Noah Kahan reveals how he escapes stardom with ‘Hannah Montana’ mindset

Noah Kahan has found a simple way to manage life in the spotlight — by stepping away from it entirely when he’s off the clock.

The Stick Season hitmaker revealed that he adopts what he calls a “Hannah Montana mode” when he returns home to Vermont, drawing a comparison to the dual life of Hannah Montana portrayed by Miley Cyrus.

Speaking to E! News, the 29-year-old explained that his personal life, including time with his wife, Brenna Nolan, and family, helps him stay grounded from the pressures of fame.

“I have an amazing family and a lovely wife and a whole life outside of music that allows me to feel grounded,” Kahan said. 

“Every time I go home to Vermont my family immediately grounds me in the best way.

“I go Hannah Montana mode, you know? Like, I take the wig off and then I just be myself.”

The singer added that disconnecting from his public persona has never been a struggle, noting that he finds it “easy” to return to normal life between projects.

Beyond balancing fame, Kahan has also been candid about his mental health, including his experiences with body dysmorphia, a condition where individuals fixate on perceived physical flaws. 

He said opening up about these challenges has strengthened his bond with fans.

“It means that I can be myself and talk about the things that I go through with specificity,” he said, adding that the response from listeners has been overwhelmingly positive.

Kahan also shared that speaking openly about issues such as depression and anxiety has made life “easier,” allowing him to stay present and embrace a sense of self-worth.

“It allows me to be in the moment, to accept that I am worthy,” he explained. “It’s been a really lovely practice trying to stay present.”

Despite tackling serious topics in his music, Kahan maintains a sense of humor about his work. In a recent social media post, he joked that he takes it as a compliment when critics describe his songs as a “snooze fest,” quipping that a festival dedicated to sleeping sounds “fun and restful.”