NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — From a rural childhood in Canada to building an independent music career in Nashville, platinum-selling country artist Robyn Ottolini is forging her own path in the music industry.
Ottolini joined Market Day Report to discuss her debut full-length album, A Safe Place to Land, the freedom of working as an independent artist, and how her rural upbringing continues to influence her creativity. Her story is also featured on the latest Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor.
Finding Freedom as an Independent Artist
Since releasing A Safe Place to Land in August, Ottolini has been performing songs from the album at festivals and live shows, including Nashville’s Whiskey Jam. She said seeing audiences connect with the music has been especially rewarding.
After previously working with a major record label, Ottolini said being independent has given her greater control over her creative direction.
“I have full control over my art,” she said. “It’s been very beautiful and freeing and healing to just write what I want to write, say what I want to say, and then put it out into the world.”
She discussed that independence with Schnoor on Dirt Diaries, including the idea of choosing your own struggle.
Ottolini said every career comes with challenges, but pursuing something you genuinely love can make those sacrifices worthwhile.
“I’m going to make sure it’s worth it. And music to me is worth that,” she said.
Rural Roots Shape Her Creative Identity
Ottolini grew up along a dirt road in rural Canada, surrounded by fields, trees, and the outdoors. She said that childhood continues to influence her music and the way she approaches life.
“There is something so healing and free about nature, and I just love that I was raised in it,” she said.
She hopes to keep that connection alive through her music and personal brand, including the cover of A Safe Place to Land, which features her sitting in a tree.
Turning Thrifted Finds Into Something New
Ottolini is also known for creating her own stage outfits using thrifted clothing, secondhand finds, and family hand-me-downs.
She said fast fashion has never appealed to her, so she taught herself to sew and began making one-of-a-kind pieces.
One memorable outfit came together while she was visiting her grandmother before a Canadian music awards gala. Unhappy with the dress she had brought, Ottolini asked to look through her grandmother’s drawers.
She found a curtain, turned it into a dress with a few safety pins, and wore it to the event.
The outfit drew plenty of compliments, reinforcing her belief that creativity does not have to follow traditional rules.
Ottolini is now working on a one-of-a-kind merchandise line using thrifted clothing, custom designs, and screen printing.
Sharing Her Story on Dirt Diaries
Ottolini said she enjoyed talking with Schnoor about the personal side of building a music career and finding confidence in an independent path.
She hopes other women can take inspiration from those conversations and feel encouraged to pursue the work they love, even when the journey comes with challenges.
For Ottolini, that means staying connected to the girl who grew up outdoors in rural Canada while continuing to evolve as an artist.
