Making friends should be one of the most natural things in the world, right? Yet somewhere between endless notifications, busy schedules, and the pressure to keep up with everything, genuine human connection can feel surprisingly difficult to find. Messy Eater tackles that modern dilemma with “The Lost Art of Making Friends,” an introspective, groove-filled single that explores loneliness without losing its sense of warmth, musical colour, or humour.
The track is the first taste of the upcoming Blue Sundae EP, a project from Pete Bott’s music and illustration venture, Messy Eater. Inspired by Pablo Picasso’s Blue Period, Joni Mitchell’s emotionally revealing album Blue, and the jazz-infused hip-hop sounds of the 1990s, the forthcoming collection promises a more reflective side to the project’s alternative pop personality. And if this single is anything to go by, Messy Eater knows how to make thoughtful subject matter feel inviting rather than heavy.
“The Lost Art of Making Friends” begins with reflective Fender Rhodes chords, immediately establishing a mellow atmosphere that gives the song room to breathe. From there, the vocals turn their attention to the struggle of finding meaningful connections in a world increasingly distracted by technology, the growing presence of AI, and the demands of work. It’s a relatable starting point, especially for anyone who has ever spent an entire day communicating with people online while somehow feeling more disconnected than ever.
What makes the song interesting is that it doesn’t simply complain about modern life. Instead, it captures the tension between wanting to connect with others and becoming caught up in the very things that make connection harder. Technology can keep us occupied, work can consume our attention, and the constant pressure to move forward can leave little space for the relationships that make life feel meaningful. Messy Eater turns these observations into a song that feels personal without becoming overly serious.
Then comes the chorus, which lifts the track into a more upbeat space with an infectious vocal hook and a hip-hop-influenced bass and drum groove. It’s a welcome shift that gives the song an easygoing bounce, creating a clever contrast with its underlying theme of loneliness. The jazz saxophone touches and vocoder effects add extra personality, giving the arrangement more texture without crowding its central melody.
That balance between introspection and playful musicality is what makes Messy Eater such an intriguing project. The production has a colourful, genre-blending character, bringing together alternative pop, jazz influences, and hip-hop rhythms in a way that feels natural. Fans of Gorillaz, Beck, Jungle, The Avalanches, Beastie Boys, and A Tribe Called Quest may appreciate the creative spirit behind the track, particularly its ability to combine an accessible hook with a more adventurous approach to sound.
There’s also something refreshing about how the song approaches its subject. Loneliness and loss can easily push a piece of music towards overwhelming sadness, but Messy Eater finds room for lightness. The result doesn’t dismiss the difficulties of modern life; it simply reminds us that serious feelings can be explored through music that still makes you want to move your head to the beat. Sometimes, a good groove is an excellent way to get people thinking.
The single also offers a glimpse into the wider emotional world of Blue Sundae, which is due in spring 2027. Drawing from Picasso’s melancholy artistic period, Mitchell’s confessional songwriting, and the sample-rich traditions of classic jazz-influenced hip-hop, the EP is set to explore sadness, isolation, and loss through honest writing, musical detail, and gentle humour. “The Lost Art of Making Friends” feels like a fitting introduction, setting up that reflective mood while maintaining the lively, inventive character that defines Messy Eater.
Pete Bott has already built encouraging momentum since launching the project in late 2024. His previous work has attracted support from NME, The Guardian, Notion, and BBC Radio 1, while Messy Eater has received editorial attention from Apple Music and support from Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing. Live highlights include a sold-out Sofar Sounds performance, a BBC Introducing live session, an appearance at Camper Calling alongside Nile Rodgers & Chic and Primal Scream, and a performance at York Theatre Royal as one of Aesthetica Festival’s ten Breakthrough Artists.
Following the release of the Comfort Food EP in June, this new single signals a more contemplative direction without sacrificing the hooks and playful creativity that have helped distinguish Messy Eater. It’s a reminder that alternative pop can be entertaining while still asking meaningful questions about the way we live.
With “The Lost Art of Making Friends,” Messy Eater turns a familiar modern frustration into something melodic, thoughtful, and unexpectedly uplifting. The song recognises how easy it is to lose ourselves in the noise of everyday life, but its infectious groove leaves room for optimism. Perhaps reconnecting with people doesn’t have to be another complicated task on the to-do list. Sometimes, it starts with slowing down, paying attention, and remembering why we wanted to connect in the first place.
Messy Eater turns modern loneliness into an irresistible alternative-pop groove on ‘The Lost Art of Making Friends’
