Matthew Chaim Explores the Bitter-Sweet Nuances of Sacrifice in "Tear"

image

Though the fruits of a life centered around creative pursuits is abundant, with it inevitably accompanies an element of sacrifice. For artist Matthew Chaim these sacrifices disrupted heart, home, & capital; leaving behind a relationship and stable (but unhappy) life in Montreal practicing finance, Chaim made the difficult decision to let go of the past and move to California in pursuit of genuine self actualization.  

In his second solo release of 2020, Chaim explores the concept of sacrifice in his own life. A fitting theme for a year so heavily characterized by global sacrifice, Chaim poetically reminisces on a past life while embracing the spiritual riches sacrifice so often brings. In his own words,  

"'Tear' is about sacrifice. It's about being pulled in two opposite directions and splitting at the seams. The truth is: I now question whether we do ever 'give up' a part of ourselves and 'become' someone else. But perhaps that's a conversation for another day."  

Co-written and co-produced by frequent collaborators Rabitt and Danny Majic, the trio explore the untethering of the individual from the former over a blossoming, atmospheric instrumental.  

A stunning amalgamation of synthesized and acoustic sounds, the track feels reminiscent of the likes of Phil Collins circa 1981, but filtered through a fresh perspective, indicative of the sonic and technological developments of 21st century.  A striking musical parallel to the nostalgia acknowledged in the lyrics, while looking forward to a new beginning, "Tear" is bitter-sweet testimony to the pain and power of sacrifice.  

Watch the music video for "Tear" below!    

Related Articles

Katherine Li Creates an Intimate Diary of Self-Growth with Debut Album ‘I Love You, or Whatever’

Katherine Li Creates an Intimate Diary of Self-Growth with Debut Album ‘I Love You, or Whatever’

October 23, 2026 Katherine Li has already proven her resonant skill of capturing the familiar anxieties of wondering whether someone will love back, but now in her debut album I Love You, or Whatever, she unapologetically steps into the more nuanced sides of connection and personal growth.
Author: Alysa Benson
pop
K/DA Make the Six-Year Wait Worth It With FIRESTARTER

K/DA Make the Six-Year Wait Worth It With FIRESTARTER

October 23, 2026 With FIRESTARTER, the virtual pop supergroup makes its return with four tracks that hit like a jolt of electricity.
Author: Alessandra Rincon
pop
How Whitney Whitney Lost Her Voice And Found A New Sound On ‘1.3’ [Q+A]

How Whitney Whitney Lost Her Voice And Found A New Sound On ‘1.3’ [Q+A]

October 23, 2026 Loss is a part of life, but what do you do when it feels like you’ve lost yourself? How do you figure out where to go from there? If you’re Whitney Whitney, you keep going — and make an excellent new EP, 1.3.
Author: India McCarty
pop
EP
1.3