Malcolm “Bubba” McCarthy is an award-winning musical director, multi-instrumentalist, and producer working across live performance, recorded music, and screen. Known for his versatility and artist-focused approach, McCarthy’s work spans international touring, television and film placements, and contemporary artist development.

As a musical director and live musician, Bubba has collaborated with artists including Brit Award-nominated John Newman, ARIA Music Award winner Matt Corby, Saya Gray, Zak Abel, and Absolutely amoungst others, performing on keys and drums across major festivals, international tours, and broadcast performances. His experience on stage is matched by an extensive career behind the scenes, where he is recognised for building cohesive live shows that translate recorded works into fresh and compelling performances.

An established sync writer, Bubba’s catalogues are represented by Shutterstock and Abbey Road, with over 100 placements across television and film. His compositions have featured in BBC productions. His track Game Face received a nomination for Best R&B Song/Soul at the Production Music Awards.

Alongside his work as a writer and musical director, Bubba is a highly sought-after keyboardist and drummer. He has played with a myriad of artists, including Jennifer Hudson, the legendary Pet Shop Boys, and top-charting Rita Ora. His work as a keyboardist and assistant musical director on ITV's Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream. He is also active within gospel music, performing and directing projects at KXC. His contributions as producer and live musician include album releases such as Battle, and  Pull Me Through, which won Song of the Year 2023 at the Step Forward Awards.

As a producer and songwriter, Bubba has written and produced on Ella Henderson's album, Everything I Didn't Say in collaboration with Bif Stannard (Spice Girls) and  Ed Drewett (One Direction).  He has also produced music for primetime television series, including The X Factor. Internationally, he has written for the K-pop market, including Next To Me by ATBO, which has amassed over 24 million views worldwide.

Bubba trained at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, where he was awarded the Best Drums Prize in 2012. His foundation as a multi-instrumentalist underpins his work as a producer and musical director, shaping his approach to arrangement, sonic detail, and performance dynamics.