Emilie Culshaw, new single “Fake Friend”

I was meaning to have this review up a couple of days ago, but then we were busy moving the website host and doing some behind the scenes improvements, the whole site got a refresh! And here we are on the other side back-up and running! First review after the (brief) time out is this one – the new single from an interesting, up-and-coming artist called Emilie Culshaw.

Release date 12th April….

I will share the press release with you that we were sent,

“Emilie has performed at major events such as the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2025 and appeared on television through VIP Boxing with Trinity Entertainment, delivering a standout performance inside a boxing ring. Her media presence includes features on BBC and a wide range of interviews and radio appearances. She has recently been awarded two label plaques for 200,000 views on YouTube and an award from Tunecore for 100,000 streams across platforms.

Now signed to Big Condo Records in September 2024, Emilie is gearing up to release her highly anticipated single, “Fake Friend,” on the 12th April 2026. Produced by Aimee Britannia and executive produced by Royzy Rothschild and mixed by Hikstr the Engineer, the track explores themes of a toxic friendship, wrapped in a cinematic dream-pop atmosphere. This follows the success of her debut single, “Trapdoor” a powerful anthem about anxiety and breaking barriers, which hit #1 on the Brazilian radio chart and gained international radio play. She also completed a UK-wide Trapdoor Tour in support of the release. And her sophomore single ”Cherry Haze” about love at first sight which got worldwide acclaim in rotation on thousands of radio stations. To celebrate “Fake Friend,” Emilie will host a release party at Fuel Cafe Bar in Manchester on the 12th April 2026. Tickets will be available soon via Skiddle, don’t miss the rise of one of the UK’s most compelling new voices.

“Fake Friend” review –

This is dreamy pop that lingers on the kind of person who plays their role a little too well—until you realise you’ve become the emotional puppet. It’s a sad, slow-burning lament for a relationship that was always heading one way, and honestly, not before time. The message is clear: steer clear of toxicity and emotional abuse, even when it comes wrapped in something sweet. All of it delivered through a honeyed vocal and a stripped-back pop sound—like a spoonful of honey with more than a squeeze of lemon hiding underneath.

Sweet on the surface, sharp underneath—Emilie Culshaw knows exactly what she’s doing, and “Fake Friend” proves she’s only just getting started.

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Stream music from Emilie Culshaw here