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.

“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.”