Noah Kahan's Sudden Fame and Mental Health Struggles

Noah Kahan, the 29-year-old folk-pop singer from Vermont, experienced a meteoric rise to fame after Olivia Rodrigo covered his song 'Stick Season' in 2022, leading to arena and festival headlining slots. However, the success triggered a severe creative block and mental health crisis, including an OCD diagnosis. He struggled with the pressure to replicate his hit song, which was written quickly, and felt his self-worth was tied to his output. A trip to Joshua Tree National Park failed to inspire him. After quitting writing for a month and resuming medication (Lexapro), he discovered he had accumulated 35 to 40 songs, many completed in his hotel bathroom for its acoustics. His new album, 'The Great Divide', addresses themes of fame, hometown resentment, and strained relationships. Kahan reflects on how success forced him to reassess his relationships and find grounding in his hometown of Strafford, Vermont.