Canadian country singer-songwriter Teigen Gayse is leaning into a more vulnerable side of her artistry with the release of “Running,” a new single that examines the lingering emotional fallout of a breakup.

The song arrives shortly after Gayse was named Female Artist of the Year at the 2026 British Columbia Country Music Association Awards, adding another milestone to a career that has gained momentum through radio success, streaming growth and industry recognition.

Rather than focusing on the breakup itself, “Running” centers on what happens afterward, capturing the experience of watching an ex-partner move on while painful memories remain.

“Writing ‘Running’ was one of the most therapeutic moments I’ve had as a songwriter,” Gayse said. “I cried the second I finished it. It’s a story I lived but hadn’t been able to put into words until that moment. It captures the feeling of a lopsided breakup, where one person moves on overnight while the other is stuck reliving every memory in slow motion.”

Built around atmospheric production and a gradual emotional build, the song marks a darker turn from some of Gayse’s previous releases. The track begins quietly before expanding into a sweeping chorus that reflects the emotional weight at the center of the story.

The release continues a period of sustained growth for the Alberta-born artist, who has become one of Canada’s most prominent independent country performers. Earlier this year, Gayse earned Female Artist of the Year honors at the BCCMA Awards. The recognition followed a successful 2024 campaign that included Female Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Interactive Artist of the Year awards, along with a Canadian Country Music Association nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Gayse has also seen growing commercial success. She has accumulated more than 10 million global streams and 48 million TikTok views, while singles such as “If You Show Me Yours” and “Sleeping With Her” reached the Top 30 on Canadian country radio.

“If You Show Me Yours” helped introduce Gayse to a wider audience and was produced and co-written by Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger. “Sleeping With Her” later climbed to No. 21 on the Canadian country radio chart.

Beyond recorded music, Gayse has built a reputation through live performances at major Canadian festivals, including Boots & Hearts, LASSO, Cavendish Beach Music Festival and the Calgary Stampede. Her growing profile has also attracted coverage from outlets including ET Canada, eTalk and CMT.

With “Running,” Gayse continues to draw from personal experiences while expanding the emotional range of her songwriting. The new release suggests a willingness to explore more difficult subject matter as her audience continues to grow.

For Gayse, the song’s significance extends beyond its commercial prospects.

“Writing ‘Running’ was one of the most therapeutic moments I’ve had as a songwriter,” she said. “I cried the second I finished it.”