Noah Kahan and Aaron Dessner Re-Team for Hunger Games
Noah Kahan is channeling the intensity of Panem into his next musical venture, collaborating with the celebrated duo of Aaron Dessner and The National to bring the world of Suzanne Collins to life through song. The singer-songwriter’s lead single, “Draw You Out,” is the centerpiece of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Album), arriving October 2nd and setting the stage for the cinematic experience that follows.
This project represents a long-held creative ambition for Kahan: writing music specifically tailored for film. Having long admired the works of Suzanne Collins, Kahan expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to translate the narrative and emotional landscape of the film into melody.
The inspiration for the work stems directly from the story of Haymitch and Lenore Dove, exploring the tragic yet hopeful journey of characters navigating extreme circumstances. Kahan drew heavily on themes of purpose, grief, and perseverance through pain, elements that define the characters in the narrative. He found inspiration in the complex emotional arc of those who strive to find meaning amidst devastating loss.
The film itself, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, takes place 24 years before the original series, focusing on 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy as he faces the morning reaping for the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The story follows Haymitch as he forms an alliance with Maysilee Donner and begins to challenge the Capitol’s oppressive control in the arena.
The musical package is ambitious, featuring songs newly recorded and exclusive to the film and soundtrack. It is executive produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb and brings together 29 as-yet-unannounced artists spanning various genres, promising a rich and diverse auditory experience.
As Kahan’s music enters the public eye, the promotional excitement is building. The full soundtrack is set to be released via MCA on November 13th, just one week before the film hits theaters, ensuring that the music and the visual story arrive in perfect synchronicity. Meanwhile, Kahan is also promoting his ongoing touring schedule, culminating in his Aug. 31 Great Divide tour finale show in Seattle at T-Mobile Park.