Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hanne Kah. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Hanne, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first dollar you earn from your creative work is something you never forget, especially when it comes in a way that feels like the start of a new chapter. While I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I first got paid for my music in Germany—since I started my career so young—I do remember, vividly, the first time I earned real money after starting to tour the U.S. last year.

It was 2023, and I had just played my very first festival in the U.S. The experience itself was exhilarating—standing on stage, playing my music to an audience that had never heard of me before. The energy was unreal, and as the crowd responded, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. After the show, I got paid, and that first U.S. dollar felt different from any payment I’d received before.

It wasn’t just money; it was a symbol of stepping into a new world, a place where I was completely unknown, yet still finding people willing to pay me for my passion. That dollar was proof that my music could reach across borders and connect with people.

Feeling that rush, I immediately wanted to share it with my wife, who had been by my side throughout the tour. So I took a one dollar bill and gave it to her as a gift, something for both of us to remember that special moment. We ended up framing it, in a simple, old-school kind of way, and now it hangs in our home.

Hanne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not have heard of me before, I’m KAH—a queer, German folk musician and activist. My music combines deeply personal storytelling with powerful social messages, and sometimes I have the honour to be compared to legends like Joni Mitchell and Dolly Parton. My songs explore themes like love, family, coming out, and societal change, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ advocacy. As a fiercely independent artist, I write, produce, and perform all my own work, ensuring that everything I create stays authentic and true to my vision.

I’ve been fortunate to hit some exciting milestones in my career. In 2017, I had the incredible honor of performing with Hollywood composer James Newton Howard, which was a defining moment for me. That same year, I embarked on my first Canadian tour, performing at events like the Islands Folk Festival and Vancouver PRIDE. Canada has been a recurring stop for me, as I returned in 2019 to play again at Vancouver PRIDE. In 2018, I also had the opportunity to perform at Berlin PRIDE, bringing my message of love and inclusion to my home country.

Supporting legendary acts like The Hooters (in 2019, 2022, and soon again in 2024) and Roger Hodgson from Supertramp (in 2019) has been another highlight of my journey. I’ve also toured internationally, including Australia, where I played at the Illawarra Folk Festival in 2020.

Most recently, in 2023, I was invited as an official showcase artist at the Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City, followed by my debut U.S. tour, where I played at the Virginia Women’s Festival. In 2024, I returned to the U.S. to perform at both the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Virginia Women’s Festival.

What sets me apart is my commitment to keeping my music real—whether I’m singing about personal experiences or larger societal issues, I strive to create work that resonates on a deep, emotional level. I’m most proud of being able to use my music as a platform for change and connection, and I want my fans to know that every song is a reflection of my heart and my fight for equality and love.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Write an answer for this interview question:
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

With these Information:
– I learned the importance and the power of political songwriting fromm y good friend and incredible musician sonia disappear fear
– Music is change and ist my medium tob e an activist
– Thats whats driving me

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a queer woman in the music business, resilience isn’t just a skill—it’s a necessity. From the beginning of my career, I’ve faced countless obstacles like sexism, prejudice, and the challenges that come with navigating an industry that often undervalues voices like mine. The truth is, resilience isn’t tied to one specific story; it’s woven into every step of my journey.

Being a musician requires constant perseverance—whether it’s dealing with the pressures of being an independent artist, fighting for equal opportunities, or staying true to your message in a world that often tries to put you in a box. It’s about showing up again and again, despite setbacks, and continuing to create and perform because the music matters more than the obstacles.

For me, resilience is found in every gig where I have to prove myself, every moment I’m underestimated because of who I am, and every song I write that pushes back against those barriers. It’s in the decision to keep going when the road isn’t easy. So while there may not be one dramatic story, resilience defines everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kah-music.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisiskahmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisiskahmusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCId7eFn_2OPsg2Q0eGbY4Fg

Image Credits

Jamie Winter
Niklas Quernheim