“fake friends” by Julia Kate is a riveting pop rock track that blends the female takeover of 80s New Wave with more contemporary lyrics and melodies. Big drums and grungy guitars lay the backbone for the poignant lyrics and impactful vocal performance, all merging together to create a one of a kind arrangement that hooks the listener from start to finish. Julia Kate, a singer-songwriter from California that’s currently studying at Berklee College of Music, showcases her aptitude for storytelling in this song as she sings about the frustrating dynamic of modern, surface-level friendships.
Lyrics like “said you couldn’t come to my show, I got a standing ovation just so you know” and “guess you only care about what other people see” set the scene for this song. Kate is starting to come to terms with the fact that sometimes your friends aren’t really there for you. You might have good times, but when it really counts, they don’t consistently show up for you. It starts to feel like the friendship might only matter to them when it is something they benefit from. The intense drums and chaotic arrangement mirror the confusion and anger that comes with this realization.
The vocal performance from Kate is full of attitude and rage, especially in lines that show her building a resolve to not accept this kind of treatment, like “all I know is fake friends make me feel more alone” and “keep my bags packed and ditch my phone.” She has finally decided to find solace in herself and not rely on her superficial friendships.
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