A year without releasing music is almost unheard of for today’s artists, especially one with a resume as impressive as Robyn Ottolini’s. But for the platinum-selling trucker’s daughter from Uxbridge, Ontario, stepping back was essential to moving forward. Now fully and blissfully independent, with new management, a fresh perspective, and a collection of electrifying songs on the way, Ottolini is not just ready for her proverbial closeup – she’s writing, directing, producing and starring in it herself.
Today, Ottolini releases her strummy, sun-streaked, and shamelessly knock-kneed new scorcher “Singin’ Bout Cowboys”. The song embodies her fearless evolution – but don’t be fooled by its title.
“I love a good country song about a cowboy, but I’ve never been able to write one because quite frankly, I’ve never met one,” Ottolini laughs. “I found a way to still sing about them in a sense, while paying homage to the guys that I do know a thing or two about: the blue-collar, steadfast fellas that give unconditional love and work their butts off,” she says, neatly summarizing the song’s goosebump-raising coda: “I don’t think I’m missing out/’Cause I sure like my view/Everybody’s singin’ about cowboys/But I’m just singin’ bout you.”
Her approach to music may be evolving, but her raw, honest lyricism remains unchanged. This hallmark has helped her earn a staggering 160 million streams across a quintet of EPs and multiple dazzling singles, anchored by her breakout smash “F-150.” The platinum-certified single accounted for nearly 60 million of those streams, incinerated TikTok, reached #3 on Rolling Stones’ All Genre Viral Chart, and solidified her place as one of country music’s brightest rising artists. In just five years, Ottolini has won a CCMA Award, scored three Top 40 singles on Billboard Canada’s Country chart, opened for legends like Shania Twain and Tim McGraw, and packed venues across Canada on her first headlining tour.
Ottolini deeply respects the country music tradition. But much like Kacey Musgraves or Megan Moroney, kindred musical spirits, she’s unafraid to explore contemporary sensibilities, musically and topically.
“People will tell you that country has to be about beers and trucks,” she says. “And while I may write about those things, I’ve always thought country was also just the truth and a bunch of chords more than anything. So, I write the most honest truths I can possibly write.”
“Singin’ Bout Cowboys” marks the beginning of Ottolini’s bold new chapter. Expect more new releases throughout the year, leading up to the release of her debut album.
ABOUT ROBYN OTTOLINI
In country music, the very best narratives are almost always lifted from life’s messy playbook. Evocatively, sometimes playfully articulating everyday wins and losses is something of a songwriting super-power, and it’s one wholly possessed by the Nashville-based, platinum-selling artist, Robyn Ottolini. Over five years, a quintet of EPs, and multiple dazzling singles, the trucker’s daughter from a blue-collar Canadian town has amassed more than 160 million streams – 60 million alone for her rip-snorting heartbreak smash “F-150,” which incinerated TikTok while cementing Ottolini’s status as a supremely relatable lyricist able to make the ordinary scan as extraordinary. Robyn is not only a CCMA Award winner, but has reached the #3 spot on Rolling Stones’ All Genre Viral Chart, and had three Top 40 singles on Billboard’s Canadian country chart. Ottolini has seen the likes of some of country music’s biggest festivals, and headlined shows across her native country, as well as opened up for Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Breland and Tyler Rich, just to name a few.
Now, Robyn Ottolini is proudly independent, unrestrained and plans to release a clutch of electrifying, lived-in original songs all year long, starting with the barnburner “Singin’ ‘Bout Cowboys,” with more new tunes to follow leading to her hotly anticipated debut album.
