Noah Kahan has introduced The Busyhead Project to the UK – a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness for mental health.
Launched by the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum US artist in May 2023, the foundation provides resources to organisations dedicated to meeting the needs of marginalised communities.
So far, the non-profit organisation has raised $2.5million (£1.95m) to benefit over 55 organisations across the US, Canada and Mexico – each working to expand access to care and reach more underserved communities of young people. This included organisations like Toronto’s Jack.org, New York’s The JED Foundation, Chicago’s Hope For The Day, and Burlington’s Upper Valley Haven.
Now, as the artist kicked off his long-awaited UK arena tour this week, he has confirmed that he will be introducing The Busyhead Project to the UK as well, and looking to raise both awareness and donations for mental health charities across the country.
Whilst here, Kahan will implement the same extensive mental health safeguarding that became of paramount importance to his ‘We’ll All Be Here Forever’ US tour too. This came through a series of actions laid out for both his fans and his touring crew, which aim to promote good mental well-being.
For instance, like seen across the pond, he will host a Busyhead “Activism Village”, which includes local organisations and looks to put an end to the stigma around seeking support, he’ll also provide a full band/crew mental health training workshop during rehearsals, and a pre-show Move and Meditate class available to select fans.
Elsewhere in the US, he partnered with Propeller to increase donations to The Busyhead Project through daily ticket upgrades, set up a Busyhead Community Wall for fans to leave positive messages, and also partnered with Backline, to provide access to care for band/crew. The latter included providing access to mental health providers, wellness days throughout the tour, and a Mental Health Fund to cover care.
“I’ve been given so many wonderful opportunities in my career and it really is all for nothing if I don’t try and give back to the community that has supported me,” Kahan said. “If I can help anyone get through their struggles, it will be the proudest achievement of my career.”
So far, local mental health organisations such as PAPYRUS have been invited to engage with Noah’s fans at the UK arena shows to raise awareness and funds. More specific details about the actions outlined above being introduced to the UK are set to be announced shortly. Find out more about The Busyhead Project here.
His tour dates – celebrating the release of his chart-topping third album ‘Stick Season’ – are set to continue tonight with a stop at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, and will be followed up with stops in Stradbally (16), Belfast (17) and Birmingham (20).
The shows wrap up with two back-to-back stops at the O2 Arena in London on August 21 and 22. Currently tickets for all UK shows are sold out.
Earlier this year, Kahan’s show at the OVO Arena Wembley on Valentine’s Day (February 14) was given a glowing five-star review by NME.
“Having made folk-pop cool again – it was once, perhaps fairly, derided as ‘stomp clap hey’ music – there’s no denying the torch-bearing troubadour was made to play massive stages,” it read. “August’s headline show at London’s The O2, a venue even bigger than this, looks like it’ll be a walk in the park.”
Since then, the singer-songwriter has thrown his support behind Chappell Roan, describing her live performances as “most electric shit ever”, and confirmed that he will be appearing on James Bay’s new album ‘Changes All The Time’.
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