Noah Kahan has made a significant mark in the music industry, but rather than let fame create distance, he remains closely connected to his family. Kahan’s Netflix documentary, “Noah Kahan: Out of Body,” released on 13 April, features his siblings, highlighting the bond they share and the support they have extended throughout his rise to stardom. Born in 1997 to Lauri Berkenkamp and Josh Kahan in Vermont, Noah grew up alongside two brothers, Richard and Simon, and a sister named Sasha.
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The film offers an intimate look into Kahan’s family life, showcasing the dynamics that have shaped him. In it, Noah speaks about the strong ties within his family, reflecting on how his sibling relationships have remained intact despite the pressures of his burgeoning career. “I don’t see him a lot. But it does make it really special when we do get to hang out, especially when he’s not on tour and we can just kinda go back to older brother, younger brother, not Noah Kahan the superstar,” Richard explains.
Lauri, Kahan’s mother, provides insight into their upbringing, sharing that her children are spaced six years apart, creating an environment where they often banded together in a tight-knit group. “It was like having a litter of puppies. They all went everywhere together,” she recalls with fondness. Noah identifies as the middle child, acknowledging that this position often comes with complex feelings. Still, he considers their chaotic childhood—filled with laughter, arguments, and noise—a backdrop for forming deep familial connections.
While Noah has pursued a career in music, his siblings have charted their own paths. The documentary notes the varied careers each sibling has chosen. Richard serves as a professional firefighter in Hanover, New Hampshire, while Sasha has established herself as a paediatric surgeon in Park City, Utah. Simon, on the other hand, works for a global consulting firm based in New York.
Music plays an essential role in Kahan’s life, often serving as a canvas for his family experiences. His mother recounts recognising elements of their life in the lyrics of his songs. For instance, a line from his hit “New Perspective” alludes to Richard, while “Come Over” is said to be written about Simon. Such personal touches create a deeper connection between Kahan’s music and his family, making his songwriting an exploration of their shared history.
The close-knit family bond extends beyond the studio and onto the stage. During Kahan’s performance at Fenway Park in July 2024, his siblings joined him onstage for a rendition of “Stick Season.” The event, a capstone moment in his career, realised the dreams he had been working towards and underscored the importance of family support throughout the journey.
Following this noteworthy concert, Kahan took to Instagram to express gratitude towards those who have played a significant role in his artistic journey. He credited not just his family, but also his fiancé, bandmates, and management for their dedication and support over the years. “I was cheered on through it all,” he wrote, highlighting the collective effort that fuels his success. Kahan’s heartfelt message serves as a testament to the importance of his family’s role in his life, both personally and professionally.
In a world where celebrity often distances individuals from their roots, Noah Kahan stands as a reminder of the enduring significance of family. His documentary not only showcases his rise to fame but also emphasises the unbreakable connections that have shaped him into the artist he is today. Kahan’s journey illustrates that, regardless of where life leads, a solid family foundation can remain a source of comfort and inspiration. As he continues to soar in his music career, it is evident that Kahan carries the essence of his upbringing—and the love for his siblings—with him every step of the way.