The location was the speakeasy section of Sugarlands Distilling Company – a space with warm light, brick walls, and a vibe that feels lived in and ready for a story. And the story we were telling belonged to EmiSunshine and her newest single, Madame Queen.
I was already familiar with EmiSunshine as a rising independent artist rooted in East Tennessee, known for her rich songwriting and roots-infused sound that blends country, Americana, blues, and more. With the track Madame Queen, Emi delivers something that feels both fresh and timeless, and her ukulele performance in the song is downright killer.
Lights Camera Gatlinburg
That Saturday afternoon, the speakeasy lit up with energy as my camera rolled. Fish Fisher was there as producer, offering his steady presence and creative eye. The room glowed the kind of golden light that makes every shot feel cinematic, even before you edit. I pulled out my Canon EOS R, switched lenses when the moment demanded it, and we watched the scene unfold.
In the first half of the video, Emi plays the part of a bartender and server, moving effortlessly through the space while she sings the lyrics. There’s an ease to how she inhabits the role, like she’s lived a hundred nights behind that bar even if this was her first time in this particular setting.
Around her, a few local friends filled the bar area as extras, grounding the performance in a real-people energy. That dynamic made the whole shoot feel less staged and more like something you’d stumble upon on a night out in Gatlinburg.
Ukulele Takes the Spotlight
Then came the second half.
The bar lights softened a touch more, and EmiSunshine sank onto a stool with her ukulele. No acting now, just pure performance. Her fingers danced on the strings, and the song unfolded in a way that was intimate and immediate. Watching her play, the whole room seemed to lean in. It was one of those moments when you forget you’re shooting a video and instead feel like you’re witnessing a genuine artistic expression.
That’s what made this shoot special – not just the gear, the setup, or the place, but Emi’s presence. She brought a story to life that was rooted deeply in her own musical identity and connected to the community around her.
A Gatlinburg Moment
For anyone who’s stayed at the Edgewater Hotel, you know there’s a rhythm to the place. Guests come for comfort, for views of the Little Pigeon River, and for proximity to music and culture that feels authentic. This project was exactly that kind of moment – where a space like Gatlinburg becomes more than a backdrop, it becomes a character in the story.
