Welcome to Unrecorded! For those who aren’t familiar with Messy Eater, can you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Messy Eater – real name Pete. I’m a new solo artist based in York, UK. I blend a cross-genre, patchwork production style (think Beastie Boys ‘Paul’s Boutique’) with melodic songs (I like a good hook!), observational lyrics (we’re living in weird times, right?) and colourful, retro illustrations (by the talented Charlillustrates).
What inspired the sound and lyrics of your recent single ‘I’m a Mess Right Now’? How did you blend the retro elements with a modern indie rock feel?
It all started when I found two old-school funk clavinet (that’s clavinet with a “v” not clarinet!) samples and got a groove going with some retro drum machine loops. The melody and lyrics all came tumbling out very quickly as almost a stream of consciousness.
The mix of retro and modern is really important to me. I like the warmth, humanity and richness of old sounds and samples but the clarity, freshness and punchiness of current production.
The lyrics seem to capture a relatable sense of frustration and self-awareness. Can you elaborate on the themes you explored in the song?
It’s the voice in my head commenting on how life doesn’t quite work out how you imagine it when you’re a kid. Growing up, I imagined life to be like some kind of board game and at some point I’d figure it all out, win the prize and then life would be simple. As we all know, it’s a bit more complicated than that! But that’s fine – you get through, learning to take the rough with the smooth.
In terms of production, what tools and techniques did you use to create the unique sound?
In the past, I’ve played in live indie bands and been involved in DJ / dance projects. So, my production style is a mix of both worlds. I sing and play instruments on the tracks (mainly electric bass, guitar and synth) and I also use a lot of samples and dance production techniques like sidechaining, drum layering and background rhythmic textures. Overall, I just have a load of fun with my music. I’m massively inspired by The Dust Brothers (who produced ‘Paul’s Boutique’ and Beck’s ‘Odelay’) – I just love their playfulness and complete disregard for genre and convention.
You’ve previously cited influences like Gorillaz, Beck, Talking Heads, and The Avalanches. How have these artists shaped your approach to songwriting and production?
Those are definitely four of my biggest influences and have shaped my music in different ways. With Gorillaz, I love the visuals, Damon Albarn’s world-weary voice, the retro synths and the quality songwriting. Beck is a huge inspiration in the way he takes on so many different styles but makes them his own with wit and a little humour. The rhythmic textures of Talking Heads and David Byrne’s live performances have always struck me (‘Stop Making Sense’ is one of the best ever concert films). The first Avalanches record is an absolute delight, sounding at once nostalgic and modern while creating its own world. The common theme with all four is that they do their own thing with colour, passion and imagination – they’re all utterly unique.
How has your musical style evolved from your previous projects (Deuce & Charger, Heads We Dance, Arkley) to Messy Eater?
Wow, Messy Eater is very different! Heads We Dance was an indie-electro band that I formed with friends just after uni in Leeds. Deuce & Charger was a melodic drum & bass project that developed while I was living in London and getting into the D&B scene in the city. Arkley started out quite similar to Messy Eater (check out the debut Arkley single ‘Music (Over & Over)’) but then veered off in an unexpected 90s rave inspired tangent! I’ve always been really curious about different genres and, when I get the bug for something, I like to go deep and really get into it. Messy Eater feels like the culmination of all these projects, as it mixes so many sounds and styles. I’m now drawing on my various experiences and putting them together in a way that feels 100% “me” for the first time.
What are your long-term goals for Messy Eater? Are there any specific projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
I’ve got so many ideas for the project! There’s a load of new music that I’m excited to release next year, firstly with the forthcoming Starters EP and then with the follow up, which is almost finished. I’ve also been rehearsing with my live band and can’t wait to play my first live shows in 2025. On top of that, I’m excited to continue developing the visual side of the project. I’ve been discussing new designs and my first music videos with my illustrator, Charlillustrates.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
I find the biggest challenges to be the fight for attention with so much new music being released all the time and the demand to do so much more than just the music, particularly making social media content. The reward is the building of a community around the music where people are joining me on the project’s journey, starting conversations, relating to the music and lyrics and sharing it with their friends. This feels like a really natural, engaged way of connecting to people through my music, which is a massive motivation for me. I also like the flexibility of being independent, so I can make and release music that excites me without having to defer to anybody else!
What can listeners expect from the upcoming EP, Starters?
Listeners can expect to love it haha! It’s a collection of 4 tracks that capture the initial inspiration of the Messy Eater project. It’s got my debut single ‘Feels Good’, the new single ‘I’m A Mess Right Now’ plus two other tracks. They all work together to get across the essence of Messy Eater, which is a playful, melodic mash-up of sounds and styles with lyrics commenting on my experiences of navigating our current crazy times with a little dry humour.
Do you have any plans heading into the new year? Anything listeners should be looking out for?
The next single ‘Work Life Balance’ is out on 10th January and the Starters EP follows on 21st February. I’ll also be launching some merch with unique, new illustrations, which I’m really excited about. My first gigs and the follow up EP are also to come – 2025 will be a big year!
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