For me , lately and recently have quite different meaning.
I find the difference in the duration of the{ events or circumstances}they are refering to. the important thing is the context
I think recently denotes short duration , while lately refers to something that could be happening for long time. Also, recently can refer to something happened in a specific moment.
Now see the context and pay attention to those examples:
I've been living in the countryside lately.
I've met John recently.
I've finished the book recently.
Lately, I've been reading about New Zealand.
I wish you have understood what I meant