Noah Kahan Releases 'Draw You Out' for Hunger Games Soundtrack

Noah Kahan Releases 'Draw You Out' for 'Hunger Games' Soundtrack

Noah Kahan has released "Draw You Out," the lead single from The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Album), on October 2, 2026. The song arrives ahead of the soundtrack's November 13 release via MCA and the film's theatrical debut on November 20. Kahan co-wrote and co-produced the track with Aaron Dessner, recorded at Long Pond Studio in New York and at Gold Pacific Studios and East Iris Studios in Nashville.

The song is part of a 29-artist soundtrack executive produced by Dave Cobb, featuring previously unreleased music created specifically for the film. "Draw You Out" marks Kahan's first new release since his fourth studio album, The Great Divide, which debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. and other markets, held the top spot for three consecutive weeks, and has been certified RIAA Platinum.

A Personal Connection to the Source Material

Kahan, a self-professed fan of Suzanne Collins' work, shared his enthusiasm on social media before the track's release. "This is something I've always wanted to do and I am so grateful for the opportunity to write for this moving film, having adored the works of art by Suzanne Collins," he wrote. "I was already totally connected and inspired by the tragic yet hopeful story of Haymitch and Lenore Dove, and writing a song about the purpose, grief and perseverance through pain that they exemplify was an experience I'll always be grateful for."

In an interview with Billboard, Kahan elaborated on the challenge of balancing his own artistic identity with the film's narrative. "I want[ed] there to be part of me in it, as a way to find parts of me in part of this character, and making sure that I didn't feel like I was sacrificing either one," he said. He acknowledged the song's melancholic tone: "It is sad, but you're not really coming to me if you're looking for heartwarming. This is not the scene where they're all like, fighting back. I guess there is some hope in it … There are some uplifting things in there, but if you really listen, [I'm] still saying sad stuff. It just happens to have a cool beat behind it."

Context: A Career Milestone and a Franchise Legacy

The release of "Draw You Out" arrives during a period of significant momentum for Kahan. His previous album, 2022's Stick Season, marked his commercial breakthrough, achieving 4x Platinum certification in the U.S., with its title track reaching 8x Platinum status. His career totals include nearly 20 billion global streams, 19 million global album sales, and more than two million concert tickets sold, alongside two Grammy nominations. He is currently supporting The Great Divide on The Great Divide World Tour, which included stadium dates across North America this summer and continues with arena shows in the U.K., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand this fall.

The Hunger Games franchise has a storied history of high-profile soundtrack contributions. Taylor Swift's "Safe & Sound" featuring The Civil Wars, from The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond, won a Grammy, while Olivia Rodrigo's "Can't Catch Me Now" from The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes became a commercial and critical success. Kahan's contribution seeks to join that lineage, with Rolling Stone describing "Draw You Out" as "one of the most compelling tracks" to be included in the franchise's soundtrack history.

The film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is based on Collins' fifth book in the series and serves as a prequel to the original trilogy. It follows a young Haymitch Abernathy—portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original films—as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games. The story explores his relationship with his girlfriend, Lenore Dove, whom he leaves behind. "Draw You Out" draws direct inspiration from that relationship, with Kahan singing in the chorus: "I carry you on with me / I promised you I would, and I do / And I float around, show up unannounced / In the places that you knew / I draw you out from the edge of my mouth / It feels good to say your name / It's all I have now, what a wonderful sound it makes."

The Business of Franchise Soundtracks

The strategic release of "Draw You Out" as a lead single underscores the continued importance of soundtrack music in building anticipation for major film releases. With the album featuring 29 artists across genres, executive producer Dave Cobb has assembled a diverse roster that mirrors the broad appeal of the Hunger Games franchise. The decision to release the song nearly seven weeks before the soundtrack and film suggests a coordinated marketing effort to sustain momentum through the fall release window.

Perspective: Kahan's Expanding Reach and the Evolving Soundtrack Landscape

Kahan's involvement in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping represents more than a one-off collaboration; it signals his growing presence in the broader entertainment ecosystem. While he has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary folk-pop, a high-profile soundtrack placement introduces his music to a potentially different demographic—one that extends beyond his existing fanbase. The partnership with Dessner, known for his work with The National and Taylor Swift, further cements Kahan's position within a network of highly respected producers and songwriters.

The track also reflects a continuing trend in which major film franchises enlist contemporary artists to create original music that complements narrative themes. This approach not only enhances the emotional resonance of the film but also provides artists with a platform to reach new audiences. For Kahan, whose music often explores themes of grief, longing, and resilience, the story of Haymitch and Lenore Dove offers a natural fit. As he told Billboard, the challenge was to ensure the song remained authentically his while serving the film's needs—a balance he appears to have struck.

As the November 13 soundtrack release and November 20 film debut approach, "Draw You Out" will serve as an early indicator of how listeners respond to Kahan's interpretation of the Hunger Games universe. For now, the song is available on all major streaming platforms, offering fans a first glimpse of the musical direction for the upcoming film.