At just 13 years old, Josie Sal is already making a name for herself with fearless lyrics, powerhouse vocals, and a maturity far beyond her years. Her latest single, “Fake Friends,” produced by country hitmaker Noah Henson, takes a bold look at the pain of discovering who’s truly in your corner. While the story behind the song isn’t pulled from her own life, Josie taps into the everyday realities she sees around her, especially in middle school, and turns them into a relatable anthem for anyone who’s felt the sting of betrayal.
In this Q&A, Josie shares how the track came together, what it’s like working with top-tier producers, how she balances school and studio life, and what fans can expect as her sound continues to evolve.
“Fake Friends” is such a bold and honest track. What inspired you to write this song, and did it come from a personal experience?
I am in middle school, so of course, I have fake friends, and I am definitely finding out who my true friends are and who is not, but the song itself is not from a personal experience. As a young songwriter, still with limited life experience, I observe others, and when I see something that I can turn into a story, I try to write a song about it.
The lyrics call out people who pretend to support you but really don’t. What message do you hope listeners take away from this anthem of resilience?
“Fake Friends” is about having a long-standing relationship with somebody, but deep down, the friendship is not true, and you only find this out when you need them the most or when they betray you. I hope people listen to this song and realize that not all relationships are what you think they are.
You worked with producer Noah Henson on this track. What was it like collaborating with someone who’s worked with major country stars like Kane Brown and Brantley Gilbert?
I was fortunate to meet Noah through a family friend, and there were no expectations going into his studio for the first time. We immediately hit it off and became friends, and he is like a big brother, and within 48 hours, we had written and recorded a song together. Now, in about 18 months, we have recorded six songs, and I have a blast every time I’m in his studio together, and it’s always fun to hang with his Frenchy, “Pepper,” when we record. Noah is such a great producer, and he really pays attention to details and listens to what I want out of a song, and then he makes it better. I have to pinch myself, too, when I look at the amazing touring musicians (including Noah) who have played on my songs. The bottom line is that I’m a lucky girl, and I don’t know where my music would be today if it weren’t for Noah Henson.
At only 13, you’re already making waves with original music and playing festivals across the country. How do you stay grounded while navigating both school and a growing music career?
My family is one of the biggest reasons why I am so grounded. I try to balance school and music with a plan or schedule, but that doesn’t always work since my opportunities in music have been so unpredictable!
Your sound blends classic country roots with a modern edge. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how do you see your style evolving in the next few years?
My biggest influences are probably Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Brantley Gilbert, Megan Moroney, and Bailey Zimmerman. It’s still so early, so it’s hard to say. I am still developing my own sound, but I love the old country vibe and rock. Of the songs I have recorded so far, I have done some country rock and some old country, and I love them all, so we’ll have to wait and see where it goes. Some people tell me I even have an R&B vibe. I just recorded a song that I am releasing this summer, and I think it has the perfect mix of both old and modern country with a touch of rock. And I’ll be anxious to see what kind of response I get to the song. So far, I’ve been hearing good things.
“Fake Friends” is a raw reflection of the moments when trust is broken and true colors are revealed,” shares Josie. “It’s about recognizing the difference between real connections and the ones that fade when you need them most. I hope y’all love this song, and I hope it resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the sting of a friendship that wasn’t what it seemed.”
~ Josie Sal
“Fake Friends” Lyrics
VERSE:
They only show up just to show you up
And you know what?
They can all get trucked
Cuz I’m done with the dumb stuff
Leave ‘em all in the dust
Nah I can’t trust
Friendly enemies
You’re history
CHORUS:
I ain’t giving two friendships to wastin’ my brain stem
On no losers that ain’t choosing me, been winnin’, since then
Since them ain’t been makin’ fake friends
Josie Sal’s Tour Schedule:
JUN 09 – WOODSONGS KIDS at The Lyric Theater / Lexington, KY
JUN 21 – WINK FEST at Frogg Brewing / Swanzey, NH
SEP 20 – Canonsburg Oktoberfest / Canonsburg, PA
NOV 01 – Punta Gorda Air Show / Punta Gorda, FL
NOV 02 – Punta Gorda Air Show / Punta Gorda, FL
Connect with Josie Sal
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