Whether you are listening to music in your room while studying or at a concert in a stadium, singers and their songs have been making waves for many generations. While some artists are discovered by big record labels that promote them to great levels of fame, other artists find fame through different routes, such as word of mouth.
New England-based singer Noah Kahan is one of these newer singer-songwriters who has quickly gained a following by managing to separate himself from others in the industry, and fans cannot get enough of him.
“I think he has a very specific and unique style to him. He also really connects with his audience, and he’s just so humble and sweet,” sophomore Thanai Papageorgiou said.
Listening to less well-known artists that people may find on social media or through a friend’s recommendation may be a big change for some. However, Kahan’s impactful lyrics are part of the reason that he has been able to have such a wide reach to fans worldwide.
“Kahan has struggled with depression and thoughts of self-harm during his youth,” freshman Jeffery Lan said. “His lyrics resonate with a lot of people who are struggling with that, and they feel connected to him.”
When people think of amazing concerts, they often think of the big names – Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and more. Artists like Kahan, however, who started on the small stages of New England, can also make a significant impact on their audiences.
“His presence on stage is something that matches the greats,” Lan said. “He’s extremely passionate about music and that passion is visible through his performances.”
The ability to gain a fanbase is crucial for the rise to fame even in singers performing genres other than pop. One in particular, Zach Bryan, has had to find success in his unique style of country.
For special education teacher Giuseppe Fazio, who saw Bryan at Austin City Limits Music Festival in 2022, it was even more important that he stay true to himself.
“He doesn’t forget his roots in Oklahoma. He has his childhood friends in his clique with him, traveling with him, so I feel like that keeps him grounded,” Fazio said. “He keeps the people he’s made this rise with around.”
While Bryan released two big hits in the past couple of years, “Something in the Orange” and “Heading South,” he has had to continue to generate interest in everything he has produced since his first released song in 2016.
“People should listen to all his songs, because he doesn’t just have one good song,” sophomore Matteo Buchbinder said. “‘Sun to Me’ is one of my favorites.”
As he has become more popular, Bryan has had to adjust to what his fans want and to mature as a musician. He has recently begun collaborating with other artists, including Kahan in a song called, “Sarah’s Place.” The collaborations extend to many other artists as well as bands.
“I think his sound has evolved because now he has people like Bon Iver and other artists to join in with him,” Fazio said.
The inspiring journeys of these newly popular artists have taken them many places. While pop artist Gracie Abrams also started on smaller stages, she eventually made her way to the Eras tour, opening for Taylor Swift. Just as important as her vocal abilities is her ability to market herself by connecting with a young audience through social media.
“I have seen many of Gracie’s songs go viral on Tik Tok, and this opens up her music to new audiences,” senior Avery Gallo said. “It has played a huge role in her gaining more fame.”
For Abrams, like Kahan and Bryan, part of her success has resulted from forming a connection with her listeners.
“While her music is often slower and more simple than a lot of the pop music we hear, it allows her music to be more vulnerable,” Gallo said.
The fact is that not every struggling artist is going to be able to make it to the big stages and award shows. It comes with hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of luck. Chorus and music teacher Jonathon Eldridge encourages students every day to keep doing what they love, and his advice applies to the paths these artists have taken.
“You’re allowed to be frustrated, but never give up and keep throwing yourself out there and perform or display whatever type of art you like doing, whether it’s visual or musical,” Eldridge said.