Vancouver-based pop artist Matías Roden‘s latest single is “On the Run” – a melancholic, joyful, and ultimately bittersweet synth-pop track about a common gay male experience: the fear of commitment and the instinct to flee just as things start to get real. It’s a “pre-heartbreak song,” as Roden calls it, capturing the electric high of early romance alongside the creeping sense of its inevitable end.

Framed by country-inspired songwriting, dark synth textures, and a hooky pop-rock spirit, “On the Run” channels disparate influences – from sunset car rides to Depeche Mode – into a compelling story of fleeting love and fragile connection. Co-produced with acclaimed Canadian artist Louise Burns, the song features drums crafted entirely by Roden, who chopped and stitched together samples to build the pulsing heartbeat of the track.

Written after a short-lived relationship where both intimacy and impermanence were inescapable, “On the Run” leans into dualities: sparse, minimalist verses that give way to denser, sweeping choruses before stripping back to near silence in its final moments. The ebb and flow echo the unpredictable rhythms of desire, fear, and longing.

The official video for “On the Run” mirrors the song’s wistful tension with a clever country-inspired concept that blends queer visibility and political commentary. It follows two cowboys fleeing America for Canada, culminating in a kiss beneath a massive Canadian flag – a direct nod to Bruce Springsteen’s iconic “Born in the USA” imagery (as is the single artwork which is a mirror image of Springsteen’s iconic Born in the USA album cover, just with a Canadian flag instead of American). It features a defiantly Canadian twist at a time where the country is grappling with issues of nationhood and identity as its relationship with its southern neighbour is tested.

• What can you share with readers about your new project?

My newest single is a track called “On the Run”, it’s a synth-pop and pop rock song about the very modern dating experience of fleeting relationships. I call it a “pre-heartbreak song”. It also has a video that deals with the current political conservatism sweeping America and how it’s being felt here in Canada.

• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

It’s part of my debut album which is due out later this year. I think all my songs are in the synth-pop wheelhouse for the moment and have an element of melancholy to them, and this is pretty similar in that regard. This one’s a little more overtly pop though.

• What about this single makes you most proud?

That I did all the drums myself! They are about a dozen of chopped up samples that I found and arranged. I started producing my own demos about five years ago and for this one my producer felt that the drums didn’t need any modifying, which was really validating. Prior to this song usually the drums would get totally replaced or had a bunch of stuff added to them from my original demos.

• Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Make the catchiest song you’ve ever heard! And a video that gives you something to talk about.

• What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Everyday life, my own dreams and fears, other pieces of art like movies or novels. I always wanted to do this so the motivation is pretty intrinsic, I’m wired to write songs and sing, I’ve been doing it for over a decade. What is very motivating right now in this stage of my career is that there are people who have either reached out via social media or in person at shows and let me know that my music means something to them.

• If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Someone I have really wanted to work with is Vancouver electroclash punk synth-pop icon Devours, I first met him when he did a show about seven years ago and discovered his music. Since then I’ve been a huge admirer of both his music and what he stands for as an artist and creative and it would be a huge privilege. Who knows, maybe we already have something in the works 😉

• What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The last song I listened to was “Bad Girl” by Madonna, I’m in one of my 90s Madonna phases at the moment. She’s probably up there fighting with Bruce Springsteen for #1. Sinead O’Connor is also up there as is George Michael. I like artists who aren’t afraid to write the catchiest songs they can while remaining totally authentic to themselves and not being afraid of pissing people off.

• Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Instagram is where I tend to post updates on shows and new music.

• I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

If you’re into melancholic queer synth-pop bangers and art pop ballads, check my stuff out!