SINGER-songwriter Horse McDonald knows a thing or two about the music business having racked up 20 years at the top since her debut album The Same Sky.


The Fife-born star, who has toured with Tina Turner and has been described as one of Scotland’s all time best female vocalists, yesterday gave a masterclass to budding professional musicians at Paisley Arts Centre.


She enthralled her audience at the sell-out event with her experiences of singing, songwriting and dealing with major record labels, as well as running her own label.


It formed part of a three-day festival, Bring It All Home, inspired by Paisley-born singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty who died in January 2011, aged 63.
More than 400 people came to hear leading music industry stars giving their top tips and sharing their experience of building a career in the music industry. The event is now in its third year. Keynote speakers include the management team behind chart acts Biffy Clyro and Prides, Dee Bahl and Ally McCrae. Artists, performers, musicians and the creative industries aim to share and exchange cultural knowledge and ideas. 


The day also featured top notch professionals with a wealth of experience in the music scene including festival organisers, agents, digital distribution and publishing experts and money gurus – all essential sources of information for up-and-coming musicians.


The event is organised by Renfrewshire Council in association with Active Events and Hit the Road and Create, and forms part of the push for Paisley to be nominated UK City of Culture 2021.


Council leader Mark Macmillan said: “Paisley’s most famous son – Gerry Rafferty – was the inspiration for the festival and it is great to see up-and-coming music talent being nurtured by the overwhelming talent speaking here.”