Rising singer-songwriter Julia Kate returns with her latest single, “Fake Friends”, a fusion of ’80s female-led New Wave energy and sharp, social media-era lyricism. Inspired by Blondie, The Go-Go’s, The Bangles, and The Pretenders, the track captures the bold, defiant spirit of these iconic acts while delivering a relatable message about today’s digital-age friendships.
The song’s origins trace back two years when Julia attended a Blondie concert at The Greek Theater with her Uncle Craig—an experience that reignited her admiration for Debbie Harry and the entire New Wave movement. “I’ve always been a fan of Debbie Harry’s vocals (I’ve had a Debbie Harry poster in my bedroom since high school), but seeing her live gave me a newfound appreciation for female-fronted ’80s groups,” she shares. That night planted the seed for “Fake Friends,” which Julia describes as Deborah Harry meets Chappell Roan—via Julia Kate.
Sonically, “Fake Friends” leans into pulsating grooves, melodies, and punchy production courtesy of producer/co-writer Nick Rosen. While the music channels the liveliness and attitude of ’80s pop-rock, the lyrics are firmly rooted in 2025, tackling the toxicity of modern-day friendships in the social media age. “Almost everyone my age has a ‘friend’ who’s nice to your face but talks about you behind your back,” Julia explains. The chorus, with its biting line—“all I know is fake friends make me feel so alone”—captures that all-too-familiar feeling of performative relationships and digital-age disillusionment.
The release of “Fake Friends” also comes with an exciting milestone: Julia will be opening for the legendary ’80s group Missing Persons (featuring Dale Bozzio) this May at the iconic Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles. A fitting full-circle moment, given her love for the era.
At just 20 years old, the Sherman Oaks, CA native is carving her own path. Currently studying songwriting and professional music at Berklee College of Music, she has already built a solid catalog, with her 2022 debut EP Just a Kid and 2023 follow-up Yearbook establishing her as an artist to watch. Her previous single, “Beverly Hills”, became her most-streamed song to date, and with more music on the horizon in 2025, “Fake Friends” signals an artist hitting her stride.
With a blend of retro nostalgia and sharp, contemporary storytelling, Julia Kate proves that New Wave is alive and well—and she’s bringing it into the modern era with her own unique spin. Connect With Julia Kate on Instagram and Spotify
