Inky McKay

Inky is a testament to the versatility required to thrive in the modern music industry. While he initially stepped into WaterBear with a singular focus on music production, he quickly evolved into a multifaceted industry professional. Today, Inky balances a demanding full-time role at ROX Promotions with a flourishing career as a DJ. 

His work behind the scenes is exhaustive, covering club night management, artist bookings, staffing, and social media content creation. When he isn’t managing the logistics of the night, he is often found DJing on stage. Inky is known for his underground sound, seamlessly blending anything from UK bass and garage to Brazilian funk and jungle. 

Inky’s journey into music education began with a short online production course. Encouraged by friends to seek a more immersive, “all-round” university experience, he set his sights on Brighton. After a recommendation from a fellow student, he chose WaterBear specifically for the Electronic Music & Business degree. 

He recognised early on that a career in music requires more than just technical skill. “I chose the course due to my love of electronic music, but also because it included the business element,” Inky says. “It seemed like a well-rounded course and more useful for my career.” 

One of the most defining aspects of Inky’s time at WaterBear was the access to professional-grade spaces. Utilising the WaterBear Venue allowed him to bridge the gap between theory and practice. A second-year module focused on putting on a live event proved to be a catalyst, shifting his interest toward the business and promotional side of the industry. 

Inky also highlights the value of the 1-1 mentoring he received. Working closely with tutors like Joe Newman (also known as DJ J-Felix), he was able to access industry contacts and opportunities that directly translated into his professional life. By his final year, his Major Project on music releases ensured he was fully prepared to navigate the complexities of the industry upon graduation. 

Since graduating in 2023, Inky has maintained a relentless momentum. His list of achievements is already significant, including a debut festival DJ set at Secret Garden Party and a playing to a packed-out room at Patterns in Brighton. He even took his talents international, networking his way through South Africa to secure various bookings including a set at Origin Festival. 

Now working full-time in the industry, Inky admits the path hasn’t been without its hurdles. He speaks candidly about the “grind”—the long hours, the financial pressures, and the importance of self-care while chasing opportunities. However, his resilience has paid off, leading to his current residency at Quarters, full time events role and a growing audience for his sets across the country.  

Event Management 

Business Operations 

Music Production 

Live Performance 

Content Creation 

Strategic Planning