Key Facts
- Album release
- The Singularity: Ekleipsis released July 31
- Album availability
- Digital, CD, and vinyl
- Tour dates
- September 8-18, West Coast tour
- Featured artists
- Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, Stewart Copeland, Joe Duplantier, Claudio Sanchez, Steve Vai, Tim Henson, Guthrie Govan, Patrick Stump
- Birth month
- February 1979
- AI stance
- Hesitant, calls it a crutch
Background
Bear McCreary, the composer known for scores across film, television, and video games, sat down with Den of Geek at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. He discussed his latest album, The Singularity: Ekleipsis, his work on Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and his influences from the golden era of film music.
McCreary, born in February 1979, grew up during what he calls 'the greatest era of film music since sound joined film.' He cites composers like Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, Elmer Bernstein, and others as major inspirations. He also discovered rock music through films, noting that bands like Queen and Guns N' Roses felt cinematic to him.
Current Situation
McCreary's new album, The Singularity: Ekleipsis, was released on July 31 and features collaborations with Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, Stewart Copeland, Joe Duplantier, Claudio Sanchez, Steve Vai, Tim Henson, Guthrie Govan, and Patrick Stump. The album is available on digital, CD, and vinyl.
From September 8 to 18, McCreary will embark on a West Coast tour performing music from God of War, Battlestar Galactica, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and his album. He also mentioned a shark movie he scored, set for release on July 27.
| Artist | Band |
|---|---|
| Slash | Guns N' Roses |
| Duff McKagan | Guns N' Roses |
| Chad Smith | Red Hot Chili Peppers |
| Stewart Copeland | The Police |
| Joe Duplantier | Gojira |
| Claudio Sanchez | Coheed and Cambria |
| Steve Vai | Solo artist |
| Tim Henson | Polyphia |
| Guthrie Govan | The Aristocrats |
| Patrick Stump | Fall Out Boy |
Impacts
McCreary's approach to scoring emphasizes concise, memorable musical motifs, which he calls 'two seconds' or a 'haiku.' This method, learned from mentor Elmer Bernstein and director Rob Minkoff, helps build immersive worlds for audiences.
Regarding generative AI, McCreary expressed hesitation, calling it 'a crutch' rather than a threat. He noted that AI emulates existing ideas and lacks the human touch that creates memorable art. He acknowledged a gray area, citing Peter Jackson's use of Massive software for Lord of the Rings, but said he has yet to see AI-generated work that resonates with him.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If AI continues to develop, McCreary suggests it may speed up certain workflows, but he remains skeptical of its creative potential. He is waiting for an AI film or song that truly resonates with people, which has not happened yet.
McCreary's upcoming tour could expand his reach, potentially introducing his music to new audiences. If the album performs well, it may lead to more collaborations with rock and metal artists, further blending cinematic and rock music styles.
Source: denofgeek.com
