Brooklyn, where its emotional depth immediately resonated. Listeners connected to its raw, personal lyrics (seemingly centered on a fear of abandonment) with lines like, “All love must leave, oh, but search for it I will,” and “Honey, tell me, are you good at staying still?” Kahan’s ability to craft heart-wrenching songs continues to strike a chord with fans.
In summary, Kahan’s music will often leave listeners feeling nostalgia and longing for something more. The way he mixes in his own personal struggles and vulnerability into his lyrics and then relates back to the audience is a unique talent that most artists struggle to develop.
