Noah Kahan has become a superstar, but this rapid rise in fame has taken a toll on his mental health. The US singer gained significant attention after the release of his third album, which led to him becoming a festival headliner. However, this newfound success triggered a crisis of confidence for Kahan.
Noah Kahan’s Journey to Stardom
A few hours before a recent meeting, Kahan posted a humorous video of himself singing a new song titled “Porchlight” from the bathroom of his hotel. The video featured a playful hashtag about “explosive diarrhoea,” showcasing his self-deprecating humor. Kahan’s music resonates with many, particularly TikTok’s Gen Z audience, as he explores themes of heartache, alienation, and the uncertainties of early adulthood. His lyrics often blend humor with profound insights, as seen in his song “Homesick.”
His career took a significant turn in 2022 when Olivia Rodrigo covered the title track from his album “Stick Season,” which propelled him into the spotlight. Within a year, Kahan was headlining arenas and, subsequently, music festivals. Despite his success, Kahan faced challenges that accompanied his rise to fame.
The Impact of Fame on Mental Health
While on tour, Kahan struggled with feelings of insecurity and doubt. Instead of enjoying the thousands of fans in attendance, he often found himself questioning how long his success would last. This sense of impending loss contributed to feelings of sadness and loneliness. Additionally, he faced difficulties in writing new music, as the pressure to create something that would resonate with his audience became overwhelming.
Kahan described a period of creative block where he started numerous songs but abandoned them due to his faltering confidence. He noted that his biggest hit, “Stick Season,” was written quickly, which made him feel like he was failing when the writing process became more challenging.
In an attempt to overcome his creative struggles, Kahan took a trip to Joshua Tree National Park, hoping the change of scenery would inspire him. However, he found that the trip did not alleviate his feelings of despair. Upon returning home, he was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and made the difficult decision to stop writing for a month, which he described as “horrifying.”
Kahan realized he had become too attached to the idea that his value was tied to his creative output. This realization led him to reconsider his approach to mental health and creativity. He decided to return to medication, specifically the antidepressant Lexapro, which helped him manage his obsessive thoughts and allowed him to reconnect with reality.
Reassessing Relationships and Creativity
With his mental health stabilized, Kahan revisited the demos he had accumulated during his creative block. To his surprise, he discovered that he had a wealth of material to choose from, with many songs reflecting a “poppier” sound compared to his previous work. Some tracks even drew inspiration from his experiences in the bathroom, where he found a unique creative space.
In his new music, Kahan addresses the complexities of his newfound fame without resorting to clichés. He explores the emotional distance that can develop between friends and family as one navigates success. Songs like “Porchlight” reflect his fears about losing touch with his roots and the relationships that matter most to him.
Kahan expressed gratitude for the opportunities fame has provided, allowing him to engage in conversations about his relationships that he might not have had otherwise. He reflects on whether he has been a good friend and son, using his music as a means to process these thoughts.
When Kahan returns to his hometown of Strafford, Vermont, he finds a grounding sense of reality. The people there are focused on their own lives, which helps him maintain a sense of normalcy. He enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, fishing, and reconnecting with friends, which provides a refreshing contrast to his life on stage.
As Kahan prepares for the release of his new album, he acknowledges the complexities of success. While he hopes for a positive reception, he also recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective on fame and its impact on his life and relationships.