Noa Kahn has long been a powerhouse in the fusion-funk scene, carving out a reputation as one of the most versatile and sought-after drummers today. From the vibrant jazz clubs of Israel to massive international stages alongside pop icons like Adam Lambert and Jax, her rhythmic precision and creative flair have made her a staple of both the jazz and pop worlds. Whether she is touring through Europe or recording in the United States, Noa’s ability to blend sophisticated technique with raw energy has earned her a seat at the table with some of the industry’s finest.
However, her latest venture sees her stepping into a more introspective light. With the release of her new single, ‘Winter Peaks’, Noa shifts focus to her role as a composer and arranger, offering listeners a deeply personal reflection on emotional transitions and the uneasy pace of life. The track marks a beautiful evolution in her sound, balancing her signature groove with a newfound vulnerability.
We sat down with Noa to discuss her journey from the Rimon School of Music to the world stage, the creative process behind her new music, and how she navigates the "uncertainty" of the seasons.
Great to meet you, Noa! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?
“I started writing music in the composition class I took at the Rimon School of Music. I studied at the Jazz Institute programme and was pushed to write a new composition every two weeks or so. It was difficult and challenging at first, but it soon became a true passion of mine.”
Can you tell us a bit about your latest release, ‘Winter Peaks’, and what it means to you?
“When I started composing ‘Winter Peaks’, I couldn’t help but feel as if the melodies and the harmony described the feeling of the transition between seasons and a feeling of uncertainty. It moves between cheerful and darker themes, just like autumn and winter. It never truly resolves, though, and it connects to me and my own life, and my impatience toward life’s pace.”
“In every happy moment or moment of success, there’s a fear of what is yet to come. Sometimes time goes by and nothing seems to be working, but the seasons eventually change, which means we must be patient toward our future. It’s hard for me to apply this to my life, but I keep trying. Anxiety isn’t foreign to me personally, so it definitely reflects my life and struggles.”
Are there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing this release?
“Definitely, I would say that Eli Degibri is one of the main people I am influenced by. His music is incredibly sophisticated, but he knows how to tell a story with his music without overwhelming the audience with complex technique right away. Of course, he has great technique already, but the key is being able to tell a story and reach a climax, which is one of the things I learned from him and apply to all of my compositions and arrangements, as well as to my playing.”
What was your songwriting process for the single? How did it all come together?
“I usually compose the pieces on the piano, as it is my first instrument. I am not a pianist, but I write best with it and naturally start playing some harmonies. Only then I usually write the melody on top and think of a structure. In this case, it was something like ABAC, which is quite traditional for jazz, but of course I had to add a fusion aspect to it, so I added a heavier groove with a back beat.”
How would you describe the sound on your latest release? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?
“My sound is affected by ’70s funk and modern fusion, but in this piece specifically there are sections that do sound “smoother” and jazzier than my usual compositions. For example, the intro that repeats between the solo sections keeps building energy on three chords with the same bass note. This element is common in smooth jazz and in jazz in general.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?
“In the last couple of years, I was lucky enough to collaborate with some of the best musicians in the industry, whether it was on my music or theirs. It’s truly an honour, and I would love to do more of that and work with more artists. I always learn from anyone I work with, and I become a better musician thanks to them. On a personal level, I’d love to release an EP of my music and keep performing with my band. I’m really grateful for being able to perform my music, wish for us to keep growing, and can’t wait for my band to play my new compositions live.”
It is clear that Noa Kahn is only just beginning to scale her own creative peaks. With a foundation built on world-class performance and a future focused on honest, genre-blending composition, she remains a captivating figure in the modern fusion scene. As she continues to navigate the changing seasons of her career, we look forward to the stories she will tell through her next arrangements.
You can stream the new single above, and for more, be sure to follow Noa Kahn on Bandcamp.
