Large group of musicians gather around Emisunshine as she plays guitar at a songwriting retreat in Gatlinburg TN.

 

The next Emisunshine and Fish Fisher Songwriting Retreat is almost here!


Scheduled for the weekend of February 7-9, this inspiring event takes place at the historic Gatlinburg Inn, the same place where “Rocky Top” was written. If you’re a songwriter looking to dive into a creative, welcoming space to collaborate with other talented artists, this is the place to be!

 

Black and white photo of musicians with their acoustic guitars on their laps as they listen at a songwriter's retreat in Gatlinburg TN.
Black and white photo of musicians listening to someone off camera singing at a songwriter's retreat in historic Gatlinburg TN.
Black and white close up photo of Emisunshine playing guitar with a visible floral and bumblebee tattoo on her hand in Gatlinburg TN.

 

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph this songwriting retreat last year...


and it was such a rewarding experience. The Gatlinburg Inn, with its rich history and charming atmosphere, is the perfect setting for a weekend of music creation. I was amazed by the collaborative energy throughout the event. What really stood out to me was how everyone was heard and valued. There was no ego, just genuine collaboration. Watching songwriters from all different walks of life come together, creating and sharing their experiences through music, was so inspiring.

 

Musician Kristan Mikala with red hair and glasses holds her acoustic guitar at a songwriter's retreat in Gatlinburg TN.
Close up photo of a songwriter with pen and notebook in hand writing song lyrics at a songwriter's event in Gatlinburg TN.
Black and white photo of a musician playing his guitar covered in stickers at a songwriter's retreat in Tennessee.
A man sits on a couch wearing a hat listening to a young girl play guitar sitting on the floor in Gatlinburg TN.
Black and white photo of musicians writing songs at a songwriter retreat at The Historic Gatlinburg Inn in Tennessee.
Black and white photo of a man wearing a hat playing acoustic guitar in a hotel room near a window in Gatlinburg TN.
A young girl plays guitar on a couch in the historic Gatlinburg Inn in the very room that Rocky Top song was written in Gatlinburg TN.

 

The vibe at the retreat is something unique...


It’s a space where creativity thrives and friendships form naturally. It’s truly remarkable to think about how each person brings their own talents and experiences to the table, and from that, new songs are born. It’s like witnessing magic in action.

With so many talented songwriters coming together in such an inspiring space, there’s no doubt that incredible music will be created. If you’re a songwriter, I highly recommend attending. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for another round, it’s a chance to be inspired and collaborate with other passionate artists.

And if you were part of last year’s retreat, feel free to drop your contact info and social media info in the comments so others can follow your creative adventures!

The Gatlinburg Inn provides such a beautiful, historic backdrop for all this creativity to happen. With its rich history and the surrounding beauty of Gatlinburg, it’s the perfect place for songwriters to get inspired.

For more information about the retreat email hamiltonsound@mac.com

 

A male and female musician play their guitars while sitting near a fireplace in Gatlinburg TN at a songwriter's retreat.
A man in a hat with a beard has his hand on the back of the woman next to him as they listen to musicians in Gatlinburg TN.
A pregnant women listens to her husband play guitar as they sit on a couch in Gatlinburg TN.
Black and white photo of musician Emisunshine singing as other musicians listen next to her at a songwriter retreat in Gatlinburg TN.
Large indoor group photo of musicians of all ages at a songwriter's retreat in Gatlinburg TN.
Black and white photo of a young man in a hat sitting on a couch playing guitar as he sings and with other musicians on both sides of him.