Crystal Starr Revives 80s Glam With a Modern Twist in “Part Time Lover”

There’s a certain kind of magic in hearing a song that feels like it was always meant to exist. “Part Time Lover” by Crystal Starr is exactly that—a glittering, synth-soaked anthem that instantly transports you to the golden age of pop while keeping its message grounded in modern reality. Bold, romantic, and undeniably catchy, the single is a triumphant statement from an artist who’s not only finding her voice but taking complete ownership of it.

A seasoned performer with a résumé that includes backing vocals for the likes of Ariana Grande and Jessica Simpson, plus a turn on the Broadway stage, Crystal Starr is no stranger to the spotlight. But now, in full control of her creative direction, she’s stepping forward with a sound and vision that’s uniquely her own. Blending emotive storytelling with glossy pop production, Crystal is building something that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Produced alongside her longtime collaborator Danny Mills, “Part Time Lover” gleams with retro finesse—channeling the high drama and lush textures of 80s radio hits without ever feeling derivative. Shimmering synth lines, crisp percussion, and funk-leaning guitar licks lay the foundation for Crystal’s effortlessly expressive vocals. Her voice moves with both strength and vulnerability, a haunting echo behind every lyric, tugging at the listener with each melodic turn.

But the heart of “Part Time Lover” lies in its message. Inspired by a real-life conversation with a friend, the song delves into the emotional chaos of loving someone who’s only halfway in. Crystal doesn’t point fingers—instead, she steps in as a friend, a mirror, a voice of truth. “True love shouldn’t feel one-sided,” she reminds us. With compassion and clarity, the track offers a rare pop perspective: a boundary-setting anthem for anyone stuck in limbo with someone who can’t commit.

The music video brings the track’s layered emotions to life in dazzling fashion. Entirely self-directed and self-produced, Crystal transformed a Los Angeles loft into a dreamlike performance space with the help of her family—an echo of the DIY spirit that fuels her creative empire. Drawing visual inspiration from Prince’s Diamonds and Pearls, the video is a stylish trip through love, longing, and letting go. With bold fashion, sharp choreography, and a soulful performance alongside dancer Sebastian “Bash” Johnson, the video hits the sweet spot between old-school MTV vibes and contemporary visual storytelling.

Crystal Starr’s commitment to craft goes beyond music—it’s about building a world. Every song, every shot, every detail is intentional. And it’s not about perfection; it’s about passion. Rolling Stone recently praised her as a visionary, and with releases like “Part Time Lover,” it’s easy to see why. She’s not just riding the wave of an 80s pop revival—she’s steering it. And she’s doing it all on her terms.

“Part Time Lover” is such a personal yet universally relatable track—how did the initial conversation with your friend spark the idea for the song?

The song was sparked from a conversation I had with someone in regards to letting the person they were dating know they weren't the only one. I wanted to be the voice of reason to that girl, telling her she was worth more than being not enough for anyone.

There’s a strong 80s influence in your sound and visuals—what draws you to that era creatively, and how do you keep it feeling fresh?

I'm drawn to the fun and freedom of that time. Music during that time was so much fun and so free. There wasn't a barrier to what an artist was expected to be. They were free to be who they were rather than what the industry told them they had to be. I keep it fresh by just writing music as authentically as I can. Telling true stories that appeal to me and my friends' lives.

You’ve had a rich background performing with major artists and on Broadway—how have those experiences shaped the way you approach your solo music today? I learned a lot performing with legends. How they handled situations and the barriers they had to cross. Hard/smart work always wins. No matter how talented you are, if your work ethic doesn't beat your talent, you will be stunted.

You’ve had a rich background performing with major artists and on Broadway—how have those experiences shaped the way you approach your solo music today?

The biggest challenge I would say is being the producer, director, and creative director on top of being the artist. I have to direct while I'm performing on film and direct the camera operators (my family, it's quite funny actually) and set up lighting before our shots, but I'm so blessed to have the help and support that I do have. My mom does the wardrobe and my hair, my cousin Veronica does my makeup, and then operates the camera after she's done. My husband jumps on the drone, and my other cousin Bob helps with the lighting and whatever else we need help with the day of the shoot. It's definitely a family affair!

The video is so visually striking and emotionally expressive—what was the biggest challenge of producing it independently, and what are you most proud of?

The biggest challenge I would say is being the producer, director, and creative director on top of being the artist. I have to direct while I'm performing on film and direct the camera operators (my family it's quite funny actually) and set up lighting before our shots but I'm so blessed to have the help and support that I do have. My mom does the wardrobe and my hair, my cousin Veronica does my makeup, and then operates the camera after she's done. My husband jumps on the drone, and my other cousin Bob helps with the lighting and whatever else we need help with on the day of the shoot. It's definitely a family affair!

As an independent artist, what advice would you give to others looking to take control of their creative vision and build something truly their own?

There are so many ways to get where you want to be in life. So many people will give you their advice on how to get there—what path to take, what steps to follow. Social media will flood you with “how-tos” and “do this to succeed.”

But here’s the truth: if you just do what you do—and do it well—what’s meant for you will find you. You don’t have to chase it. Follow the vision God gave you. That’s where the peace is. That’s where the purpose is.

There’s not just one way to success (whatever that looks like to you). Your story—your path—will inspire someone else to keep going. Take the good with the bad. Not all advice is good advice. So explore the vision God placed on your heart, and enjoy the ride.