Concert Recap: Noah Kahan
Words by Isabelle Turner
Four hours before his latest album, Stick Season, released, Noah Kahan dawned the stage of a sold out venue with his guitar, ready to play his newest album. The Eastern lit up with emotion and energy, showing the power of authenticity and vulnerability.
I have been personally following Noah Kahan for years. Something intangible has always stuck out to me about Kahan and made his music a continuous source of joy for me. Even from his first track, his songs have carried immense emotion, making them so easy to resonate with. Since his song “Stick Season” gained massive recognition, my appreciation for Kahan has only grown. He continues to remain authentic and connected to his fans despite his quickly growing career. I know I’m not the only one because I had the pleasure of seeing him for the first time during a sold out show at The Eastern in Atlanta, Georgia.
Adam Melchor opened the night. I have seen Adam Melchor in support for Chelsea Cutler, once prior and his live shows only get better each time I see him. Melchor was chosen as support after Kahan’s original opener underwent vocal surgery. Melchor was the perfect choice. Including fan favorites like “Joyride”, upcoming songs like “Touch and Go” and even a cover of Harry Styles’ “Boyfriends”, the diverse set had something for everyone. Even without a full band, Adam Melchor’s energy is incredible and was the perfect lead to Kahan’s set.
As the second show on tour for Noah Kahan, the energy of his set was unmatched, and incredibly infectious. As he opened the set with “False Confidence”, the crowd exploded with energy. While Kahan is incredible at acknowledging his roots, he also has a talent in recognizing the future. He perfectly incorporated his timeless classics, while winning over the audience with his new project. He even held the microphone out, allowing his audience to sing the lyrics that mean the most to them. He continued to move throughout the set with energy, singing new tracks such as “All My Love”, “Homesick”, and the long anticipated (and teased), “Growing Sideways”. As he sang the Encore, he sang “Stick Season” and “Mess”, an exhilarating end to his set. For fans who have been eagerly awaiting the album, this special listen of the album hours before release was incredible and only made the crowd feel more connected to Kahan.
While Kahan has an endless wealth of talent, what distinguishes him from so many in his field is his vulnerability. Extremely transparent about mental health, grief, and heartbreak, his authenticity resonates with so many, explaining his sold out tour. Above all, Kahan is extremely intentional in cultivating the community behind his music through social media and his live shows. This investment pays off in the energy that his fans bring to his show. The passion Kahan has for his music and message creates instant-fans and gives dedicated fans an emotionally incredible performance.
Noah Kahan is accomplishing what many artists strive to during live performances. The community he continues to foster through his music is absolutely amazing and so welcoming. A Noah Kahan show is indescribable and I recommend you go and experience it firsthand. His album and live performances show glimpses that Noah Kahan is inevitability going to be among the greats. Vulnerability has never sounded better than through the voice of Noah Kahan.
Visit Noah Kahan’s website for his touring dates and be sure to listen to Stick Season here!