Kahan’s Northern Attitude a Little Further North

Few artists possess the ability to transform a jam packed arena in Ottawa into the cozy ambiance of a wood-paneled living room tucked away in a quaint Vermont village. Noah Kahan certainly has that ability.

Vermont native Noah Kahan earned himself a coveted Best New Artist nomination at this year’s Grammys — centered around the autumnal charm and wistfulness of New England. His voice and musical stylings have been compared to Mumford and Sons and the Lumineers. He hangs out with the cool kids Olivia Rodrigo, Shawn Mendes and Hozier, and his Ottawa show sold out in 24 hours. Who is this guy and why is he taking the world by storm all of a sudden?

Kahan’s musical journey delves into the depths of anguish. One moment, he mourns the dissolution of his parents’ marriage; the next, he celebrates his deep bond with his mother, forged amidst the wreckage. At 27, Kahan has experimented with countless coping mechanisms — from alcohol-infused confessions to poignant reminiscences of his hometown. Pain, remorse, and an earnest quest for understanding persistently permeate his folk-inspired music. Is this what makes him so attractive to his mostly Gen Z, mostly female fan base? Do they hear in his lyrics reflections of their own sometimes somber thoughts?

Despite such dark themes, and the fact that he was under the weather and had to cancel the previous show on the tour, his concert was a celebration of life. He’s a fun guy who likes to have fun despite telling the crowd that he “may sound like a little girl sometimes” as his voice might be croaky.

During the We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour, Kahan assumes the role of a charismatic preacher, and his concert becomes a sanctuary where all are invited to embrace their emotions. Tracks like “Orange Juice,” chronicling his battle with alcoholism, and “Come Over,” reminiscing about his childhood abode, elicit both tears and impassioned sing-alongs — yet, there’s also an abundance of levity. Kahan employs his dry wit as percussive accompaniment, interspersing each musical interlude with self-deprecating quips and heartfelt gratitude toward his audience. From the opening strains of the beloved “Dial Drunk,” it’s palpable how deeply Kahan cherishes those who belt out his lyrics — nearly as much as he treasures the individuals and locales that inspire them.

And on Tuesday night in Ottawa, that affection shone through in his decision to take the stage despite his ailment. His fans were clearly appreciative. He delivered raw, heart-rending renditions of a wonderful array of songs, spanning from beloved classics like “False Confidence” and “Godlight” to standout tracks from “Stick Season” such as “Call Your Mom” and “All My Love.” With the dedication, production quality, and charisma as remarkable as showcased on the We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour, Kahan will continue to amass fans wherever he goes.

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