A vintage wooden audio console with a built-in record player, radio tuner, and reel-to-reel tape recorder, all with open lids.

Only in Nashville: Our Unforgettable Night at a Songwriter’s Session

Published On : July 22, 2025 | Last Updated : July 26, 2025

Nashville, Tennessee, USA

I will never forget when Rich and I had the insane opportunity to attend a songwriter’s round session in Nashville. It all started with a random scroll through Facebook, where I happened to see Hunter Hayes post about a chance to win something special if you commented. I thought, “Why not?” and tossed my name in the ring-never expecting anything to come of it.

A few days later, I opened my inbox to see an email with the subject line: “Only In Nashville – Invitation/Winner!” Oh my goodness!! I practically screamed. We were invited to spend an evening at Starstruck Entertainment with Hunter Hayes, Andy Grammer, and Dave Barnes. I couldn’t believe it-this was one of those pinch-me moments.

Arriving at Starstruck Entertainment

So there we were, pulling up to Starstruck Entertainment, totally giddy and not really sure what to expect. The rooftop was lively, complimentary drinks in hand, and we were literally next to the legendary RCA studios. The whole thing felt so exclusive, like we’d stumbled into a secret club. Inside, there was a balcony overlooking the party, an open bar, and little tables scattered everywhere. I kept looking around thinking, “How did we get here?!”

Eventually, we were led through a maze of hallways and stairs until we entered the actual studio. Wow. It was like walking onto a movie set-lights, cameras, microphones, the whole deal. In the center was this beautiful rug with three chairs and mics set up, surrounded by a cozy jumble of cushions, chairs, and sofas. Someone directed each and every one of us to our seats, making it feel even more intimate and special. And then it hit me: we were going to be filmed and recorded! Wild.

A man and a woman smiling at the camera, both wearing blue tops, standing in front of a plain light-colored wall.

A modern outdoor patio with wooden furniture, a round table, cushioned chairs, and several people standing and talking near a building with large glass windows.

Outdoor seating area with chairs and tables next to a modern building with large windows and awnings, photographed in the early evening.

A modern beige building with large glass windows and a black awning, viewed from a low angle against a partly cloudy sky.

The Writers Round: Up Close with Hunter, Andy, and Dave

Before the session started, a guy came out to make a few announcements. He thanked us for being there, told us to give ourselves a round of applause, and explained that this was going to be a super intimate round-just like the Bluebird Café-with the three singer-songwriters performing and sharing stories. He said it would last about 90 minutes, but it ended up going for two hours because everyone was having such a blast.

They went over the whole consent thing (we’d be photographed, recorded, maybe even show up on TV or wherever else they wanted) and then the magic began. The lights came on in the control room, and suddenly we were in the middle of a real Nashville moment. Hunter, Andy, and Dave took turns performing songs-some we knew, some that hadn’t even been released yet! They told stories behind the music, joked with each other, and created this atmosphere that was just pure joy. We felt so honored to be a part of it. Honestly, I kept thinking, “Is this real life?” It was everything I love about Nashville wrapped up in one unforgettable night.

Checking In: The Hutton Hotel

After floating out of Starstruck on cloud nine, we checked in to the Hutton Hotel for the very first time. Let me just say, we were instantly obsessed. The trendy wallpaper, the luxurious bathroom, the modern decor, and the overall cozy vibe-it was all just perfect. We’d stayed at the Omni before (which is also gorgeous), but the Hutton had this cool, boutique feel that made us want to move in. Little did we know, it would become our go-to hotel in Nashville.

A vintage wooden stereo console with open lid compartments sits on a wood floor, beneath wall art depicting piano keys on a textured background.

A neatly made bed with four white pillows and a bolster pillow in a modern hotel room, with a blue lamp on the nightstand and a frosted glass wall in the background.

A beige wall featuring a geometric pattern of interlocking lines forming angular shapes.

Late-Night Food Adventures

Of course, after all that excitement, we were starving. We decided to check out The Slider House at Music Row, but unfortunately, the sliders were raw (yikes). So, we did what any hungry people would do, we ordered a Papa John’s pizza and demolished it in our hotel room. Sometimes, you just need pizza.

A plate with two cheeseburger sliders, fries, and a cup of sauce on a restaurant table; menus and a drink are in the background.

Exploring the Omni (Again)

The next day, we swung by the Omni Hotel again just to soak in the vibes. That lobby is seriously impressive. Nashville really knows how to do hospitality right, and every time we visit, we find something new to love.

A hallway with polished marble floors leads to a windowed lobby area where a car is parked outside; a circular ceiling light hangs above.

Final Thoughts

This trip was truly one for the books. Getting to be a part of such an iconic writers round, hearing unreleased songs, and staying in our new favorite hotel-every moment felt special. If you ever get the chance to attend a songwriter’s session in Nashville, DO IT. There’s nothing like it. We left with full hearts, happy stomachs, and a whole new appreciation for the magic that happens in Music City.

Until next time, Nashville. You always surprise us.