Bear McCreary on Creating Battlestar’s Soundtrack and His Journey into Music

Hey, everyone! Today, I'm very excited to talk with my good friend and one of the most talented composers I’ve ever met, Bear McCreary! Not only was he the composer for Battlestar Galactica, but he has gone on to work on shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Black Sails, Outlander, The Walking Dead, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
We first met when we were both little babies on Battlestar. I was surprised to find out I wasn’t the only young person on the crew - Bear was the composer at only 24! Today, we're diving deep into his career, how he got interested in music, landed the Battlestar gig, and what he’s working on these days. Which speaking of, Bear just released his new double album and graphic novel project, “The Singularity”. If you like heavy metal and music like Guns and Roses then you’re going to love this because Slash literally plays on this album.
Also, find out how Bear came up with that iconic All Along the Watchtower Battlestar remix and how he convinced me to play it with him live on stage and might again soon! Stick around for the hindsight where I force my producer to listen to me talk about carpet beetles, bed bugs, parasitic wasps, and all that fun stuff.
Produced by Rabbit Grin Productions
Mail Sack Song by Nicolas @producer_sniffles
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[@doomcake2020]

The Battlestar soundtrack was so innovative, it redefined the way we expected SciFi to sound. I listened to and loved the OST before I even got the opportunity to watch BSG! Looking forward to this!

[@Tarod5]

With a budget that was nothing close than most productions. And I'm not talking of big time OST composers like Hans Zimmer. Also the way music influenced the scenario was briliant 🤩

[@doubleohdutch2108]

Also kudos to Katee for interviewing him, it's just too perfect.

[@Rip-Van-Tinkle]

You two have no idea what Battlestar means to me, and bear's music is epic. I have told my wife that when I die, I want Wander My Friends played at my funeral (though hopefully that's a long way off! 😄) Currently introducing my teenage daughter to Battlestar, she loves it and her favourite character?.... Starbuck!

[@doubleohdutch2108]

Bear McReary is currently the best composer there is, plain and simple. His respect for classical instruments and orchestration is unparalleled.

[@TheGeekAuthority]

Bear was so.much fun with his excitement and clear admiration of your friendship with you Katee. Seeing you two play was amazing! Do be afraid, do more performing both of you! Bravo Bear and Katee! ❤️🧡💛💚💙🩵💜

[@jacobdarling1524]

Bear is so cool, I could listen to him talk shop for hours. Just as he dreamed about working with Slash at 15, I dreamed about working with Bear when I was 18 watching BSG. Still do!

[@Metaymaug706]

YESSSS!!! Stuck in a black out due to Hurricane Helene... but this brings up my spirits!!! I have 2 favorite composers.... John Williams is #1... Bear is easily my #2. His BSG work is so moving. His stuff for Rings of Power is so yummy!!!

[@Pareltje333]

Thank you so so much for this awesome interview. On this rainy day here in the Netherlands, it brought a lot of sunshine. Lots of joy and love in my cozy home, and for that I am grateful❤💖😊🎶🎵

[@dwrdwlsn5]

Music makes or breaks any dramatic production. Make Star Wars without John Williams and it just isn't the same. Star Trek, BSG, Babylon 5, Firefly... so many memories.

[@daem0nfaust]

Holy mama, been hoping for a Bear McCreary interview

[@AnthonyPi1999]

Really looking forward to this interview. Two brilliant people in a (virtual) room.

[@StarBoKry]

Bear McCreary is incredibly talented. His scores are always captivating. Great episode.

[@quangobaud]

liked (haven't watched it yet but Katee AND Bear is just an unquestionable win)

[@LelandB-z9t]

I can't believe you're having Bear on !!! This is going to be great.

[@Povlennebo]

I know him from Black Sails ❤❤❤, the opening theme is one of my favorite things

[@mrs.manrique7411]

Whoa, this is PERFECT TIMING

[@kvan8046]

Love this! Musicians are so knowledgeable and song nerds are my jam

[@brianhughes701]

I own all the Battlestar soundtracks along with two Caprica soundtracks because I love Bear’s music. BSG is amazing and when coupled with his music, absolutely phenomenal. Watching these two interact is so cool. I don’t hear the rain, I hear Bear’s music. Great interview Katee.

[@awesomehpt8938]

Bear mccreary+duduk=epic

[@drewrubtheMando]

I listen to the season 4 track Kara Remembers from the episode Someone to Watch Over Me repeatedly (when Kara plays the piano with Slick) because it’s just the best imho. All four are good albums but that’s my favorite track.

[@synetic]

I've been making music in my head all my life, but never took the leap into actually doing it. Something I regret tbh.

[@HLR4th]

I loved the piano scene in the show- reproducing it in a concert was brilliant. Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone for that moment

[@nasa-bohica8516]

Yay another Sackhoff video. ❤❤❤

[@pile333]

McCreary is the artistic heir of John Williams.

[@Mashida_Killzzz]

Smashing I will be up to see this!!✨💕 Gonna be cool when Katee interviews Bear McReary!!✨❤❤❤

[@Aussie27Legend]

I know battlestar is battlestar but shoutout to bear for his reinterpretation of the god of war stuff!

[@Jaxon1776]

I hope they talk about Tricia Helfer. She's dreamy

[@Four9sFineJewelry]

Bear and his BSG score continue to be one of, if not THE most underrated pieces of music of all time.

[@hiltrud2001]

I totally agree!

[@thebl4ckd0g]

OMG YES!!! Bear is absolutely amazing. He is right up there in my top favorite composers with John Williams & Hans Zimmer!!! He has done the music for 4-5 of my favorite shows of all time (BSG, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (I hate you FOX for cancelling this!!!), Walking Dead, Agents of SHIELD, Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power). :)

[@saragoose]

I’ve lately been obsessed (again) with the live album “So Say We All” - I’ve probably listened to it 50 times in the last month while trying to get through a really rough time professionally

[@lyconxero457]

Am I crazy or does Mr McCreary sound very similar to another composer Austin Wintory? They LOOK nothing alike but when I was just listening to the episode it became very evident to me that they have a similar tone and way of speaking that is just exacerbated by the fact that they are both composers with similar influences going off this podcast. I’ve heard Austin speak for years now on another podcast that I watch which has definitely given me a greater appreciation for the craft of composition.

[@joebelarmino7263]

Another wonderful episode! I'm not familiar with Bear but do know his amazing body of work. I look forward to your podcast every week. Thank you!

[@destro6971]

It’s a shame there’s all negativity (mostly deserved but it’s not wholly trash as the rage influencers say) around RoP, Bears score for that show is excellent as always.

[@Orakio]

Class of '98 means Katee graduated in May and then he started in September of 1998 so the two wouldn't have been in high school at the same time.

[@Ma55ey]

Always great to see Bear in an interview.. loved his soundtack for god of war too, he deserves every bit of success he has.

[@thedarkknight2221]

Bear really is on his way to be becoming one of the most prolific and iconic composers of all time

[@shaynedra3331]

Bear! Bear! Bear! It's Bear!!! Thank youuuu, Kateeee!

[@hiltrud2001]

Brief is a german word for letter

[@darkdarkdarkdra]

All along the watch tower!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@georgechris1499]

Loved this episode!!!!!

[@philrm99]

Great conversation

[@rebeccaglaze6679]

Yay!!! So say we all!! ❤

[@east5508]

💚 Such a great chat

[@malcolmgray.5913]

After the jump to Earth the President or the Admiral asked “where did you take us Kara?” , you just sort of sobbed, it said everything without words🤌 Another great show🔥🔥🔥