Colin Mackay is a songwriter / singer / performer from Aberdeen, Scotland.
His musical career began at the age of 5 when his Dad bought him his first guitar on a Spanish holiday; he claims the guitar was bigger than him!
Colin reached national acclaim at the age of 16, being placed 3rd out of 600 entrants, writing and performing his own songs in the TSB Rock School competition. Since then Colin has never stopped writing and performing.
Colin’s new album “Do What You Love” was produced by Nashville legend and 8-Grammy Award-winning producer Bil VornDick. It was recorded in the world-famous Quad Studio in Nashville, home to hits from artists including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift.
“Do What You Love” is the result of Colin’s chance meeting with two of Nashville’s finest musicians, Billy Smith and Craig Duncan, at the Speyfest Music Festival. This then resulted in a trip to Nashville where Colin he was introduced to one of Nashville’s top producers Bil VornDick. Bil has recorded over 600 albums in five different genres, had 45 Grammy nominations with eight Grammy winners, establishing himself as one of the top engineer/producers in the music business worldwide.
Spotlight UK Artist interview
Colin describes his time in Nashville as simply “tremendous, working with the best production, in the best studios with some of the best musicians”. When asked about where his writing began, Colin says, “When I was playing covers, I sometimes would forget the lyrics, so I’d make up my own, when it would work I would keep mine!!! The best I’ve written usually happens very fast. “Do What You Love” / “Handle With Care” took around 15mins max each. I was very lucky to meet Bil, for him to want to get involved in a project and record with such great musicians.”
There certainly is a stellar line up of talent on the “Do What You Love” Album. Sonny Garrish (Steel) having played on hits with BB King, Glen Campbell, Billy Ray Cyrus. Mark Fain (Bass) played on hits with The Dixie Chicks, Allison Krauss, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton. Michael Black (Backing Vocals) played on hits with The Jordanaires, Michael Bolton, Kenny Rogers. Vickie Carrico (Backing Vocals) played on hits with ZZ Top, Don McLean, Brenda Lee, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
This Album has a mix of everything for everyone. The fast tracks make you want to turn it up, and the slow tracks make you want to chill out.
