We had the good fortune of connecting with Robbie Harte and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robbie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I feel that knowing who I am as an artist, and what my brand stands for has been a driving force in my success. Hard work, perseverance, and not comparing myself to others or their accomplishments has really allowed me to stay focused, and in my own lane, allowing me to thrive without being distracted by the noise around me.

 

I think another important reason I have been successful is by forging my own path and doing my musical career my way. I don’t feel the need to follow trends or compare myself to others, but I am always looking to challenge myself by learning new things and evolve constantly.

As an artist, getting out of my comfort zone has pushed me to reach for the stars and accomplish things I didn’t know I was capable of. Taking these chances was at times terrifying, but as a result I can see the growth in myself and in my music. From learning to play guitar in order to be able to accompany myself on stage to starting my Radio Show Country Crops, these challenges have not only given me a chance to learn more about myself but have allowed me the opportunity to connect with a broader audience.

For me, the most important part of my musical journey is making the human connection, whether it be radio stations, DJ’s, my fans or listeners or fellow musicians. I strongly feel this life is about the people and relationships that contribute to the enrichment of my journey, and this is all very meaningful to me.

The last and most important thing that has helps me keep a successful mindset: Music is a hard business, especially for Indie Artists with little support. When I am having a difficult day, or a moment of self-doubt, I go back to my WHY. “What’s the reason I am doing this?”, and that sets me right back on track.

 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Hi! I’m Robbie Harte. I’m a Canadian Award-Winning singer/songwriter based in New York. As a young girl, it was always my dream to become a professional singer. But that dream was put on hold fifteen years ago after a life-changing injury left me with chronic pain, and also resulted in the loss of my ability to sing. Ultimately, it was music that helped me heal the most. It was music that soothed my soul and give me the strength and determination to push through, even during the most difficult of times. It was Music that gave me a voice, which I am now determined to use to uplift and inspire others.

After years at home in severe chronic pain, I had completely lost myself. I was in a state I didn’t know. I kept thinking this is all my daughter has ever seen. Me in pain, on the couch. Mommy not feeling well. I wanted her to see I was more than that. I wanted her to be proud of me.

In 2017, I was compelled to follow my dream to sing, no matter how difficult it may be. I was inspired and motivated by the desire to show my young daughter that a disability should never stop me from living my dreams. I wanted my daughter to be proud of me. That was 7 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since!

That was the push I needed to follow my dreams. I knew starting a musical career at an older age with a disability wasn’t going to be easy, but I didn’t care! I wanted my daughter to see what it looks like to see her mom fearlessly following her dreams, I wanted her to be proud of me! That was a strong motivator.

I remember thinking, I’m too old or too broken to start my musical journey, but what I have discovered is that there are so many people like me, driven by their passion and achieving success later in life. Sadly, many of them have had to go through a lifechanging event to cause them to follow their dreams. I want to inspire people to get out there and live your dream NOW and live out their best lives.

These past 7 years have been better than I could ever have imagined. I am blessed to have my original music receive international airplay, with many of my songs landing on a number of Top 20 Indie Charts! I have been nominated for multiple awards and in 2022, I had the honor of taking home the ISSA Award for “Songwriter of the Year” and Bronze Single of the Year” at The International Singer Songwriters Association Awards in Atlanta, Georgia. I can’t tell you how humbling it was to receive these Prestigeous awards for sharing stories that are so personal and so dear to my heart.

Not one step of this journey has been easy, but it has all been worthwhile. I strongly feel that this is just something I have to do. You can say it’s my calling! My music is deeply rooted in my lived experiences and things I’ve gone through. These journal-like songs often speak of overcoming adversity, turning my experiences into anthems or messages of hope. My wish is that these songs inspire others or help them to feel like they are not alone.

In September of 2022, I released my song Reason to Rise. This deeply personal song speaks to my journey from pain to purpose, and how I found my reason to rise; how music and my daughter were these 2 magical forces that intertwined, lifted me up and gave me reason to rise! Although putting these words out into the world was difficult, I wanted to give hope to anyone out there who was struggling or in a difficult situation, and I hope that they too find their reason to rise.

A few months later, in fall of 2022, I was in a bad car accident and was once again injured and sidelined. Only this time I wasn’t silenced. This time I had my music to provide me comfort, and once again, music gave me a reason to rise. Although it has been a long and difficult recovery, but I feel blessed to have my family, fans and supporters cheering me on, and that is truly an amazing feeling. I am working my way back to being more active on the music scene recording more music and performing more live shows.

In July of 2023, I started hosting my radio show Country Crops. I can honestly say that this is something that I never dreamed I would be doing, but the opportunity fell in my lap, and I quickly rose to the challenge.
My idea for the show revolved around playing the top Indie Country Submissions for the week and featuring one Indie Spotlight Artist per show. I knew nothing about doing a radio show, but I had a clear picture of the mood and atmosphere I wanted to create. I used that as my vision and the pieces all came together beautifully!

One of the things I enjoy most about doing Country Crops is discovering the world of unsigned talent out there and learning about artist’s journeys. It’s so important for me to be able to give Independent Country Artists a voice and a platform and am honored to have them send me their music. Giving a new artist their First Radio airplay is always a treat. I remember getting my first radio play and how important that was to me, so I am very happy when I can do that for another artist or give them their first interview.

Hosting Country Crops is my way of giving back for all the support I have been fortunate to receive over the years.
This experience has taught me so much about myself, and what I can create.

When I began Country Crops, I was uncertain about the listener base, given that it was an indie country show on a mainstream pop/rock station. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the remarkable support it received! Since its debut in July 2023, Country Crops consistently maintained a strong listener base, until it transitioned to an online format with a weekly playlist and interviews in February, further expanding its reach.

This goes to show you that not everything has to make sense to work- but if you do it with love and put your heart into it, anything is possible.

I hope my story inspires others to follow their dreams and do what they love! I want people to know that you don’t have to be perfect or the best, but you have to take the first step in the direction of your dreams! I am rooting for you!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

First, I would definitely cook for them and make them feel very welcome! I would see if there was anything special that they wanted to see- but I would certainly suggest seeing a show in NYC or have coffee and drinks at Bryant Park. It’s beautiful there.

I love the water, so we would need to visit one of New York’s amazing beaches.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My daughter Kayla inspired me to take this musical journey, I was motivated to be the best possible role model for her, and that’s what kickstarted my journey so I really have to thank her for giving me the push! Kayla, Thank You for being my inspiration and my biggest cheerleader!

Website: www.robbieharte.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/robbieharteofficial

Twitter: www.twitter.com/robbie_harte

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/robbieharteofficial

Youtube: www.YouTube.com/robbieandkk2009

Image Credits
Shevin Lainez (leopard top) Celia Werner (black lace top on path) Sophia Pav (white dress and guitar) Robbie Harte

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.