Music discovery · Influence explorer

Artists like Noah Kahan — and the music that made them

Indie Folk · 2017-present

Vulnerable folk-pop chronicling small-town isolation with raw honesty

Noah Kahan is a Vermont singer-songwriter who transforms personal struggles with mental health and small-town life into deeply relatable indie folk anthems. His confessional lyrics and acoustic-driven sound have resonated with millions, establishing him as a voice for Gen Z's emotional landscape.

Essential tracks

►Stick Season

►I Am

►Homesick

Did you know

He wrote his breakthrough hit 'Stick Season' about a breakup while sitting in his car

Despite his folk sound, he originally started making hip-hop beats in high school

He's openly discussed having OCD and uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness

“Vermont storytelling meets introspective folk with raw emotional vulnerability.”

generations
of influence

Influence tree

Trace Noah Kahan's roots back through history

Every sound has a source. Click any node to hear the connection.

Noah Kahan

2017-present

Bon Iver

2007-present

cited

Fleet Foxes

2006-present

sonic

Sufjan Stevens

1999-present

sonic

Elliott Smith

1991-2003

sonic

Iron & Wine

2002-present

sonic

Bright Eyes

1995-present

cited

Nick Drake

1969-1974

movement

Simon & Garfunkel

1957-1970

movement

Joni Mitchell

1968-present

movement

↑ Click any influence node to see the connection and where to start listening.

What makes the sound

Sonic elements

Acoustic guitar fingerpicking

Raw, conversational vocals

Atmospheric production

Melancholic chord progressions

Start with these tracks

Hurt Somebody

Young Blood

Stick Season

Maine

If you like Noah Kahan, try these

Phoebe Bridgers

Her introspective lyrics and indie folk sound share emotional depth.

2010s · Indie Folk

Hozier

His folk-influenced melodies and passionate vocals resonate similarly.

2010s · Indie Folk

Vance Joy

His acoustic-driven songs and heartfelt storytelling align perfectly.

2010s · Indie Folk

The Paper Kites

Their atmospheric folk and melancholic beauty create similar moods.

2010s · Indie Folk

Bear's Den

Their harmony-rich folk and emotional narratives share common ground.

2010s · Indie Folk

The Lumineers

Their Americana-tinged folk and sing-along choruses connect naturally.

2010s · Folk Rock

About this page

Music like Noah Kahan — Noah Kahan is a Vermont singer-songwriter who transforms personal struggles with mental health and small-town life into deeply relatable indie folk anthems. His confessional lyrics and acoustic-driven sound have resonated with millions, establishing him as a voice for Gen Z's emotional landscape.

Artists like Noah Kahan today include Phoebe Bridgers, Hozier, Vance Joy, The Paper Kites. If you enjoy Noah Kahan, these artists share similar sonic qualities, influences, and emotional range.

Bands like Noah Kahan and songs like Noah Kahan are among the most searched music discovery queries — rootz.guru goes deeper by tracing the roots of the sound itself, not just surface-level similarity.