In the world of country music, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the currency. For Canadian-born, New York-based artist Robbie Harte, that authenticity was forged through a journey of profound resilience. After a life-changing injury once threatened to silence her voice forever, Harte didn’t just recover; she found a new reason to sing. Now, following the international success of hits like “My Mama’s Daughter” and her recent Josie Music Award win at the Grand Ole Opry, Harte is back with her most urgent call to action yet. Her new single, “Out of Time,” released April 21st, is a high-energy anthem that challenges listeners to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and start chasing the life they’ve always imagined.
You’ve mentioned that “Out of Time” reflects parts of your own journey. Was there a specific moment or a “now or never” realization in your life that directly inspired the lyrics of this song?
Thank you so much for having me.
There are definitely bits of me reflected in this song. I always dreamed of being a singer. When life was in full swing, and I was in good health, I put off chasing my dream until I got ‘settled’, but sadly, that time never came.
After suffering a life-changing injury, I lost my ability to sing, and suddenly, my dream was taken off the table indefinitely. I was filled with regret.
I remember years into my injury, I was existing, fading into a shadow of who I once was. One day, it hit me that this was the only way my daughter had ever known me, but this wasn’t me. I wanted her to look at me and be proud of me. I wanted to be the best role model for her, and I knew I had to make a change.
It was always my dream to be a singer, and if I don’t try now, I will surely never get the chance. At that moment, I decided to pursue my dream to sing, no matter how difficult.
Although I now faced even more obstacles than ever, I knew this was the time. I had to go out there and try, with everything I had. It was now or never. I had to put myself there and give it my all.
The truth is, even when I was young, healthy, and in great shape, I didn’t have the confidence to chase my dream. I didn’t believe in myself and was full of doubt.
I waited until all the chips were stacked against me, and I had so many more reasons not to. Sure, it was more challenging, but I’m so glad I took that leap.
The track is described as both a “personal reflection” and a “vibrant anthem.” How do you balance the vulnerability of sharing your own dreams with the high-energy, “feel-good” sound of modern country?
That’s a great question. It’s definitely a fine line between being honest and vulnerable, showing strength, and ultimately delivering a message of hope.
The phrase “Out of Time” often has a stressful connotation (running out of minutes), but you’ve turned it into a call to action. Why did you choose this title specifically to represent a message of hope?
I think so many of us feel the clock ticking and fear our opportunities are about to expire… like time slipping through the hourglass, racing against time. I wanted to remind listeners that they are NOT out of time. There is still time, but the time is NOW, so don’t wait until it’s too late. This journey has taught me that we never know what tomorrow brings, and you don’t want to live with regret. You’re not too old to start something new. What have you got to lose?
When you were in the studio, what musical elements did you feel were essential to capture that “infectious energy”? Were there specific instruments or production choices that helped translate the “taking a leap” feeling into sound?
I knew I wanted it to feel good and have a driving melody. My producer, Matt Anthony, did an amazing job making the track. He’s so great at translating what’s in my head and bringing it to life in multiple dimensions. The snapping sound at the front of the track instantly makes me smile. The banjo, mandolin, and guitars work together to create that energy that pulls you in, and the percussion comes and moves it along.
I love how the song came together, and I can’t wait to perform “Out of Time” live.
In your press release, you mention the millions of people not pursuing their dreams for one reason or another. In your experience, what is the biggest hurdle people face when trying to step out of their comfort zone?
In my experience, a lot of people feel inadequate, stuck in their comfort zone, or are just afraid to take a chance on themselves. I hear so many people talking themselves out of going after their dream. If they only used a 1/10th of that energy towards their dream, they’d already be partway there. It can be scary to get out of your comfort zone, and the biggest hurdle is taking that first step. I hope this song inspires them to do just that.
There will never be a perfect time to take a chance, but you have to take that leap.
You’ve built a reputation for authentic storytelling. When you perform “Out of Time” live, what is the one specific emotion or “takeaway” you hope is written on the faces of the people in the front row?
Empowerment and Hope. Ok, that was 2- but they are equally important.
As a rising Canadian country artist, how has the community or the landscape of Canadian music influenced your particular brand of “optimistic country”?
Honesty, optimism, and determination have definitely worked hand in hand in my storytelling.
I draw inspiration from my personal experiences and am fortunate to have a naturally positive disposition. I feel it is complementary as many of the songs I write talk about personal struggle, and I find it important to remind myself and listeners that although hard times happen, it’s an opportunity for us to rise, grow, and find the silver lining.
Telling my stories through empowerment and strength tends to create anthemic songs, which I love to sing and perform.
How does “Out of Time” differ from your previous releases? Do you feel this song marks a new chapter or a “leveling up” in your own artistic evolution?
While the music I normally write is deeply drawn from my personal experiences,
This song isn’t about me, or for me. It’s for the millions of people out there not pursuing their dreams for one reason or another.
Although this song came from my soul and is something I can identify with, it’s really not about me.
This song comes from a different place. It’s me sharing a universal call to action – cheering on the millions of people to go out there and live their best life!
What was the scariest “leap” you’ve ever taken in your music career so far, and how did that experience feed into the writing of this single?
By far, the scariest leap I took was from my couch to my dream – saying the words out loud, then having to follow through. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I just knew I had to do it.
Getting on stage for the first time was terrifying, but once I did it, I could do it again and again- because I knew that’s where I belonged. I got stronger and more confident each time I stepped on stage. Now, I can’t imagine my life any other way.
Most recently, I have challenged myself to that same standard. I started taking radio interviews in French. I’m from Montreal, QC, so I grew up fully bilingual. After moving to NY, I let my French go, and I have really been out of practice. I was recently asked to do a live on-air interview in French, and I did it.
After all, I can’t tell people to get out of their comfort zone and not take risks myself. I now have more French interviews scheduled, and I love that it has allowed me to connect with my hometown roots, as well as new French language listeners.
Beyond the release of the single, what’s next on the horizon for you? Does “Out of Time” set the tone for a larger project or a tour later this year?
I will be going on the road this May. I will be performing in Ottawa at the Rise Up Music Festival at Live on Elgin on May 2nd, followed by a show at the iconic Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec, later that evening. I’m especially excited to return to my native Canada and perform close to home, back to my roots. I’ll be performing in Woodstock, NY, on May 3rd, and later in May, I’ll be returning to the Montauk Music Festival in NY. I can’t wait to join this amazing lineup and bring my heartfelt songs and stories, and ENERGY, and connect with fans, while meeting new ones.
Thank you again for the opportunity to share my music and message.
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