UPDATE: A powerful new song and video, “After it Burns,” has just been released by artist Kahn, who lost his home in the devastating Palisades fires on January 7, 2025. The emotional piece channels the raw pain of losing everything into a resonant message of hope and resilience for those facing catastrophic loss.
Kahn’s home of over 20 years was engulfed in flames during the fires, a moment he captured on video while watching from a nearby location. “I looked at my Dad and said, ‘it’s gone,’ and he just nodded. There wasn’t much to say,” Kahn recalled. The stark visuals of his white picket fence burning are haunting, yet the music offers a deeper beauty and profound sense of survival.
With lyrics that confront the fire itself, Kahn’s song challenges the destruction head-on: “If I ever should see your face, I’ll tell you go back to hell.” The raw emotion encapsulates the anger and grief of losing his home, but it ultimately transcends personal loss, offering a universal promise of recovery. “I hope it moves those who have experienced any catastrophic loss in their lives,” Kahn stated.
In the wake of the fires, Kahn relocated to Nashville, a decision he hadn’t made until the tragedy forced him to reevaluate his life. “It’s hard to believe, but the fire may have been the push I needed to start a whole new chapter,” he said. Despite the challenges, he is finding solace in his new surroundings, declaring, “After a pretty rough start, Nashville is starting to feel like home.”
The past year has been a struggle for Kahn and many other victims, filled with insurance battles and bureaucracy, which he described as disheartening. “The only ones who came in and did exactly what they said they were going to do were the feds, led by EPA Administrator Zeldin,” he noted. Kahn criticized the lack of support from local leaders, emphasizing the need for accountability in the aftermath of such disasters.
Kahn’s journey back to music was not immediate; he initially found it difficult to create. However, after months of silence, he sat down at a piano and the song poured out, becoming an essential outlet for his grief. “To be creative is really the only way I’ve known in my life to deal with hardship,” he explained.
“After it Burns” is more than just a song; it is a tribute to all who have faced similar devastation. Kahn’s message resonates with anyone grappling with loss, whether from natural disasters, illness, or personal tragedy. “All that matters now is where you turn,” he reminds listeners, urging them to find strength in the struggle.
This song is not just a reflection of his experience but also a call to action for communities affected by disasters to unite and support one another. Kahn’s story inspires those navigating their own challenges and serves as a reminder that even in the ashes, there is a path forward.
For more on Kahn’s journey and to hear “After it Burns,” visit his official website and check out the video, which captures the essence of resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming loss.
