Noah Kahan grew up in the rural town of Strafford, Vermont, on a 133-acre tree farm that deeply shaped his signature folk-pop sound. Far away from major music industry hubs, his upbringing in the northern woods provided the quiet isolation, bitter winters, and small-town introspection that fuel hits like Stick Season.
Understanding his background requires looking beyond his chart-topping success. His upbringing combined artistic encouragement from his parents with the distinct cultural rhythm of rural New England. This article breaks down how his hometown, family dynamics, and early creative struggles forged the voice behind his modern folk revival.
Early Life and the Vermont Tree Farm
Born on January 5, 1997, Kahan spent his childhood in Strafford, Vermont (population roughly 1,000). His family's property sat on a sprawling tree farm where open land and heavy snowfall dominated daily life.
Living in such a remote area left a strong mark on his perspective. While he sometimes felt isolated or suffocated by the tiny community during his teenage years, he later realized that the quiet environment gave him the space to focus entirely on songwriting. He started writing songs at just eight years old, using old guitars and recording early tracks on SoundCloud and YouTube.
His family environment played a major role in nurturing that early creativity:
- Musical Guidance: His father, Josh Kahan, played guitar and frequently jammed with him in the backyard, helping him build early technical skills.
- Writing Influence: His mother, Lauri Berkenkamp, wrote parenting guides for a living and encouraged his early writing, helping him submit poetry and lyrics to local publications like the Young Writers Project.
- Sibling Support: Growing up alongside three siblings—two brothers and a sister—kept him grounded amidst personal and creative challenges.
The Turning Point: The Pandemic Return to New England
After graduating from Hanover High School just across the border in New Hampshire, Kahan chased the traditional music industry track. He signed with Republic Records at age 20, moving between New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville to write pop-leaning tracks. While his early releases like Busyhead gained a modest digital audience, he hadn't yet found his definitive artistic lane.
Everything shifted in early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to leave Los Angeles and return to his family home in Vermont. Stripped of studio pressures and industry expectations, he reconnected with acoustic instrumentation and local storytelling.
Working with producer Aron Wright, he wrote and recorded the Cape Elizabeth EP in just six days. That brief project marked a complete shift toward the raw, acoustic indie-folk style that defined his later career. It laid the exact groundwork for Stick Season, an album inspired directly by the bleak, beautiful, and freezing months between autumn and winter in Vermont.
Common Misconceptions About Noah Kahan's Background
Listeners frequently misunderstand parts of Kahan's upbringing due to how he portrays small-town life in his lyrics.
- He isn't actually from Maine: Although his breakout promotional imagery and tracks like Maine heavily reference coastal New England, he grew up entirely landlocked in Vermont.
- His career wasn't an overnight TikTok accident: While Stick Season went viral on short-form video platforms in 2022, Kahan had been releasing music professionally for nearly five years, enduring multiple label iterations and shifting musical directions before hitting mainstream stardom.
- He didn't stay isolated forever: Despite writing his most famous record in rural Vermont, Kahan maintains a demanding global touring schedule, headlining venues like Fenway Park while continuously returning to his home state to support local causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Noah Kahan go to high school?
He attended Hanover High School, located just over the border in Hanover, New Hampshire, where he played varsity soccer before pursuing music full-time.
How did Noah Kahan get his start in music?
He began writing songs at age eight, posted early drafts to SoundCloud as a teenager, and caught the attention of industry scouts after playing local open mics and showcase events through programs like Tuck's Rock Dojo.
What is The Busyhead Project?
Named after his 2019 debut album, The Busyhead Project is a charitable foundation launched by Kahan to expand mental health awareness and fund accessible, affordable therapy resources, particularly in rural areas like Vermont.
Is Noah Kahan still based in Vermont?
Yes. Even with global tours and industry commitments in Nashville and Los Angeles, he maintains his primary residence in Vermont and frequently highlights his northern roots in his public life and songwriting.
