Conversations with Robyn Dell’Unto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Dell’Unto.

Hi Robyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in the suburbs outside of Toronto and started studying classical guitar at 10. I started writing songs around that time and by high school, I was performing all around town and self-recording demos on ProTools in my school’s tiny recording studio. I later completed a psychology degree but continued playing and recording throughout the university. After graduation, I signed a record deal with a subsidiary of Universal Music Canada, made my first full-length record, and started getting placements in film and tv.

I spent the next couple of years touring and recording as a solo artist, but I never felt comfortable in the roll… stage fright, imposter syndrome, you name it. After self-producing my second record and getting in regular rotation on Canada’s public radio station CBC Radio I started getting requests to co-write with and produce for with other artists around the city. I quickly fell in love with that side of the business and slowly transitioned into a full-time writer/producer.

After a few years of building clientele and developing as a creator, I decided I would try my hand in Nashville. The visa process was super intimidating and the idea of picking up and moving a business I’d worked so hard to build was overwhelming, but the community in Nashville was warm and welcoming almost immediately.

I cold-called many, many publishing companies and slowly started getting opportunities to write and produce for artists on Black River, Rx, Sony ATV, BMG, Warner, Nettwerk, Atlantic, and more. I built my portfolio as a producer and writer and encountered some exciting opportunities along the way, including co-writing Wild River’s Gold Record ‘Thinking ‘Bout Love,’ co-writing Phillip Phillip’s ‘Love Like That’ and co-writing and co-producing GAYLE’s ‘z’ and ‘e-z feat. UPSAUL & Blu Detiger.’

After a long and winding journey, I signed my first publishing deal with King Pen/Warner Chappell in the summer of 2022. I feel very lucky to have an incredible team and bigger opportunities than I could have imagined. I’m excited to continue building my body of work with artists I truly believe in.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No! I was so impatient when I first moved to Nashville and wanted things to happen so fast. That definitely did not happen. I almost took a terrible offer from a start-up pub company in 2018. I’m now so grateful for turning it down but at the time I was absolutely terrified it was going to be my last opportunity to get to the next level.

I wouldn’t be the producer and writer I am today if I hadn’t faced so many challenges and rejections. I’m proud of my thicker skin, work ethic, and sense of self. The “I have no idea what I’m doing” mental gymnastics will probably never truly go away but I am way better at navigating it all and enjoying the ride along the way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I write and produce across a variety of genres including pop, country, and film & tv, but I would say my specialty is working one on one with an artist and getting a real story out of them.

I love being part of an artist’s first single, or the lead singles off their new project, and therein having a chance to work to define their unique sound vs just fitting in within a body of work. I’m interested in the tiny details and experiences that make artists who they are, especially the bits they are ashamed or self-conscious of. Blame it on my psych degree!

I think my experience, gender identity, age, process, genuine interest in the artist, and ability to create a safe space set me apart, or at least I would hope so.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
And The Writer Is, The Addiction Formula, The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory, Song Exploder, New York Times’ Pop Cast, Switched on Pop, Miracle, and Wonder, and endless musician autobiographies have been super helpful to me. Tutorials on YouTube like Pensado’s place and Ian Kirpatrick’s production breakdowns have been wonderful too.

Contact Info:

• Website: robyndellunto.com
• Instagram: @robyndellunto
• Twitter: @robyndellunto

Image Credits
Ryan Nolan Photography