Noah Kahan, a rising star in the folk-pop world, has captivated listeners with his deeply personal lyrics and haunting melodies. His album Stick Season, released on October 14, 2022, offers a touching exploration of nostalgia, change, and emotional healing. Drawing on his New England roots, particularly the stark transition known as “stick season” in Vermont, Kahan invites us to reflect on life’s complexities through his music.
The Concept of “Stick Season”
“Stick season” refers to the period between autumn and winter when the vibrant leaves have fallen, leaving the trees bare and a sense of melancholy in the air. Kahan describes it as “the time between peak foliage and Halloween and the first snow,” a moment that can feel both beautiful and sad. This imagery becomes a powerful metaphor for personal transitions, echoing the emotional landscape many of us face during times of change.
The album captures feelings of being stuck in a small town, while also yearning for growth and the possibility of escape.
Themes of Nostalgia and Place
Kahan’s lyrics are drenched in nostalgia, reflecting his upbringing in Vermont. The album explores the tension between love for home and frustration with its limitations. In songs like “Homesick,” Kahan expresses the bittersweet nature of small-town life—how it can be comforting yet stifling. He sings, “I would leave if only I could find a reason,” highlighting the duality of being homesick for both the warmth of home and the freedom that lies beyond it. This feeling resonates with anyone who’s ever felt torn between their past and future.
In “The View Between Villages,” Kahan looks back on childhood innocence, evoking memories that make you long for simpler times. Lines like “Feel the rush of my blood/I’m seventeen again” balance the sweetness of youth with the weight of adult life, showing how memories can be both joyful and painful. This back-and-forth between past and present runs throughout Stick Season, prompting us to reflect on our own journey through life’s changes.
Musical Composition and Emotional Impact
Kahan’s music blends folk and pop, with acoustic sounds that deepen the emotional weight of his lyrics. His fingerpicking guitar style stands out, giving his storytelling a unique, intimate feel. The simple production allows his voice to shine, making each song feel like a personal conversation.
Standout tracks like “Northern Attitude” explore emotional detachment and vulnerability. Kahan sings, “Forgive my northern attitude/I was raised out in the cold,” a line that captures the emotional barriers people often build growing up in tight-knit, isolated places. It’s a reminder of how our upbringing shapes who we are.
In contrast, “Growing Sideways” tackles mental health, as Kahan opens up about his own therapy and journey to self-awareness. Lyrics like “So I took my medication, and I poured my trauma out” offer raw honesty that many listeners will find relatable, especially those who’ve walked similar paths.
The Healing Power of Music
Stick Season isn’t just an album—it’s a healing experience for those working through their own feelings of love, loss, and longing. Kahan’s ability to put complex emotions into words provides comfort to anyone who feels alone in their struggles. As you listen, you’re invited to sit with your own emotions about home, identity, and personal growth.
The final track, “The View Between Villages,” beautifully wraps up this journey. In it, Kahan reflects while driving through familiar landscapes, revisiting memories of loved ones lost and cherished. This crescendo feels like waking from a long winter, reminding us that even in dark times, there’s always hope for renewal.
Personal Reflection
As we go through our own “stick seasons,” it’s important to remember that these transitions are just a natural part of life. Like Kahan’s music, our experiences can be filled with nostalgia, but they also push us toward growth. Reflecting on where we’ve been and where we’re going can be healing. You might even want to journal as you listen, using prompts inspired by Kahan’s lyrics:
- What memories do you hold dear from your hometown?
- How have your experiences shaped who you are today?
- In what ways have you felt both connected to and frustrated by your roots?
Conclusion
Noah Kahan’s Stick Season beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of life’s transitions. With heartfelt lyrics and evocative melodies, he explores nostalgia, healing, and growth in a way that speaks to everyone. The album encourages us to embrace our own journey, acknowledging both the pain and beauty of change.
As you listen to Stick Season, let its songs guide your thoughts on love, loss, and the passage of time. Use this music as a backdrop for reflecting on your own seasons of life, and remember—there’s always hope for renewal ahead, even in moments of uncertainty.
