Track of the Day: Kellie Lewis - ‘Stumble’

It’s been a hallmark year for Co. Limerick alt-pop artist Kellie Lewis. Following the release of her haunting ballad ‘Reverie’ in June, Lewis returns with new single ‘Stumble,’ an ethereally cinematic tune about the highs and lows of love and loyalty.

Lewis’ lyricism asks the listener to reflect on their own lives. And isn’t that the framework of great songwriting? She brings her audience into the narrative of a personal experience, navigating the complexities of a troubled relationship through rose-coloured lenses. ‘Stumble,’ says Lewis, is ultimately, “A song of devotion and loyalty.”

“Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to say or where to start when getting a pulse on where you stand with someone like this,” explains the Irish singer. “Yet, even when you don’t know what to say, you are certain that you’ll both come through for each other. When it all hits the fan, this person has your back, in all weathers, anywhere, in every ending, always.”

Kellie Lewis / Photo credit: Miki Barlok

Sharp synth beats decorate the grounding, emotive keys that shape the track. Her songwriting is contemporary yet unmistakably Irish, asking unavoidable questions with lyrics like, “Is it real or just for show? Are we covering up the cracks?” Mimicking the quickening beat of the heart, ‘Stumble’ climbs until combustion, with Lewis’ heartbreaking vocals erupting into a cinematic bridge and fading out with an ethereal tone in her soprano notes.

“It’s a song about those people in your life who wreck your head but who are always there for you, no matter what. To you, they are both the rain and the shelter from it, the shadow and the light, the cure and the cause and it’s hard to let go of what is holding you back from moving forward with them,” Lewis says of the single, which was co-written with John Doherty (formerly of the Little Hours) and recorded in Cologne with German producer, Luca Janzen.

Photo Credit: Tommy MC

The Kilbehenny-bred multi-instrumentalist began playing the piano at just four years old, spending most of her young life competing in singing, piano and recorder competitions. She went on to earn a First Class Honors Music degree from UCC, before appearing on The Voice of Ireland 2014, where she came in second place and was mentored by her childhood idol Dolores O’ Riordan of The Cranberries.

After her rise on the show, Lewis released her debut original EP, Behind the Moon, and moved to Los Angeles to further her music career. She appeared on Hot Press’ 2022 Y&E series with an intimate Instagram live performance that has had our ears turned to her ever since. Her singles have garnered vast national and international airplay, and she even featured on the 2021 Universal Music album Salvation alongside Sinéad O'Connor.

Recently, Lewis appeared on The Late Late Show to sing a rendition of ‘Dreams’ while accompanied by the RTÉ Orchestra, in honour of mentor O’Riordan’s 50th birthday.

Her forthcoming single precedes a debut album, expected later this year.

‘Stumble’ from the Irish alt-pop Kellie Lewis is out everywhere tomorrow, September 22. Check out the track below!

https://soundcloud.com/user-579922334/stumble-kellie-lewis/s-3vc4SF4URmF?si=8adfb9c8a51742c9be1f58ea73641cfa&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing