Emma Hardyman is sharing her third single from her upcoming sophomore album as Little Moon, but chances are you may know her from one of the tracks that’s yet to be released from Dear Divine. A séance-like performance of “wonder eye” was the song that earned Hardyman the 2023 NPR Tiny Desk Contest title belt, with a similar display of deeply considered lyricism and unexpected deviations from contemporary folk buoying album cuts “blue” and “now.” Likewise, “messy love” takes a unique approach to romance as the 8-bit intro sets up a peculiarly lush instrumental with Hardyman’s ever-higher-reaching vocals leading up to a climax that uncannily recalls a singing saw.
“‘messy love’ is a raw piece of my heart, an anthem for the imperfect, absurd, and deeply human sides of romantic love,” the songwriter shares. “This song captures my own struggles with seeing the shadowy sides of myself reflected in my partner. I wrote it to honor these messy and insecure moments of love and to remind myself—and the world—that it’s OK to embrace the shadows within ourselves and our relationships. I believe true connection comes from gently witnessing and being gently witnessed in all our chaotic ways of being. ‘messy love’ is my way of saying that love, in all its messiness, can still be profoundly beautiful and healing.”
The track’s Benjamin Carvajal–directed video leans into the composition’s pastoral feel, with Hardyman seen standing in a windy field at golden hour. Check it out below, and pre-order Dear Divine here before it drops October 25 via Joyful Noise.
