By: Staff
We had the chance to check out Julia Kate’s latest track, “Fake Friends,” and to say we were excited would be an understatement. We’ve been following Julia Kate’s music for some time now, and every new release further solidifies her as an artist to watch.
When we saw that an official music video had dropped on YouTube, we went there first. The video immediately transported us back in time, evoking the essence of 80s music videos and classic TV shows like Friday Night Videos. The grainy visual production, a defining aesthetic of that era, was seamlessly blended with contemporary high-resolution styling, creating a stunning juxtaposition. This back-and-forth interplay between vintage nostalgia and modern production was an inspired creative choice, reinforcing the song’s timeless appeal.
From the very first beat, the track grabs your attention. The punchy opening rhythm and dominant, driving bass, another hallmark of 80s music, set the tone for an anthem of empowerment. Julia Kate commands the song with an unapologetic confidence, delivering a firm message to all the haters. And just when the tension reaches its peak, she unleashes an electrifying scream, fully immersing herself in the cathartic release. It’s impossible to ignore the influence of icons like Blondie and The Go-Go’s, artists we’re massive fans of.
Then comes the moment making this song an instant classic:
“Allllllll I know is fake friends make me feel more alone.”
This is the kind of delivery that defines an era. In 80s and 90s music, it was never just about what was sung, it was about how it was sung. Here, we get a double win: the lyric itself is powerful, but the raw, impassioned delivery cements it as unforgettable. Julia Kate’s soaring, almost feral scream is what will be remembered long after the song ends.
“I know I hate coming back,”
-punctuated by a dramatic drum fill, is another standout moment. You can already picture this being screamed back by thousands of fans at a live show, except, of course, the irony is that many of those voices might belong to people who once underestimated her or worse, flat out backstabbed her.
The intensity only builds as the drums become more thunderous, driving home the fury and defiance in her voice. As she pushes her face into the camera, it’s as if she’s making sure every single hater feels her message up close. The energy is raw, the emotion palpable, and the moment unforgettable.
By the time the second chorus hits and Julia lets out that primal “Aaaaaaahhhhhh,” we’re completely transported. It’s like stepping into a time machine and landing right in the golden era of rock-infused pop.
And then, just when we think the song has reached its peak and it can’t get better, she takes it to yet another level:
“Took your contacts out my phone / Leave a message at the tone / Won’t send you my new address / Now fuck you, you are not my friend!!”
The way she screams this line directly into the camera is nothing short of exhilarating. It’s a moment of pure, unfiltered release, and we LOVED it.
The final section of the song takes a brilliant approach that’s often missing in modern pop production. Rather than recycling the same vocal takes from earlier in the track, Julia Kate delivers a fresh, dynamic performance, heightening the emotional impact. This technique, common in classic 80s songs, keeps the energy alive and ensures the song never feels repetitive. The frustration, the liberation, and the sheer passion all collide in a spectacular finale, letting the listener fully absorb the intensity of the message.
“I don’t want you. You don’t want me.”
(Dramatic bass.) and exit Julia Kate
This song is a masterclass in blending past and present, paying homage to 80s rock-pop while injecting it with a fresh, modern edge. Julia Kate has done her homework, and the result is a track that captures everything we loved about that era while feeling entirely of-the-moment.
And this is exactly why Julia Kate is such a force to be reckoned with. From writing her own songs in high school to working with top-tier producers like Johnny What, she has continuously honed her craft. Her evolution, from her debut EP Just a Kid to Yearbook and now these explosive singles, proves her ability to create music that truly resonates. With Beverly Hills becoming her most-streamed song yet and Fake Friends showcasing her bold, fearless artistry, Julia Kate is just getting started. PS - extra points for the test pattern / SMPTE color bars on the TV! If you know you know.
Keep an eye on her, there’s so much more to come. Stream her music everywhere and check out her videos on YouTube!
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube