Audrey Hobert’s Electric Picnic set shows she doesn’t need her famous friends to make an impact

KK Lewis stood on the Electric Picnic stage on Friday night, nearly seven years to the day she received her Leaving Certificate results, a moment she has described as “doomsday.” The singer-songwriter, now 26, reflected on how that experience shaped her journey from academic setback to artistic success. Her performance at one of Ireland’s largest music festivals marked a triumphant return to the spotlight after years of dedication to her craft. Lewis had initially aimed to study her first-choice course at university but fell short of the required points. Instead of pursuing her third-choice option, Children’s Nursing at Trinity College Dublin, she chose to defer her admission for a year. In that time, she explored other interests and found herself drawn to music and poetry. “I thought, ‘Okay. Trinity. I know that’s a very good college,’” she told RTÉ News. “But I just knew in my heart it wasn’t what I wanted to do.” That decision led her down a different path. At 19, Lewis worked as a waitress and used her earnings to save up for a guitar amplifier. She spent hours watching online tutorials to teach herself how to play the instrument, eventually taking to the streets of Grafton Street to perform. These early experiences helped solidify her passion for music and gave her the confidence to pursue formal training. She enrolled in a music course, which further refined her skills and opened doors to new opportunities. Her career began to take shape in the following years. Lewis released several singles and built a loyal fan base through consistent performances at local venues and open mic nights. Her unique blend of folk and indie styles resonated with audiences, leading to invitations to larger festivals and collaborations with established artists. By 2024, she had secured a spot on multiple festival lineups, including Electric Picnic, where she was set to perform again this year. This year’s Electric Picnic saw Lewis playing two separate stages, a testament to her growth over the past few years. Her presence at the festival was met with enthusiasm from fans and fellow musicians alike. Many noted how far she had come since her initial disappointment with her Leaving Cert results. For Lewis, the festival was more than just a platform for her music, it was a chance to inspire others facing similar challenges. “I hope that students who are disappointed by their results never give up on their dreams,” she said during an interview before her set. Her message resonated with many young people attending the festival, particularly those who had faced setbacks in their own educational journeys. Lewis emphasized the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself, even when things don’t go according to plan. The road to success was not without its hurdles. Like many aspiring artists, Lewis faced financial struggles, self-doubt, and the pressure of building a career in a competitive industry. However, she remained focused on her goals and continued to hone her talent. Her story became a source of motivation for others, showing that failure can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities. As the sun set over the festival grounds, Lewis performed to a captivated audience, her voice carrying across the field. The crowd sang along to her songs, creating a sense of unity among attendees. For Lewis, the moment was both personal and professional, a culmination of years of hard work and belief in her abilities. With each note, she reminded everyone present that resilience and determination could turn life’s disappointments into moments of triumph.