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The Man, The Legend, The Musician , The Producer: Bubba McCarthy
Delivering The Xfactor To Our Ears Every Week: Bubba McCarthy, The Musician and Music Producer That Makes All This Possible.
Bubba drums in the popular DJ Antics vs Drummers events which are a monumental part of The Antics Residency which is held at the Famous Koko Venue one of London’s biggest club nights. He has been nominated for a Brit Award.
Bubba performed with Jennifer Hudson, Cyndi Lauper and even arranged and programmed tracks for Simon Cowell’s girl group “The Girls”. The views for the songs that McCarthy has worked on have passed over 200 million views on Youtube.
Hi Bubba and Welcome to The Hear Up.”
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I’ve had many highlights in my career but I would say playing with Jennifer Hudson has been amazing. She’s an Oscar winner and arguably has one of the best voices in the world. I remember the first rehearsal with her was incredible. I was blown away by her talent.
Out of all the keyboard players in the world, she chose me, so it was humbling!
You’re a hugely successful musician, and producer, what is it like working for some of the top artists in the world?
It’s a huge honor and I have to pinch myself sometimes. No doubt, when I’m working with people of this caliber, it’s very high pressured, but the more you do it, the more you get used to it. The responsibility is huge working for some of these artists. The shows are big, the TV shows are high pressured, so you just have to be consistently at the top of your game.
You are constantly on TV. How does TV performances differ from normal gigs? I’ve done a lot both of which have been very useful. I would say that TV gigs normally have more pressure on them. It’s life, so there is no room for error so everything, from your monitor mix to your instrument set-up has to be perfect. Nothing can go wrong on TV. On a gig, there are techs who are there for any problems that might ensue. Experience does help.
You’re the Musical Director/keyboardist for Ivor Novello winner John Newman? What are the key attributes you need when working for A-list artists?
I would say the key to working with A-list artists is to: have done your homework and be a great communicator. Homework-wise, preparing the set and individual song arrangements are incredibly important. The artist, the band, the management team, the audience. Everyone relies on you to have put everything together. There is no room for error. I’ve played to shows in front of more 50,000 people. My responsibility for each project is very high.
How do you get the work that you do?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the biggest names in the world, from Jennifer Hudson, Cyndi Lauper, and John Newman. My industry is one of the words of mouth so once an artist has seen you work with another big name then they are more likely to call you. My reputation is hugely important to me, and so every project demands my full attention and the best I have to offer.
You also worked as a music director for years while also a music producer. Do you find that those two jobs are very similar?
The two jobs are indeed similar and I think you need the same qualities. Your attention to detail has to be second to know and you have to be super-creative. Everyone is looking for something that helps them stand out, whether it be a track or a musical performance.
You’ve played on the MainStage at Glastonbury. How was that experience?
This was one of the craziest experiences of my life. I was playing drums and I had over 30,000 people watching, screaming and dancing. To be on one of the most iconic stages in the world performing was a humbling experience. A very small percentage of musicians in the world get to experience that, and I was one of them.
You have been the principal keyboard player for Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson. How was that experience?
That was a great experience. Jennifer is one of the biggest artists in the world. She is also one of the nicest humans in the world. She made my job easier. It was a great experience working for her.
Why do people keep coming back to you?
I believe you’re only as good and relevant as your last job, so I try my best to put in the work on every job and also maintain a high standard of excellence. The aim is that people keep calling me back, which amazingly most of my clients have done.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
I would say, number one is to become a master of your craft. Secondly, make sure you’re prepared for every job you get so you’re able to deliver a high level of musicianship to your client. Be creative, be a troubleshooter, and be humble.
Anything, in particular, you’re looking forward to in 2020?
I’m looking forward to a lot of stuff. I’ve got quite a few production projects booked. I’ll be working out of Neilaproduction studios with the producer Nico Farmakalidis and the artist Aika, which I am very excited about. I’ll be also working on albums with Alessia Cara, Tori Kelly, and Demi Lovato. Massive love to Milk & Honey for setting that up. I’ll also be working with the amazingly talented George Solonos on a cool instrumental project! It’s going to be a fun year!
About the Author: Pierre Zarokian is the CEO of Submit Express, an SEO Company, and Reputation Stars, a Reputation Management company. Zarokian also writes for Search Engine Journal publication and has spoken at many industry trade shows.