Noah Kahan & Sam Fender talk about their collaboration on new version of ‘Homesick’

GRAMMY® Best New Artist nominee Noah Kahan is back with another instalment of his Stick Season collaboration series, this time joining forces with British songwriter Sam Fender to release the poignant single ‘Homesick.’

Known for his critically acclaimed features released throughout 2023, Noah Kahan brings a fresh perspective to ‘Homesick,’ drawing from his own experiences and the at times complicated relationship he shares with his Vermont hometown. The collaboration takes a unique turn as Sam Fender contributes his verse, sharing similar sentiments about his upbringing in Newcastle. Together, they create a transatlantic call-and-response, portraying the shared desire of two young individuals eager to escape their respective hometowns.

Noah Kahan reflects on the collaboration, expressing his admiration for Sam Fender’s work and the profound impact it had on his own songwriting journey. He shares, “When I first heard Sam Fender’s music, I stopped what I was doing, started ‘Dead Boys’ from the beginning, and listened 4 more times. It was everything I loved about a song.” Kahan acknowledges the connection he felt with Fender’s lyrics, describing the nostalgia, pride, bitterness, confusion, and anger present in both their experiences.

As the duo sat down in Guilford, Vermont to record the album, the song ‘Homesick’ emerged as a testament to the confidence instilled in Kahan by Fender’s ability to accurately depict the significance of one’s hometown. Kahan adds, “This song was the final push for me to start writing about my own experiences.”

Sam Fender, in turn, shares his excitement about working with Noah Kahan, stating, “I loved the idea of the song being a transatlantic call-and-response between two young kids desperate to escape their hometowns.” The collaboration extended beyond the studio, with Kahan visiting Fender’s hometown of Newcastle. Fender describes the experience, saying, “We hit the Lowlights Tavern for a swift Guinness and walked in the bitter cold of the sea-front. Chatting with him about things in both of our pasts made me realize how universal ‘Homesick’ is.”

Fender also emphasizes the pride he feels for his hometown, reflecting on the unique inspiration it provides. He concludes, “Noah is a great lad, a canny chanter, and a mean wordsmith. I love the track, and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”

With its relatable theme and the seamless collaboration of two acclaimed artists, ‘Homesick’ offers listeners a glimpse into the shared experiences of Kahan and Fender, transcending geographical boundaries and connecting through the universal emotions tied to the concept of home.

GRAMMY® Best New Artist nominee Noah Kahan is back with another instalment of his Stick Season collaboration series, this time joining forces with British songwriter Sam Fender to release the poignant single ‘Homesick.’

Known for his critically acclaimed features released throughout 2023, Noah Kahan brings a fresh perspective to ‘Homesick,’ drawing from his own experiences and the at times complicated relationship he shares with his Vermont hometown. The collaboration takes a unique turn as Sam Fender contributes his verse, sharing similar sentiments about his upbringing in Newcastle. Together, they create a transatlantic call-and-response, portraying the shared desire of two young individuals eager to escape their respective hometowns.

Noah Kahan reflects on the collaboration, expressing his admiration for Sam Fender’s work and the profound impact it had on his own songwriting journey. He shares, “When I first heard Sam Fender’s music, I stopped what I was doing, started ‘Dead Boys’ from the beginning, and listened 4 more times. It was everything I loved about a song.” Kahan acknowledges the connection he felt with Fender’s lyrics, describing the nostalgia, pride, bitterness, confusion, and anger present in both their experiences.

As the duo sat down in Guilford, Vermont to record the album, the song ‘Homesick’ emerged as a testament to the confidence instilled in Kahan by Fender’s ability to accurately depict the significance of one’s hometown. Kahan adds, “This song was the final push for me to start writing about my own experiences.”

Sam Fender, in turn, shares his excitement about working with Noah Kahan, stating, “I loved the idea of the song being a transatlantic call-and-response between two young kids desperate to escape their hometowns.” The collaboration extended beyond the studio, with Kahan visiting Fender’s hometown of Newcastle. Fender describes the experience, saying, “We hit the Lowlights Tavern for a swift Guinness and walked in the bitter cold of the sea-front. Chatting with him about things in both of our pasts made me realize how universal ‘Homesick’ is.”

Fender also emphasizes the pride he feels for his hometown, reflecting on the unique inspiration it provides. He concludes, “Noah is a great lad, a canny chanter, and a mean wordsmith. I love the track, and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”

With its relatable theme and the seamless collaboration of two acclaimed artists, ‘Homesick’ offers listeners a glimpse into the shared experiences of Kahan and Fender, transcending geographical boundaries and connecting through the universal emotions tied to the concept of home.