Teenage Phenom, Jake Kohn, Proves He’s Wise Beyond His Years With Impressive Debut Album, ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’

He may only be 17 years old, but this Jake Kohn kid sure knows how to write a song.

That statement comes as no surprise to many who have followed the Appalachian country music scene closely over the past couple of years, but if you’re just now coming across Kohn and his music, then you are in for a treat. His debut album Where Do We Go From Here? is the perfect place to start.

A product of the unassumingly strong Winchester, Virginia, music scene, Kohn has grown up in nearby Stephens City, VA, and his music is steeped in the tradition of the Appalachian artists that have come before him and inspired him along the way. With an emphasis on vivid storytelling and detailed lyricism, Kohn’s songwriting is undeniably captivating and relatable for listeners on many levels, a wildly impressive feat for someone who just recently graduated from high school.

But from the second Kohn opens his mouth to sing, and the listener becomes acquainted with his uniquely deep and raspy vocal prowess, it all seems to make sense. Whether his lyrics are true or not, Kohn’s vocal delivery makes you feel every word he sings, and that is the case in each track on his brand new album. Even the incredible cover that may surprise some people.

Featuring 11 songs, the Where Do We Go From Here? tracklist flows seamlessly between tales of the people and places in Kohn’s young mind, running the gamut sonically between fast-paced barn burners and stripped back Appalachian balladry. Whatever kind of country music you’re into, as long as it’s the good kind, there’s something for you on this record.

A long time coming, Kohn released the album’s lead single “Frostbite” via Atlantic Records in November 2023 following a semi-viral moment on YouTube when RadioWV, the same platform that put Oliver Anthony on the map, posted a video of him performing the hard-hitting track. Periodically dropping additional singles over the next year and a half, including the track he and Wyatt Flores co-wrote together for the high profile Twisters: The Album, Kohn released 7 of the 11 tracks prior to the full project’s release today, all of which have been exceptionally well received.

Of the 4 brand new songs, “Fraterville, TN” is one of the many highlights on this album, telling the bone-chilling story of a tragic 1902 mine explosion. But despite all of Kohn’s fantastic songwriting on the record, one of he biggest standouts is his cover of Alice in Chains’ iconic grunge song “Nutshell,” featuring his buddy Zac Townsend, as well as Marcus King, who lays down a guitar solo for the ages.

Produced by Eddie Spear, the sought after producer who has recently worked on projects with Zach Bryan, Sierra Ferrell, and Colby Acuff, among others, and featuring the likes of Flores, King, and Townsend, it’s clear that Kohn has surrounded himself with top-tier talent, and it shows in the record.

Check out the Where Do We Go From Here?, and the four tracks that are just hitting streaming platforms for the first time.

“The Last One”

“Fraterville, TN”

“Nutshell” ft. Marcus King & Zac Townsend

“Vicksburg”

In addition to a handful of existing tour dates remaining this summer, Kohn recently announced an 18 show co-headlining tour with Low Water Bridge Band, and trust me, these are shows you will not want to miss. Check out Kohn’s tour dates below, and make sure to go ahead and grab your tickets if he’s coming to a city near you. You’ll be glad you caught him before he blows up.

Jake Kohn Tour Dates

7/12 – The Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, TN

8/22 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA+

8/23 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR+

8/24 – Domino Room – Bend, OR+

8/27 – Big Room at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company – Chico, CA+

8/28 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA+

8/29 – The Venice West – Los Angeles, CA+

8/30 – The Wayfarer – Costa Mesa, CA+

9/12 – Smith’s Olde Bar – Atlanta, GA*

9/13 – Wendell’s Dippin Branch – Anderson, SC*

9/15 – The grey Eagle Music Hall – Asheville, NC*

9/16 – Charleston Pour House – Charleston, SC*

9/17 – Motorco Music Hall – Durham, NC*

9/19 – Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC*

9/20 – The Southern Cafe & Music Hall – Charlottesville, VA*

9/21 – Union Stage – Washington D.C.*

9/23 – Milkboy – Philadelphia, PA*

9/24 – Hill Country Live – New York, NY*

9/26 – Ace of Cups – Columbus, OH*

9/27 – El Club – Detroit, MI*

9/28 – Garcia’s Live – Chicago, IL*

9/30 – The Canopy Club Red Room – Urbana, IL*

10/1 – Turntable – Indianapolis, IN*

10/2 – Z Bar – Louisville, KY*

10/3 – The Loud – Huntington, WV*

10/4 – The Monument – Winchester, VA*

+supporting Jesse Daniel

*co-headline w/ Low Water Bridge BandThe post Teenage Phenom, Jake Kohn, Proves He’s Wise Beyond His Years With Impressive Debut Album, ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’ first appeared on Whiskey Riff.