“In a culture where there is such a focus on this kind of mass production and technology, songs all start to blend and sound the same, but with Noah Kahan’s music, if you close your eyes, it almost sounds like you’re in front of a live orchestra,” said freshman Cecilia Simoes.
| AP News, Christopher Smith |
American folk-pop singer and songwriter Noah Kahan announced his 2027 stadium tour, “The Last Of The Bugs World Tour,” where he will be returning to Fenway Park in Boston, Mass. for four consecutive nights. Kahan previously performed at Fenway in July 2024 for two nights during his “We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour,” and then in July 2026 for a rare four-night run during his “The Great Divide Tour,” which earned him a place in the Fenway Music Hall of Fame.
Kahan is from Strafford, Vermont, but spent the earlier parts of his career in Boston. Some of his popular songs, “Maine,” “Stick Season,” and “Homesick” reference his roots in New England.
“He writes about Vermont, his experiences and time growing up in the small town,” said senior Paige Gutheil.
Simoes feels that while the younger generation is used to these catchy songs created for short-form content, a lot of college students can appreciate the authenticity of it all.
In 2017, “Hurt Somebody” featuring Julia Michaels was the first of Kahan’s songs to reach the top of the charts. His song “Maine” gained traction during the pandemic, but Kahan’s breakout song was “Stick Season,” released in 2022.
Kahan teased the song with a single verse in 2020 on TikTok, and following the release of the full version in 2022, it topped international charts and earned him multi-platinum status.
“It feels timeless; it’s the kind of music you put on in the car in front of your dad, and he would say, ‘this is a good song,’” said Simoes.
“Stick Season” pivoted his music toward folk-centric narratives. The song is about Kahan’s time growing up in rural Vermont. It addresses a painful time in his life where he felt personal stagnation and a deep loneliness from growing up and being left behind in his small hometown.
In 2023, Kahan opened a mental health nonprofit organization called The BusyHead Project, which raises awareness and funds to increase access to affordable mental health resources. Many of his concerts are connected with raising money for it, including at the MGM Music Hall.
Gutheil said one of the reasons that so many people from New England and a lot of college students listen to his songs is because the lyrics are relatable.
“Honest expression must also have the ability to relate to the listeners,” said Dr. Marguerite Mullee, a music conductor, voice teacher and Catholic Studies professor at Sacred Heart University.
Mullee said it is important for a musician to be able to communicate their experiences to their audiences in both unique and universal ways.
“He looked overly cheerful and appreciative to be there, and kind of in awe of everyone,” said Simoes on Kahan’s appearance at the 68th Grammy Awards.
Simoes feels that, unlike other artists who are familiar with red carpets, when Kahan showed up to the Grammys it felt almost out of place.
“It depends on the person, whether they are in it for the fame or wanting to share their story,” said Gutheil.
