Robyn Ottolini Returns to Her Roots with Nostalgic Anthem “In A Small Town”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Platinum-selling country singer-songwriter Robyn Ottolini, whose authentic storytelling has resonated with a global audience amassing over 160 million streams, takes a heartfelt journey back to her upbringing in Uxbridge, Ontario, with her latest single, “In A Small Town.” Released across all digital streaming platforms, the track serves as a poignant reflection on the enduring lessons learned amidst the familiar landscapes and close-knit community of her youth.
Penned entirely by Ottolini and expertly produced by Lenny Pey and Ryan Rasmussen, “In A Small Town” stands as a powerful testament to Robyn’s blue-collar roots and her remarkable ability as a songwriter to weave beautifully true and relatable narratives. The arrangement of the song subtly challenges conventional norms, allowing the sincerity of her lyrics to shine through.
Accompanying the single is a captivating music video, directed by Ben Dartnell, also released today. While not filmed in Ottolini’s actual hometown of Uxbridge, the video finds its setting in her present-day small town on the outskirts of Nashville. It artfully portrays the cyclical nature of small-town life: the push and pull of loving, hating, leaving, and ultimately missing and returning to one’s roots, often to start a family and witness their children embark on a similar journey.
“This song is so special to me. I wrote it alone but it feels like I wrote it with my whole town at the same time,” shares Ottolini with genuine warmth. “My hometown shaped me in so many ways; the people, the loyalty, and even the tragedies. During the pandemic, my town suggested via social media that I write a song about Uxbridge, ON. It ended up being specific to my life and small-town experiences but was instantly relatable to us all. From the crosses at the red light to the bar everyone goes to, you’ll never forget the landmarks, and if you’re lucky enough to be able to go back just to get an oil change from your pops, you can still run into people from high school at the grocery store. I know I still do.”
“In A Small Town” beautifully encapsulates the bittersweet nostalgia of looking back at one’s formative years. Ottolini’s lyrics paint vivid pictures of the unique quirks and unwritten rules that define small-town existence. She captures the inherent contradictions: the desire to escape the perceived limitations, the eventual longing for the comfort and familiarity, and the inevitable realization of the profound impact these early experiences have had. The song resonates with anyone who has ever felt the gravitational pull of their hometown, the invisible threads that connect them to the people and places that shaped who they are.
The production of the track is thoughtfully understated, allowing Ottolini’s evocative vocals and heartfelt lyrics to take center stage. The arrangement builds gradually, mirroring the ebb and flow of emotions associated with reflecting on the past. The instrumentation provides a warm and familiar backdrop, enhancing the sense of intimacy and authenticity that permeates the song.
The music video further amplifies the song’s themes, visually depicting the cyclical nature of small-town life. The imagery of young love, the yearning for something more, the eventual departure, and the subsequent return with a new generation beautifully mirrors the sentiments expressed in Ottolini’s lyrics. While the setting may be her current small town, the emotions and experiences portrayed are universal to anyone who has navigated the complexities of their hometown relationships.
With “In A Small Town,” Robyn Ottolini once again proves her mastery of crafting narratives that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. She taps into a wellspring of shared human experience, reminding us of the enduring power of our roots and the indelible mark that our hometowns leave on our hearts. This single serves as a tender and honest reflection, resonating with anyone who has ever loved, left, and perhaps found their way back to the place they once called home.
ABOUT ROBYN OTTOLINI
In the vibrant landscape of country music, the most compelling stories often emerge from the messy, unpredictable chapters of real life. Robyn Ottolini, a platinum-selling artist based in Nashville, possesses a remarkable talent for evocatively and often playfully articulating the everyday triumphs and tribulations that shape our lives. This songwriting superpower has propelled the trucker’s daughter from a blue-collar Canadian town to amass over 160 million global streams in just five years.
Her breakthrough hit, “F-150,” a rip-snorting anthem of heartbreak, ignited TikTok and garnered over 60 million streams alone, solidifying Ottolini’s reputation as a supremely relatable lyricist capable of finding the extraordinary within the ordinary. Beyond her streaming success, Robyn is a CCMA Award winner, reached the #3 spot on Rolling Stone’s All Genre Viral Chart, and has celebrated three Top 40 singles on Billboard’s Canadian country chart.
Ottolini has graced the stages of some of country music’s biggest festivals and headlined shows across her native Canada. She has also had the honor of opening for iconic artists such as Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Breland, and Tyler Rich, further cementing her presence in the genre.
Now proudly independent and creatively unrestrained, Robyn Ottolini is poised to release a series of electrifying and lived-in original songs throughout the year. “Singin’ ‘Bout Cowboys” kicked off this exciting new chapter, followed by the nostalgic charm of “In A Small Town,” with a collection of eagerly anticipated new tunes leading up to her debut album. With her authentic voice and undeniable songwriting prowess, Robyn Ottolini continues to carve her own unique path in country music, connecting with listeners through her honest and heartfelt storytelling.