Trena is a rising star in the country music scene, hailing from British Columbia, Canada. She burst onto the international stage with her debut single “Cowboy,” quickly winning fans from the UK to Australia. Her debut album Long Time Coming (2018) earned critical acclaim, multiple nominations at the Josie Music Awards, and a win for “Crazy” as Song of the Year.
Trena has kept her momentum going with a string of standout singles, including the chart-topping “Hold On,” which hit #1 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown, the emotionally resonant “Breathe,” and the fan-favorite “Not The Ring,” which earned a 2024 Josie Music Awards nomination. Her more recent releases, like the empowering anthem “Broke Free” and the deeply moving collaboration “Halo,” highlight her growth as an artist and her gift for honest, personal storytelling.
Trena hosted her own Christmas special, featuring songs from her festive Christmas Musings EP, beloved holiday classics from her favorite artists, and heartfelt stories about Christmas memories with her family—further cementing her reputation as one of country music’s most genuine and relatable voices.
Beyond her studio accomplishments, Trena has brought her heartfelt music and storytelling to life on stages big and small—from intimate venues to major music festivals—including a featured showcase at the 2025 BCCMA Awards Show Weekend and her debut performance at the 2025 Calgary Stampede.
Trena’s journey is a testament to the power of honest music and heartfelt connection, inviting fans to join her as she writes the next chapter of her story.
Singles
"Smokey Ol Bar Rooms" (2020): was the first music video for Trena, filmed, edited, and produced by her husband under Thirsty Beaver Productions. Smokey Ol Bar Rooms reached #2 on The Canadian Indie Country Countdown’s weekly Top 100 chart in 2022 and made the Canadian Indie Country Countdown Top 110 of 2022.
"Hold On" (2021): claimed the #1 spot on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown's weekly Top 100 chart and positioned itself at #28 on the Top 100 of 2021 chart. The song has garnered attention from various Canadian radio stations. The accompanying music video, produced by Thirsty Beaver Productions, received a nomination for Music Video of the Year at the 4th Annual Canadian Independent Music Video Awards.
"Breathe" (2022): soared to #2 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown's Weekly Top 100. The song also secured a spot in the Canadian Indie Country Countdown Top 110 of 2022, the songs success continued to shine as it earned a nomination for Song of the Year at the esteemed International Singer Songwriters Association awards. Additionally, Trena's nomination for Female Rising Star highlights her remarkable talent and growing influence as an artist.
"Not The Ring" February 9, 2024 this single has igniting excitement among fans. The track swiftly ascended to #3 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown and earned a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2024 Josie Music Awards. "Not The Ring" showcases Trena's gift for authentic country storytelling, painting vivid musical landscapes with every lyric. Her genuine connection to the material infuses each note with raw emotion, creating a deeply relatable experience for listeners. Prepare to be spellbound by Trena's emotive storytelling in "Not The Ring."
"Halo" June 21, 2024 another collaboration with her mother Shirley Gillison. produced by the dynamic duo of Tom Samulak and Molly Brown, "Halo" is set to illuminate the airwaves with its poignant message of self-understanding and resilience. At its core this song is about embracing vulnerability and finding solace in the belief that we can rise above our mistakes and a reminder that none of us are perfect, but we can always strive for growth and redemption. Halo top of the Canadian Indie Country Countdown charts at #5.
“Broke Free” October 25, 2024 the newest release shows yet another artistic side to Trena as she and the talented Bryant Olender produce Broke Free together. “Broke Free” isn’t just a song about survival—it’s a declaration of self-worth and empowerment. In this powerful track, Trena emphasizes the importance of not just escaping a toxic relationship but embracing the lessons learned and moving forward. Trena: "You can reclaim your power, find your strength and thrive despite the challenges.”
March 2023 issue of Country Music Express Magazine Click on the picture to view the full article. For a little extra fun , click on the photos within the article and see where they take you