From the beginning of the interview, Noah Kahan dives into his first musical memories, which he associates with shared family moments. He recalls how, as a child, he used to play the guitar with his father in the kitchen, on an old Alvarez with strings that had never been changed. This guitar, difficult to play, left him with memories that were both painful and precious, symbols of his growing passion for music. He also talks about the importance of The Beatles, listened to repeatedly in the house, and how music has always been a strong link among his family members. Among the songs that marked this period, he mentions Father and Son by Cat Stevens, a piece he had the opportunity to play as a duet with his father during a concert at a retirement home, a memory both touching and quirky.
Founding influences: from Cat Stevens to Bon Iver, the folk revelation
Throughout the interview, Noah Kahan reflects on the artists who have shaped his musical universe. He explains that Bon Iver was a true revelation for him, especially through the album For Emma, Forever Ago. For the first time, he felt that an artist was speaking directly to him, that the lyrics resonated with his own story. This discovery changed the way he listened to and conceived music, encouraging him to prioritize authenticity and simplicity. According to him, Bon Iver allowed an entire generation of artists to express themselves without artifice, highlighting the voice and raw emotion, far from big productions. This minimalist approach, focused on the essential, profoundly influenced his own songwriting and his approach to the contemporary folk scene.
Emotion as the driving force: music, an almost magical experience
For Noah Kahan, music is above all a matter of emotion. He tells Waxx that each listening is an intense, almost therapeutic experience that allows him to connect with his own feelings and those of others. He compares music to a “magic potion,” capable of transporting him and helping him express what he feels. Among the pieces that have touched him the most, he mentions The Curse by Josh Ritter, a song that tells a unique and poignant love story, profoundly marking him with its beauty and sensitivity. This quest for emotion guides each of his compositions and nourishes his relationship with the stage and the audience.
“The Great Divide”: regrets, hopes, and acoustic confidences
Noah Kahan took advantage of his appearance on Foudre to perform acoustically his new single The Great Divide, released on January 30, 2026. He explains that this song stems from a reflection on his childhood, his lost friendships, and the things he would have liked to say but never dared to express. For him, The Great Divide is an exploration of regret, but also a message of hope for the future, a way to turn the page while keeping in mind the lessons of the past. Live, accompanied by Waxx on the guitar, he also interpreted a cover of When my time comes by Dawes, a piece that evokes creativity, art, and the coexistence of successes and failures.
An artist at the heart of the current folk scene
Throughout the interview, Noah Kahan emphasizes the importance of authenticity and sharing in his music. He discusses the current folk scene, the return of rock, and the need to convey true emotions, without artifice. For him, music is a way to tell stories, but also to create a connection with the audience, by sharing universal stories. His appearance on Foudre revealed an artist who is both introspective and generous, drawing from his memories and emotions to offer sincere and touching songs, like The Great Divide.
