In a world where music often serves as both a lifeline and a rallying cry, few artists embody the spirit of resilience and hope quite like Robbie Harte. A Canadian singer-songwriter known for her powerful blend of country, pop, and Americana, Robbie channels her personal journey into songs that uplift, empower, and unite. After overcoming a life-changing injury, she discovered that music could be both a source of healing and a platform for advocacy—especially for women, people with disabilities, and anyone searching for their voice.
In this exclusive Divine Magazine® Artist Spotlight, Robbie opens up about the emotional storytelling at the heart of her music, the experiences that inspire her lyrics, and her commitment to making every listener feel seen and understood. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering her for the first time, Robbie’s story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and creative courage.
Your journey into music is truly inspiring. How did your personal experiences shape your songwriting and storytelling style?
I’m so glad that you find my music inspiring. My goal is always to share stories about overcoming adversity and to inspire others who are going through similar challenges. I want people to feel heard and to give them hope. My experiences have shaped me into the empowered person I am today. I am continually growing, evolving, and learning from my journey, which has changed my perspective on how my story unfolds. We all face hard times and difficult situations, but it’s essential to focus on what we take away from those experiences. I strive to draw strength from them instead of letting them embitter me. It’s a challenging balance, but it’s ultimately better for the soul.
At the beginning of my songwriting journey, I learned to craft my stories from a positive and empowered perspective. While I acknowledge that difficult things happen, I have the power to choose how to tell those stories. My voice reflects a blend of empowerment and strength, coupled with honesty and vulnerability.
Many of your songs explore themes of resilience and hope. Can you share the story behind a track that’s especially meaningful to you?
All of my songs hold special meaning for me; each one reflects experiences I have lived through and the healing process I underwent while writing and rewriting them. A few songs, in particular, stand out: “Reason to Rise,” “You Don’t Belong Here,” “Sawdust on the Floor,” and now, “My Mama’s Daughter.”
Writing the various iterations of “My Mama’s Daughter” has facilitated a profound healing process. Initially, I wrote it as “My Father’s Eyes,” expressing my lament about having my father’s eyes and how it felt painful to see that reflection. After regaining my perspective, I rewrote the song to focus on the wonderful traits and qualities I have inherited from my mother. This song helped to heal years of insecurities and inadequacies, connecting me with my roots and the love and care that have shaped who I am today.
How do you balance vulnerability and empowerment in your lyrics?
It’s definitely a challenging balance to strike. I believe that being honest in my songwriting fosters vulnerability, but approaching it from a place of strength and a positive mindset reinforces the message that although difficult situations can arise, we have the power to choose how we respond to them and the lessons we take away from those experiences.
What artists or genres have most influenced your sound and approach to music?
I am a fan of many genres of music, but my favorite artist is Roy Orbison. I have always been drawn to his remarkable voice, humility, and down-to-earth nature. He exemplified resilience, repeatedly rising above adversity with grace and dignity. Through constant reinvention, he created music and a persona that continue to resonate with me to this day.
I tend to gravitate toward music that evokes strong feelings. It doesn’t have to be perfect; I just want to feel something when I listen. Country music is one of my favorite genres because of its rich storytelling and deep sense of history, which brings feelings of family, community, and roots, which really speaks to me on a soul-deep level.
You’re a passionate advocate for women and people with disabilities. How does advocacy show up in your music and public life?
Thank you for asking. I think it’s important to treat individuals with disabilities with the same respect and dignity as anyone else, rather than seeing them as victims. Everyone has their own strengths and challenges, and I try to focus on what people can do, not what they can’t.
I’ve met so many incredibly talented individuals with disabilities who refuse to let their circumstances hold them back. They work hard and want to be recognized for the quality of their work, not simply for their disabilities. As an artist with a disability, I hope to lead by example and show others that it’s always possible to start over and pursue their dreams, no matter their differences.
I believe everyone has something valuable to contribute- regardless of their gender, abilities, or background. Providing opportunities is essential. We need to create platforms that allow people of all abilities to shine, offering visibility and representation while eliminating stigmas and normalizing our differences.
I feel very fortunate to have worked and volunteered alongside amazing disability groups. My goal is to inspire others to pursue their dreams and embrace their unique abilities with confidence.
What advice would you give to others facing adversity who want to find their creative voice?
Don’t be afraid of adversity or hardship; it is often in these moments that we discover strengths we never knew we had. We learn about ourselves and grow into who we are truly meant to be.
You are the narrator of your own story. You can choose to play the victim or the heroine.
Be authentic and unapologetically yourself. Find that unique, quirky quality that makes you “YOU” and embrace it. No one else is you, so celebrate that! When you are true to yourself, the magic shines through.
How do you hope listeners feel after hearing your music?
I want my audience to feel heard and seen, and I want to remind them that they are not alone. Even during difficult times, I aim to leave them with a glimmer of hope. I hope my music empowers them, makes them feel invincible, and inspires them to sing and dance along.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment from your creative process that reflects your approach to emotional storytelling?
Writing songs is my way of healing and processing life events. Most of the songs I create stem from strong emotions, grounded in my personal experiences. They are raw and vulnerable, allowing the emotion to come through naturally. A significant part of my creative process involves choosing the right voice to tell the story in a way that does the song justice. This often requires several rewrites until I can convey the story with empowerment, strength, and honesty. It is through these iterations that I find healing and come to peace with my experiences.
What’s next for you—any upcoming releases or projects you’re excited about?
I’ve been feeling incredibly inspired to write lately, and I’m so grateful for this creative outlet. I have so many songs and stories that I can’t wait to share!
Now that I’m feeling better and stronger (from a previous accident), one of my top priorities is to perform in the communities that have supported me and to reconnect with my Canadian roots. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of performing live, meeting my fans, connecting with radio DJs, and interacting with fellow artists. It truly fosters a sense of community. Touring is definitely something I want to pursue more in the near future.
How can fans best support your journey and connect with your message?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to chat with you and share my story. I am incredibly thankful for my fans, both old and new, who join me on my journey. They fuel my passion and inspire me every day.
The best way my supporters can help me is by going out and living their best lives. I hope my songs and stories act as a soundtrack to their experiences and help them feel empowered. If there is a song that you really connected with or that helped you, I would love to hear from you!
One important lesson I’ve learned is that you never know what tomorrow will bring. For years, I postponed my dream of singing until I found myself sidelined and silenced, coming very close to never having the chance to pursue it. I want to inspire others to embrace life and live their best lives NOW! I’m cheering for you!
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