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July 20-24th 2026

Summer Retreat: Brad Cook @ Pachyderm Studios

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In the last few years Brad has served as a producer for Bon Iver, Big Red Machine, Waxahatchee, Hand Habits, Kevin Morby, Whitney, Bruce Hornsby, William Tyler, Phil Cook, the Indigo Girls and Hiss Golden Messenger. He recently won his first Grammy for his work with the legendary Mavis Staples.

This retreat isn’t just about creating more music—it’s about creating music that truly resonates with your authentic self and connects deeply with your audience. You’ll refine your craft, establish sustainable creative habits, and build a foundation that allows your career to grow without burnout.

A four day transformative retreat in picturesque Cannon Falls MN , led by Grammy-winning producer and songwriter, Brad Cook.

What to Expect
❋ Expert Guidance

One-on-one time and group sessions with Brad Cook. Focussed lectures on production, songwriting and engineering.

❋ Collaborative Energy

Connection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.

❋ World-Class Facilities

Nestled into the limestone landscape, the studio building at Pachyderm overlooks a beautiful wooded valley. Spread over 3,500-square feet, it has five isolation rooms and a large, magical live room with views of the creek below. Pachyderm houses one of the most extensive microphone collections in the U.S, along with a huge amount of vintage equipment and outboard gear. 

❋ A Supportive Space

Our retreats prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.

“The studio is where I've always had the most fun — it's where I'm my best self."

Brad Cook is a producer, multi-instrumentalist and consultant based in Durham, NC.  He has worked with a number of different artists as a producer, session musician or touring musician for the last 20 years.

Pachyderm Studios

Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, is best-known as the space where Nirvana recorded their final studio album, In Utero, in the early '90s. Surrounded by acres of secluded woodland, the 3,500-square-foot building has five isolation rooms and a large, magical live room with views of the woods and a trout stream.

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What’s Included

  • Four days and four nights accommodation at Pachyderm Studios

  • One-on-one time and group sessions with producer Brad Cook and his engineer

  • A private in-house chef serving fresh, local, and seasonal meals

  • In-depth classes on production and engineering with Brad Cook

  • 24-hour access to state-of-the-art recording studios, gear, and vintage equipment

  • Personalized guidance and time with Atrium founders, Chrissy and Julia

  • Daily creativity and wellness workshops led by Atrium

  • Nature and sensory experiences to help you reset and reconnect you with your creative flow

  • Your choice of meditation, movement, and yoga sessions

  • A supportive creative community built for creating lasting connections

  • Song sharing and intentional listening breakout groups

Pricing

Shared room, shared bathroom $ 3000

Shared room, private bathroom $ 3500

Private room*, shared bathroom $ 4000

Private room* with private bathroom Price Upon Request

Apply to Attend

Please note: Shared rooms are bedrooms where you will share with another attendee. They have separate beds.

*It is possible for a private room to be shared between two attendees who are happy to share a bed. Please message us directly to discuss pricing.

“I wanted this retreat to remind me why I started, and it did exactly that. The workshops were deeply meaningful, rattling up all kinds of emotions, and I got to bring those emotions to fruition during studio time and while jamming with other attendees. This retreat was exactly what I needed.”

Kinneret, Fall Retreat 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We want to make sure our retreats are the most impactful and enjoyable for everyone who attends. This means vetting our applicants to ensure we curate a dynamic group of dedicated artists.

  • If your application is successful, you will be asked to pay a deposit to secure your spot. The remaining balance will be split into two further payments before retreat begins. If you would like to talk to us about an alternative model, please get in touch.

    Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.

  • Absolutely! We get in touch with all successful applicants ahead of the retreat to register any dietary needs, ensuring you are accommodated during your stay.

  • Accommodation at Pachyderm Studios is very limited and the majority of rooms are designed to accommodate multiple people. Shared rooms are shared between attendees on the retreat and have separate beds. We will be in touch with ahead of time to discuss bunking preferences and make sure everyone is happy and comfortable :)

Still Have Questions? Just Reach out.