Colin 
Fiona-Lee has released her new single ‘Not My Friends’, offering another glimpse into her forthcoming EP Every Woman, which is set for release on April 17. The track continues the Yorkshire songwriter’s run of emotionally direct releases that have drawn strong attention across radio and music press.
‘Not My Friends’ explores the difficult space between loneliness and self awareness. Fiona-Lee describes the song as a reflection on a period where she invested energy in the wrong relationships simply to avoid feeling alone. The track examines the mindset of accepting less than you deserve when the fear of isolation becomes overwhelming.
According to Fiona-Lee, the song came from recognising those patterns and learning to treat yourself with compassion when you fall back into them. At its centre, ‘Not My Friends’ deals with the cycle of misplaced attachment and the moment when you begin to see it clearly.
The single was produced by Thom Lewis, known for his work with Sam Fender. The production gradually builds around Fiona-Lee’s vocal, introducing soaring guitar layers that expand as the track progresses. The arrangement grows steadily rather than dramatically, giving the song space to develop before reaching its largest moments.
‘Not My Friends’ follows earlier tracks including ‘Every Woman’, ‘Victim’ and ‘Imposter’, which together form the foundation of the upcoming EP. Across these songs Fiona-Lee confronts complex emotional situations while maintaining a calm sense of reflection within the writing.
The East Yorkshire artist has already attracted widespread praise from across the UK music press and radio. Her songwriting and vocal delivery have drawn comparisons to artists such as PJ Harvey and Florence Welch, while several BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music presenters have championed her work.
Building momentum on stage
Fiona-Lee’s growing reputation has also been supported by a steady run of live performances. She has previously toured alongside artists including CMAT and Miles Kane, while also playing a sold-out headline show in Leeds last year.
This spring she will begin her first UK headline tour to coincide with the arrival of Every Woman. The run includes dates in Hull, London and Manchester, giving audiences an early opportunity to hear the new material live.
Later in the year Fiona-Lee will appear at several festivals and support shows, including performances alongside Paul Weller and The Maccabees. These appearances continue her steady move from emerging songwriter to increasingly visible live performer.
Live dates
25 Apr – The New Adelphi Club, Hull (UK)
29 Apr – Paper Dress Vintage, London (UK)
30 Apr – Deaf Institute, Manchester (UK)
23 May – Neighbourhood Weekender, Warrington (UK)
17 Jul – Ludlow Castle, Shropshire (UK) w/ Paul Weller
31 Jul – Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds (UK) w/ The Maccabees
28 Aug – Big Feastival, Kingham (UK)
30 Aug – Victorious Festival, Cornwall (UK)
Review
‘Not My Friends’ is driven by Fiona-Lee’s vocal. The track begins in a restrained space before the guitars gradually push the arrangement outward. That expansion mirrors the emotional tension inside the lyrics, where self awareness sits alongside the pull of habits that are difficult to break.
Her voice carries both strength and vulnerability at the same time. She does not rush the phrasing, allowing the words to land clearly as the song develops. The result is a performance that feels grounded rather than theatrical, even as the music around it grows in scale.
What makes the track work is its honesty. ‘Not My Friends’ does not present self awareness as an instant solution. Instead, it acknowledges how easy it is to fall back into patterns even when you recognise them. Fiona-Lee delivers that perspective with clarity, turning a difficult emotional space into something direct and relatable.
You can listen to ‘Not My Friends’ on any streaming platform and check out the video above. You can follow Fiona-Lee over on Instagram.
Photo credit: Tatiana Pozuelo / @cornolios