Starstruck Harmony: A Songwriter’s Retreat Filled with Inspiration, Connection, and Creativity
By Vicki Lynn Smith, Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Producer Home | Vicki Lynn Music
“Hosting the recent songwriter retreat at Starstruck Farm was truly an honor for both myself and Doug Konitski, as co-organizers. From the moment we arrived, we knew we had chosen the perfect venue to inspire the 20 talented songwriters who joined us. The farm’s musical atmosphere, combined with its cozy, intimate setting, created the ideal space for creativity to thrive. Over the course of three days, some of us who had never met before became fast friends, meeting new co-writers and collaborating to write an incredible total of 23 songs!
Starstruck Farm has a unique vibe that lends itself to the creative process, something we as songwriters deeply appreciate. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, offering warmth and hospitality that made the experience even more special. It truly felt like home, a sentiment echoed by every attendee. Many expressed that this was the best retreat they had ever attended, and the connections we made during our time there have blossomed into life-long relationships.
A Melody of Gratitude: The “Starstruck Farm Thank You Song”
One of the most heartfelt moments during our songwriter retreat at Starstruck Farm was the creation of the “Starstruck Farm Thank You Song.” This wasn’t just a simple gesture—it was an outpouring of emotion from all the participants, capturing the spirit of the weekend and the deep sense of connection we all felt to this incredible place. As songwriters, we’re used to finding inspiration in everyday moments, but Starstruck gave us so much more—a sanctuary that truly became a creative haven for all of us.
The song was written as a tribute to the farm, the warm hospitality of the staff, and the memories we made. Its lyrics reflect both the charm and uniqueness of Starstruck Farm, from the fire pits to Jay’s barbecue, and even playful nods to the animals we grew fond of during our stay. In the verse, we sang of the little things that made our time so special—“craving apples and sugar cubes,” “fire pit, Jay’s barbecue,” and “Sunny Honey, let’s spread the news.” These lines remind us how it wasn’t just about the songwriting but about the entire experience: a place where creativity flowed as easily as conversation and new friendships.
The chorus captured the essence of what we all felt:
“Starstruck Farm has Southern charm
It feels like family
If we were all related,
We would probably never leave.”
The sense of belonging we experienced during the retreat was so profound that everyone agreed it felt like being part of a family. Many of us joked that if we were related, we’d never want to leave, and that sentiment was echoed throughout the song. We were constantly surrounded by the warm, homey ambiance that Starstruck offered, which elevated the entire experience.
In the second verse, we delved deeper into the relationships we formed and the creative spark that seemed to ignite in all of us. The farm, with its unique blend of rustic charm and modern hospitality, became a wellspring of inspiration. We laughed about how “Uncle Aldus in the barn” and “Aunt Lucile” seemed to embody the farm’s welcoming nature, while “No customary thinking, only creativity” spoke directly to the freedom we felt to push boundaries and explore new musical ideas.
The outro of the song added a personal touch, thanking Jay and the staff by name—each person’s hard work contributed to making Starstruck Farm our “home away from home.” The songwriters—Amy Carlock, Vicki Lynn Smith, Jay Novicky, Douglas Edward Konitski, Bill Dyer, and Kristine Walters Arenas—poured their hearts into the piece, creating not just a song, but a memory that will live on in all of us.
When we presented the song to Jay and the staff on the last day, the room was filled with emotion. It was a collective thank you for the incredible weekend, but also a promise that this retreat had become something more than just an event. It had turned into a tradition—one that all of us wanted to continue, and many even wished could happen more than once a year.
Through this song, we expressed our gratitude in the best way we knew how, and it stands as a testament to the magic of Starstruck Farm—a place that will forever inspire us as songwriters and creators.
One final note: the food was absolutely amazing! It was truly the icing on the cake of an unforgettable weekend. Thank you, Starstruck Farm, for an experience we will always treasure.”
