Messy Eater
Learning to love what I see in the mirror

Messy Eater starts 2026 with a new single called Learning to love what I see in the mirror, released on January 9th via Nutritious Sounds. It is the first track to be shared from his upcoming Comfort Food EP and follows a year where the project moved quickly from launch to regular live shows and radio support.

The past twelve months have been busy. Messy Eater appeared on BBC Introducing, played a sold out Sofar Sounds show, and was selected as one of ten Breakthrough Artists to perform at York Theatre Royal. Alongside that came support from Apple Music and Amazing Radio, plus steady attention around the Starters and Southern Fried EPs.

The new single keeps things direct. It is built around a drum and bass groove giving the track its structure from beginning to end with the vocals fitting in perfectly and sounding crystal clear. . Lyrically, it deals with self acceptance without trying to frame it as a big "look at me" statement, more something that many people will be able to identify with. The chorus is designed to be sung along to, and the arrangement shifts as it goes, pulling in different rhythmic ideas without stopping the song’s forward movement.

Messy Eater is the solo music and illustration project of Pete Bott, whose earlier work has been backed by outlets including NME, The Guardian and BBC Radio 1 and also Music News Monthly of course. This track feels like a continuation rather than a reset. It sounds like someone getting more comfortable with what they are doing and letting the songs lead.

Learning to love what I see in the mirror is out from 9th of January on all major platforms.