As the leaves fall and crinkle under our shoes, changing color into yellows, reds, oranges and browns, Noah Kahan ends his two year-long tour. Among several EP’s, “Stick Season,” Kahan’s third studio album, is the perfect tracklist to cherish as winter approaches. While the original album was released on Oct. 14, 2022, Kahan has been on the “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)” tour since March 2024. He also released “Stick Season (Forever),” the deluxe album in February 2024, with features by artists like Gracie Abrams, Hozier and Post Malone, among others. 

Now that Kahan is done with his North American tour, fans who have seen him live on tour are mourning the energy Kahan radiated at his concerts – especially towards the end of his tour where we got to see more of Kahan’s emotional side, which made fans think deeper about his true impact on the world, and not just through his music. 

Kahan has been known for his advocacy of mental health, through the lyrics in his songs as well as charity work and donations he’s taken part in. The Busyhead Project, a non-profit Kahan created, aims to raise awareness and provide resources for those with mental health problems. 

On the project’s homepage, Kahan notes: “I’ve been given so many wonderful opportunities in my career, and it really is all for nothing if I don’t try and give back to the community that has supported me. If I can help anyone get through their struggles, it will be the proudest achievement of my career.”

Personally, Kahan has helped me realize things about myself I never knew, in the sense that his lyrics are able to put my indescribable thoughts into tangible words. Additionally, some of the lyrics like those in “Call Your Mom” and “Carlo’s Song” hit a little too close to home. I attended the June 11 show in Dallas which, quite honestly, changed my brain chemistry. While I’ve only been listening to his music for a little over a year, the inspiration and nostalgia every time his songs vibrate through my ears are enough to make me lose track of time. 

Possibly the most well known of his concerts took place in Boston at Fenway Park Stadium. One of Kahan’s “I made it” moments prompted him to release an album based on one of his favorite shows. “Live From Fenway Park” was released Aug. 30, 2024, with an additional never-heard-before song, “Pain Is Cold Water.” The second of two shows at Fenway Park, Kahan said to the sold-out crowd of 38,000 people, “This is the most unbelievable thing that’s ever happened in my entire life. Thank you so much.” Kahan also brought out his family on stage to dance and sing with him during the closing song, “Stick Season.” 

As if Kahan and his music rose overnight, the last two years have been more attention-grabbing for the folk singer. The 2024 Grammy Awards nominated Kahan for Best New Artist. While Victoria Monét may have taken the trophy home, Kahan’s recognition on a national setting was sure to bring more fans his way. 

First-year MU student Maya Manning commented on her love for Kahan and how he has impacted the music industry in her eyes. 

“He’s very raw and real,” Manning said. “Especially after seeing him in concert this summer, he’s goofy and he’s lovable but he’s also not afraid to openly address the hard things like alcoholism or mental health medication.”

In addition, Manning mentioned how other artists have paved the way for Kahan to have such a lasting impact on his fans. 

“I think Hozier and The Lumineers walked so Noah Kahan could run in his folk genre,” Manning said. “I think he’s made it more popular by constantly being on the radio, much like Hozier has and continues to do. Then again, I’ve also never heard any other artist mention Zoloft in a song. [Kahan] brings light to things that may otherwise have a stigma in the music industry.” 

Specifically in “Your Needs, My Needs,” Kahan is known to talk about Zoloft, which he takes as an antidepressant. Coincidingly, it’s given Kahan’s listeners more security in their mental health, especially those that may feel a stigma around being medicated. In addition, Kahan says in his song “No Complaints,” “I filled the hole in my head with prescription medication.” This emphasizes his ability to convey a sense of relatability in his lyrics to many of his fans, even in his songs with more emotional themes. 

Manning also mentioned why Kahan’s music speaks to so many listeners. 

“I think it’s because many of his messages are so universal,” Manning said. Everyone loves a sad song now and then, but he’s almost created this Taylor Swift effect in his music; in the sense that people go to his songs for help or to cope with something and feel less alone.” 

Over the past year, TikTokers have said the phrase “We made the right person famous” in reference to Kahan. Due to his quiet and generous donations to mental health organizations and his positive and uplifting attitude at shows, Kahan doesn’t draw attention to his kindness, but rather does it because he truly wants to help young adults who are going through similar issues that Kahan went through himself. 

Whether you’re a Noah Kahan fan or not, he’s made a lasting impact on the music industry. The daily reminders of his music that tell me everything will be okay are one of the many reasons Kahan speaks so much to me. We really did make the right person famous, and I hope he “sticks” around.

Edited by Alyssa Royston | aroyston@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Chase Pray and Emma Short | eshort@themaneater.com 

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com