Craymo Channels 80s Soul-Pop Heartbreak on “Tear Me Apart”

Craymo is back with a brand-new single that feels both nostalgic and strikingly current. “Tear Me Apart” is his latest release, an emotional homage to the golden era of 80s soul-pop, pulling from the same lineage as icons like George Michael, Martin Fry, and Paul Young, while carving out its own space in today’s indie landscape.

Released on August 15, 2025, “Tear Me Apart” already earned Craymo two Indie Music Channel Award nominations in Los Angeles for Best Pop Artist and Best Pop Recording. The song itself came to life during a surreal moment: the devastating Los Angeles fires earlier this year. Between recording sessions in January, smoke and flames hung heavy in the city, giving the music-making process an otherworldly backdrop. The result? A track layered with intensity, urgency, and emotional rawness that mirrors the chaos outside the studio doors.

“Tear Me Apart” follows Craymo’s single “Love Together,” another award-nominated track, with both songs earning a combined five Indie Music Channel Award nods. Where “Love Together” leaned into themes of unity and hope, “Tear Me Apart” dives into vulnerability, heartache wrapped in shimmering 80s-inspired pop production. It’s a reminder that Craymo’s artistry has always been about balance: the highs of connection and the lows of loss.

Known for spreading messages of love and unity through past hits like “One Love One World” and “Love Power,” Craymo’s music has reached global audiences through films, TV, and even anti-bullying campaigns. With “Tear Me Apart,” he’s proving once again that even when the subject matter turns toward heartbreak, his songs still manage to uplift by giving listeners space to feel.

With a decades-long career and no signs of slowing down, Craymo is continuing to define what it means to be an independent artist with both staying power and heart. “Tear Me Apart” doesn’t just channel the spirit of the 80s; it reinvents it for 2025, delivering a sound that feels both timeless and urgent.

“Tear Me Apart” channels the energy of 80s soul-pop icons. What drew you back to that era for inspiration, and how did you make it your own in 2025?

Everyone has their favorite period in music; mine is the 80s. The alternative, soul pop, and new wave sounds of the vocalists of that era give me endless inspiration! "Tear Me Apart" is an homage to those bands and singers, giving them a modern twist while incorporating a hint of nostalgia. Martin Fry, of ABC, is who this song was modeled after, the way he vocalizes and phrases his words. A good pop song sticks in your head; that's what we were aiming for.

You recorded the track during the devastating Los Angeles fires earlier this year. How did that surreal environment impact the mood or energy of the song?

Yes, recording during those dark, passionate, and disturbing times was intense, and I believe that passion and intensity transferred into the song for sure. We also recorded "Love Together" at that time, and the intensity really brought a whole new meaning and another level to that song.  The creative energy in the studio was electric, while everything was chaotic outside; it was very surreal. For some reason, Tear Me Apart is probably my all-time favorite vocal performance.

With both “Tear Me Apart” and “Love Together” earning multiple Indie Music Channel Award nominations, how do you feel this moment reflects your growth as an artist over the past two decades?

Receiving an award nomination for something that you love and enjoy doing is very humbling. Receiving five, man, at 64 years old, I am totally honored that my music is still relevant, moving, and emotionally touching people. That's what it's all about for me. I constantly feel myself growing as an artist and feel my songwriting getting better with age. I have a lot of life experience, you know!

Much of your catalog is known for spreading positivity and unity. What made you want to lean into the vulnerability and heartbreak of “Tear Me Apart” this time around

Unity, equality, and peace are all things I have been passionate about and have been fortunate to be able to sing about. My other passion is love! Actually, I am a child of love; my mom's maiden name was Love! I am a balladeer at heart. I love a heartfelt torch song or ballad that pulls on the heartstrings. You should check out my songs "December Rain (Carol of Love)," "Moment," and "So Far Away." This isn't my first rodeo, ha ha!

Looking back at your career, songs in films, TV, anti-bullying campaigns, and now award-nominated singles, what’s the legacy you hope your music will leave behind?

Unity, equality, and peace are all things I have been passionate about and have been fortunate to be able to sing about. My other passion is love! Actually, I am a child of love; my mom's maiden name was Love! I am a balladeer at heart. I love a heartfelt torch song or ballad that pulls on the heartstrings. You should check out my songs "December Rain (Carol of Love)," "Moment", and "So Far Away." This isn't my first rodeo, ha ha!