Canadian singer-songwriter Robyn Ottolini has spoken candidly about her journey towards sobriety, highlighting how time spent with family in Canada helped her overcome her struggles with alcohol. The 31-year-old artist, who has been making waves in the country music scene, recently shared that her commitment to sobriety has markedly improved her creativity and mental health.
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Ottolini, who is based in Nashville, expressed that her resolve to stop drinking stemmed from a desire to protect her burgeoning career. “This past tour was the fourth time I had stopped drinking,” she revealed during an interview from her Nashville home. “I didn’t want alcohol to affect my career… I really love my fans, love my job, and I love singing and putting on a good show. It was easy to make that choice.”
While she managed to avoid alcohol during her tours, Ottolini acknowledged that she faced challenges with drinking in the quieter periods between tours. “When things would calm down, I would always be like, ‘And now I can drink again,’” she recounted. For the artist, alcohol served as a way to numb overwhelming thoughts, but she admitted being unable to restrict herself to just one drink.
The relationship she had with alcohol was complicated; although she considered herself to be a casual drinker, Ottolini recognised that her drinking patterns often led to regret. “I don’t think I was ever mean or malicious, but I would often find myself saying, ‘Oh, I drank too much last night,’ only to repeat the cycle,” she explained.
In 2025, following the end of her headlining tour, Ottolini chose a different path. Instead of returning to the temptations of Nashville, she travelled home to Canada, where she was welcomed by her family. “It was a safe place to land,” she said, noting that this phrase would later inspire the title of her debut album, *A Safe Place to Land*. Her father even supported her by bringing home non-alcoholic beers, ensuring she felt included without the risk of relapse.
Returning to Nashville, Ottolini found strength in the support of friends and roommates as she committed to her sobriety. She initially feared that her creativity as a songwriter would suffer without alcohol’s influence. “I found that even when I’m writing music, if I have a couple drinks, it felt like my head got clearer,” she admitted. “But I soon realised I no longer needed that crutch.”
Rather than stifling her creative potential, sobriety opened new doors for Ottolini. “It almost opened up this floodgate of creativity,” she stated, highlighting an increase in her songwriting output, including tracks such as “Unfamiliar Heaven” and “Growing Down.” This phase of self-exploration allowed her to delve deeper into her identity.
Nevertheless, the journey to sobriety has been fraught with challenges. “It was hard for a bit,” she recounted, noting that the initial months were particularly tough as suppressed emotions resurfaced. “Around month three and month four, I questioned whether I could do this,” she shared. Yet, through perseverance, Ottolini has maintained sobriety for almost 11 months, a personal record for her.
The benefits of her commitment to sobriety have been profound. “My anxiety has decreased significantly,” she noted. “I’m getting enough sleep, I’m eating well, and I’m exercising.” With these changes, she feels a new sense of clarity and joy. “Life is not perfect, but it’s definitely better,” she reflected.
Ottolini’s newfound perspective on joy has altered how she experiences life. “There’s nothing numbing the darkness, so there’s also nothing numbing the positive,” she explained. “When something beautiful happens, I truly absorb it. I’ve been keeping my beauty locked up… and now I’m very excited to give it my all.”
Her album, *A Safe Place to Land*, is now available, showcasing her journey and the growth she has experienced along the way. As Ottolini continues to navigate her path in the music industry, her commitment to sobriety not only serves as a personal triumph but also as an inspiration to others facing similar struggles.