2021 CCMA Rising Star award-winner & platinum-selling country artist, Robyn Ottolini is embarking on a new chapter with her single, “Match For My Memory”– Her first release since signing with Empire. Written by Emily Reid & Ottolini herself, the catchy track illustrates the lingering memories that remain after a relationship ends and how unforgettable you truly are.
Recently, I spoke with Ottolini about her start in country music, her new track and touring with Shania Twain.
Kyla Pearson: For those who are unfamiliar with you and your music, can you tell us a bit more about how you got your start in music? Why did you decide to pursue country music specifically?
Robyn Ottolini: I grew up listening to country music on the radio so I’ve always loved it. Getting into music was probably through piano lessons & school band but my passion was to sing so my parents put me in musicals as a child & after a year a begging got me a guitar at 14 so I could truly start writing!
Kyla Pearson: What is the primary message you want to share with your music, and why is this message important to you?
Robyn Ottolini: I want my music to be a welcoming place that makes people feel confident in themselves, empowered when they feel the opposite and truly less alone.
I write from a very conversational point of view as if I’m speaking to someone. So I hope my words touch people the way a friend’s words would.
Kyla Pearson: “Match For My Memory” is your first release since signing with your new label, EMPIRE. How would you say it sets the stage for what’s to come musically for you? How do you feel about this new chapter in your career?
Robyn Ottolini: Match is a very empowering song. It’s having the confidence to say “I won’t be forgotten easily”. I think I’m taking that into my personal life and this next batch of music I have on the way. It’s ballsy and strong-willed, much like the music I’m recording now–I want to keep that fire in my music and songwriting always. So it definitely lights up the upcoming music and allows me to feel self-assured in a way.
Kyla Pearson: Can you share with us a bit more about the songwriting & recording process behind the song?
Robyn Ottolini: I wrote this song with my dear friend Emily Reid who I’ve always been the biggest fan of. She flew to Toronto to write with me for a few days. I remember wondering what to write. Then I heard the quote, “Her memory is no match for distance”. Something in my brain just clicked. The thought that no matter where someone goes or what they do, they can never burn away a memory. So I brought that into our write and Emily. Being the amazing writer she is, she latched on quickly and we wrote it.
Recording this song, we wanted it to be big & ballsy, so the production definitely compliments the story and the feel.
Kyla Pearson: According to you, what is the ideal setting to listen to song in order to fully experience it?
Robyn Ottolini: This ideal setting to listen to this song is with friends, getting ready to go out on the town, especially after a rough breakup. It’ll pump you right up and give you the courage not to text that ex back– because you know deep down they’ll never forget you. It’ll make you feel unfazed by people who try to make you feel small. And then go to the bar and have the best night ever.
Kyla Pearson: You also released an acoustic version of the song, “Match To Your Memory- Not Burning Out”. How does this version compliment and add a deeper meaning to the story?
Robyn Ottolini: I love this version. I think this version gives a bit more of a “I feel bad for my ex” vibe. As if you can sympathize with how hard it’ll be to forget me. It adds a bit more humanization to the story in a way that you can still care about an exes feelings while also saying, “Too bad for you, but I am sorry.”
Kyla Pearson: This past June, you also opened for the Queen of country herself, Shania Twain– as part of her "Queen of Me” Canadian Tour. What was that first experience in Halifax like for you?
Robyn Ottolini: I was very very nervous. That was my first ever arena show and I remember the stage being so big and daunting but her fans were so welcoming. I also had my friends from high school in the audience and they stood up right away so I could see them and I felt right at home. What a lucky gal I am.
Listen to "Match For My Memory" Now:
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Ottolini, Robyn. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, April 29 2023.
Unknown. “Featured: Official cover art for Robyn Ottolini’s single, “Match For My Memory”. Photo courtesy of PR Team. Accessed April 29 2023.
Unknown. “Featured: Canadian country artist Robyn Ottolini. Photo courtesy of PR Team. Accessed April 29 2023.
