When Doves Cry

Country Songwriter Robbi Atkins Dishes on Weekend Dove Hunts at the Ranch, Eating Earth-to-Table, and the Nashville vs. Texas Music Rivalry

by Richard Baimbridge

If you haven’t heard of Robbi Atkins, it’s probably because she’s more behind the spotlight than in front of it. But for the past five years, she’s racked up quite a list of accomplishments as a prolific and successful Country Music songwriter. Inspired by everyone from George Strait to Shania Twain and Bonnie Raitt, Robbi was also deeply influenced by growing up in the MTV generation -- everything from pop music to hip hop.

Atkins got into the music business much later in life than most. But her passion for songwriting has taken her on a musical journey from her hometown on the Gulf Coast of South Texas to Nashville. When not churning out heart-wrenching love songs, Robbi enjoys spending time with her family fishing and dove hunting – two staples of South Texas life. I asked her about songwriting, weekend dove hunting, and the Nashville vs. Texas Country Music rivalry. This is what she had to say…

What’s life like as a professional Country Music songwriter?

Robbi: “I’m basically just a computer nerd! I write my songs melody and lyrics, then my producer in Nashville does the recording using various vocalists that I work with. From there, I pitch the songs to artists or for film and media licensing. I have several singles and an album “A Good One” featuring Wild Horse Desert, and have one movie credit for a feature film that was released last year. Recently, I’ve had songs pitched by pro publishers to some exciting prospects including The Oakridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw and a few others. I have had a few song cuts with indie artists, a few of which charted for a while.”

How did you first get into songwriting?

“I’ve been obsessed with music my whole life. Then, a few years ago, I had an idea for a piano melody in a dream that I couldn’t get out of my head.  Sometime after, the lyrics just kind of occurred to me while I was humming it. This particular song came from a very hard time in my life, born out of all the emotions of seeing people you love lose a battle that they’re fighting, and the desperate feeling of wanting to help.  So, I started looking into production of songs and educating myself more on the business. I contacted a producer in Nashville, and they produced the demo. I loved the final product, so I started to dig in more to how to pitch it. It was a total roller coaster ride – like nothing I’d ever experienced before!”

How is the Texas Country Music scene different from the Nashville scene?

“I think that the Texas scene is definitely more diverse -- it’s more eclectic, more folksy, and there’s more freedom to branch out with subject matter, too. We have a little more fun with our lyrics.  I know in recent years there is back and forth talk of Texas artists ‘selling out’ to Nashville, but I think the two have a lot to offer each other. The crowds feel more intimate and connected down here in Texas, and I know that staying indie in the Texas artist crowd is a passion.”

Let’s talk guns and bird hunting, which I know you’re fond of… Dove hunting is big in South Texas. What’s an ideal hunting experience like for you? Do y’all have a ranch?

“My in-laws have a ranch that’s been in the family for generations, so that’s where we spend the most time in recent years when we are hunting. Nothing like the South Texas Brush Country! I love to sit in a blind either with a rifle or with a camera to capture wildlife.  Dove and quail hunting is very social, so that’s our favorite! It’s fun to see the dogs work either pointing or retrieving. Then a cold sundowner in the field at sunset with the group. It’s the best! Then of course it’s back to the house to cook it and sit down at a table with some candles and wine. Those are my favorite nights, whether it’s fishing or hunting, when you cook and eat with everyone -- straight from earth to table.”

Share your favorite music and hunting stories by joining the conversation. Click here to become a part of our community!