Noah Kahan has captivated audiences worldwide with his raw and honest lyrics, often delving into personal experiences and family dynamics. The “Stick Season” singer, born on January 1, 1997, owes much of his artistic inspiration to his parents, Lauri Berkenkamp and Josh Kahan, who raised him in Vermont and shaped his worldview. His upbringing and family relationships are recurring themes in his discography, providing a poignant glimpse into the life experiences that fuel his songwriting.
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Growing up in Vermont, Noah Kahan’s family life was deeply rooted in the natural beauty of the state. Initially residing in Strafford, Vermont, before briefly relocating to Hanover, New Hampshire, the Kahan family eventually returned to Strafford, a place that remained central to their identity. Josh Kahan, Noah’s father, an information technologist, played a significant role in establishing their Strafford homestead. He meticulously cleared land and constructed their family home, even creating an extensive trail system on their property, as Noah recounted to The New York Times. This connection to the Vermont landscape is palpable in Noah’s music, particularly in his album “Stick Season,” conceived in his father’s barn, reflecting the profound influence of his environment.
Lauri Berkenkamp, Noah Kahan’s mother, is a notable figure in her own right. Before transitioning to her current role as the director of integrated communications at Dartmouth College, a position she has held since December 2019, Berkenkamp established herself as an author and publisher. Her literary works include parenting guides and children’s books, showcasing her expertise in communication and family dynamics. One of her published works, “Because I Said So!: Family Squabbles & How to Handle Them,” reflects her insightful approach to family relationships, a theme that resonates with the lyrical content of Noah’s music.
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The Kahan family home was a nurturing environment for Noah’s burgeoning musical talents. Josh Kahan, a musician himself, was instrumental in Noah’s musical journey, teaching him to play the guitar at a young age. Lauri, with her appreciation for singer-songwriters like Paul Simon and Cat Stevens, exposed Noah to impactful lyrical storytelling. Noah acknowledged in an interview with Vermont Public the significant influence of his parents, stating, “My mom was a best-selling author. My dad was a great musician. So, having music in the home was really important and inspired me to write from a really young age.” Lauri also played a crucial role in Noah’s early songwriting development, offering constructive criticism that he now appreciates as invaluable to his growth as an artist.
Openness surrounding mental health was another defining aspect of Noah Kahan’s family dynamic. In his music, Noah openly addresses his personal battles with anxiety and depression, conditions he believes have familial roots. Growing up, he found unwavering support from his family, who championed therapy and open communication about emotions. He shared with Vermont Public, “I was very fortunate, though, to be in a family where talking about your feelings was encouraged. Where seeing therapy was encouraged.” This supportive environment fostered a comfort in expressing vulnerability, which is evident in his songwriting.
The Kahan family experienced a significant shift when Noah’s parents divorced during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Returning home to Vermont during this period, Noah navigated the complexities of his parents’ separation. He described this time to VT Digger as “really sad” and emotionally challenging, acknowledging the difficulty in processing these events and their impact on his relationships with his parents. This period of family transition profoundly influenced his music, serving as a catalyst for deeper introspection and lyrical exploration.
Despite personal challenges, Noah Kahan’s parents remain steadfast supporters of his music career. His album “Stick Season” fearlessly explores vulnerable aspects of his life, including mental health and family relationships. Far from being apprehensive, his parents embraced his artistic expression, recognizing its therapeutic value for both Noah and his listeners. As Noah explained on the Song Exploder podcast, his lyrics about inherited struggles were intended to foster connection and understanding. Lauri Berkenkamp’s emotional presence at the 2024 Grammys, where Noah was nominated for Best New Artist, and both parents joining him onstage at Fenway Park in July 2024, are testaments to their unwavering pride and support for their son’s accomplishments.
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In conclusion, Noah Kahan’s family has been instrumental in shaping his life and artistic journey. From his Vermont upbringing to his parents’ encouragement of his musical talents and their open approach to mental health, his family’s influence is deeply woven into the fabric of his music. Their enduring support, even amidst personal transitions, underscores the profound role they play in his continued success and resonates deeply with fans who connect with the heartfelt narratives he shares.
