‘You Are Not My Friend’ by Tessa Violet: Single Review

Katherine Witts

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After a year-long hiatus, American singer-songwriter Tessa Violet is back with another single to show off her unique twist on the indie-pop genre. 

Violet, is known for her quirky, electric-pop sound. With hit singles such as ‘Crush’ and ‘Bad Ideas,’ she sure knows how to continuously surprise her audience.

Starting her career on YouTube, similar to fellow artists such as dodie and Orla Gartland, Violet has taken the music industry by storm.

Teasing the single over TikTok, the artist hyped fans for the new track. She previously did the same with her 2019 album ‘Bad Ideas’, which was a personal favourite of mine during lockdown.

“You act like you’re a saint, then say I’m insane.”

‘You Are Not My Friend’ incorporates an edge and anger, similar to Taylor Swift’s ‘Better Than Revenge’. But, at the same time, the story of the track resembles ‘Dear John’, especially with the lyrics “You say I’m insecure? You’re twenty-eight with a teenager”.

The track perfectly sums up the feeling of relief and realisation you feel once you leave a toxic relationship. Imagine Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Good 4 U’ with a slightly older perspective on the previous relationship.

In an interview with Pip Williams about her 2019 album, Violet said how she loves “pop music that feels inventive and smart, and that is not chasing trends.” Four years later and this is still evident in Violet’s music.

“Your personal theme song for your ‘Hot Girl Summer’.”

If you’re looking for a new empowering post-breakup song, then Violet has you covered. This upbeat, girl boss track should be your designated personal theme song for your ‘Hot Girl Summer’.

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Featured image courtesy of Raphaël Biscaldi on Unsplash Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.