Tilsen turns a real breakup aboard a train to Vienna into an introspective alt-pop single about love, letting go, and finding growth.
Canadian independent artist and songwriter Tilsen turns a painful goodbye into her latest alt-pop release, “Train To Vienna.” The bittersweet single draws from a real breakup that unfolded on a train traveling toward Vienna.
Rather than romanticizing the moment, Tilsen examines the difficult truth behind it. She still cared for her partner, but she had begun to recognize that their relationship no longer served either of them. The song captures the tension between loving someone and knowing that leaving may be the healthier choice.
A Goodbye in Motion
The story behind “Train To Vienna” is as direct as its title suggests. Tilsen traveled to Vienna with her then-boyfriend when his growing insecurity began to weigh heavily on their relationship. During the journey, she reached a point where she knew they had to part ways.
“The song captures that moment of knowing you have to leave someone even when you still care about them,” Tilsen explains. She also emphasizes the importance of trusting that both people can eventually find something better.
Furthermore, songwriting gave Tilsen enough distance to revisit the experience. What once felt deeply painful became an opportunity for reflection. She found compassion and understanding in a decision that had once been difficult to accept.
That perspective also shapes her wider approach to songwriting. Tilsen avoids casting people as simple heroes or villains. Instead, she explores the psychology behind love, conflict, attachment, and separation. Her songs look for humanity even within complicated relationships.
From Personal Memory to Universal Story
Tilsen wrote “Train To Vienna” with Bryn McCutcheon, Kirstyn Johnson, and Jules/444BOY. Jules, a close friend Tilsen met abroad, knew about the situation before the train ride. His connection to the story helped the group transform a deeply personal memory into a song with broader emotional weight.
Since her debut in 2019, Tilsen has collected more than 20 million Spotify streams. She has also landed on Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, Contemporary Blend, Tropical House, and Sad Beats. In addition, she has opened for BANNERS, Shawn Hook, Scott Helman, and Ryan Marshall.
Beyond her solo work, Tilsen writes for other artists through SNGL Music Publishing under Grayson Music Group. Her credits include BANNERS, Delaney Jane, BRDGS, Madalen Duke, Nova May, and Molly Moore. Her music has also appeared in Magnum P.I., Virgin River, and CBC’s coverage of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
With “Train To Vienna,” Tilsen turns one difficult journey into a candid reflection on love, letting go, and finding growth after goodbye.
Take the emotional journey with Tilsen and stream “Train To Vienna” now for its bittersweet story of love, loss, and letting go.
Press Release, Photo Credits: Jess Milli
