Bear McCreary

American composer and musicianTemplate:SHORTDESC:American composer and musician

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**Bear McCreary** (born February 17, 1979) is an American musician and composer of film, television, and video games scores based in Los Angeles, California. He is best known for his work on the reimagined *Battlestar Galactica* television series and for the TV series *Outlander* and *The Walking Dead*. He has also scored for the PlayStation 4 video game *God of War*.
McCreary won an Emmy for his main title of *Da Vinci's Demons*. His most recent Emmy nomination was in 2015 for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series for season one of *Outlander*.

## Early life and education

McCreary was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and spent most of his formative years in Bellingham, Washington. He is the son of author Laura Kalpakian and professor Jay McCreary of University of Hawaii. His brother, Brendan McCreary, is also a musician. Bear has directed and produced several music videos for Brendan's band, Young Beautiful in a Hurry. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1997.

He is a classically trained pianist and self-taught accordionist. He studied under the renowned film score composer Elmer Bernstein during which time he reconstructed and reorchestrated Bernstein's 1963 score for *Kings of the Sun*. Their collaboration allowed for the complete score to be available as a soundtrack album for the first time in 40 years.

## Career

### Television

#### *Battlestar Galactica* and *Caprica*

Main articles: Music of Battlestar Galactica (reimagining) and Music of Caprica
In 2003, McCreary worked under primary composer Richard Gibbs on the three-hour miniseries which served as a pilot for the reimagined series of *Battlestar Galactica*. When the show was picked up, Gibbs opted not to devote full-time to the regular series' production, and McCreary became the sole composer. He worked on the series until it reached its conclusion in 2009, scoring over 70 episodes. To date, six *Battlestar Galactica* soundtrack albums have been released, and have garnered a great deal of critical acclaim and commercial success. The soundtracks for seasons two and three ranked amongst Amazon.com's Top 30 Music Sales on their first days of release.

McCreary composed for the *Battlestar Galactica* prequel series *Caprica* and *Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome*.

#### *Human Target*

McCreary provided the score for the series *Human Target* (based on the comic book of the same name). The pilot episode and main theme score had been recorded with a full orchestra. The series has the distinction of having one of the largest orchestras on television.

The score to the finale of season one, "Christopher Chance", used the largest orchestra ever assembled for episodic television, and he took the opportunity to rerecord the main title theme with a new orchestration with this larger ensemble.

In July 2010, he received his first Emmy nomination for the *Human Target* main title.

In a post on his blog on July 25, 2010, McCreary announced the new creative leadership brought in for season two had not asked him to return for it, and he would be leaving the series.

#### Black Sails

The opening title sequence was composed by McCreary with a backing sea shanty inspired theme. It accurately features an instrument of the period in the form of the hurdy-gurdy.[*citation needed*]

#### Outlander

McCreary has composed the soundtrack for each of the 5 seasons (2015-) of Outlander with the main title being sung by long time collaborator and partner, Raya Yarbrough. McCreary was nominated for an Emmy for the song "Sassenach" in 2015. McCreary and Yarbrough have gained may admirers for their work on this show.

#### Other series

During Comic-Con 2010, Bear McCreary attended panels for AMC's *The Walking Dead* and NBC's *The Cape* to announce he would be composing the score for both television series.

On July 15, 2013, McCreary announced that he will compose the score for ABC's series *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.* On September 4, 2015, McCreary released the official *Agents of SHIELD* soundtrack publicly.

McCreary served as orchestral producer for the rock opera *Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem* airing on Adult Swim on October 27, 2013. This is a continuation of the Metalocalypse universe following the band Dethklok. The music features a 50-piece orchestra. The soundtrack was released on October 29, 2013.

### Films

McCreary made his theatrical feature film scoring debut with *Step Up 3D* and has scored several direct-to-video features, including *Rest Stop*, *Rest Stop: Don't Look Back*, and *Wrong Turn 2: Dead End*.

Bear has scored three films with director Joe Lynch (of *Wrong Turn 2*), the latest being *Everly* which includes "Silent Night", a duet with his spouse, Raya Yarbrough. McCreary's latest feature film scores are for *The Cloverfield Paradox*, released February 4, 2018, *Tau* in 2018, and then 2019's *Godzilla: King of the Monsters* and *Child's Play*.

### Video games

McCreary made an eight-bit rendition of the *Dark Void* theme, which was, originally, an April fools joke. However, the theme was used for the prequel, *Dark Void Zero*. He composed all the songs in an eight-bit fashion by connecting the wires on an actual NES console and cartridge to create authenticity.

He arranged James Rolfe's *The Angry Video Game Nerd* "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" parody "You're a Mean One, Mr. Nerd" for the 2010 Christmas special, with orchestra and eight-bit audio elements.

McCreary also performed with his orchestra band live at Sony's E3 2016 press conference throughout the show and composed the score of the new *God of War* game.

## Personal life

McCreary married singer/songwriter Raya Yarbrough in 2010. They have collaborated on the music of *Battlestar Galactica*, ‘’Outlander’’, *Defiance*, *Da Vinci's Demons*, among other projects. Their daughter Sonatine, named after the musical term *sonatina*, was born on June 2, 2014.

## Other influences

McCreary credits composers Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, Danny Elfman, Ennio Morricone, John Williams, Shirley Walker as being key to his growing up adoring film music. They were his heroes while he was growing up. Contemporary composers including Hans Zimmer continue to inspire McCreary's growth.

## References

1. ↑ Weisman, Jon. "LIVE From the Creative Arts Emmys". *Variety*. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
2. ↑ "67th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". Television Academy. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
3. ↑ McCreary, Bear (October 13, 2011). "'I Don't Want to Die a Virgin' Music Video!". BearMcCreary.com. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Relyea, Kie (January 12, 2005). "Score for the Stars: Bellingham High grad now composes for 'Battlestar Galatica[[:Template:Sic]]'". *The Bellingham Herald*. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2017 – via BearMcCreary.com. URL–wikilink conflict (help)
5. ↑ McCreary, Bear (June 7, 2006). "ScoreKeeper interviews *Battlestar Galactica*'s Bear McCreary!!!". Interviewed by ScoreKeeper. AintItCool.com. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Biography". BearMcCreary.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2009. Retrieved April 13, 2009.
7. ↑ Sepinwall, Alan (June 22, 2008). "Sepinwall on TV: Michael Giacchino and Bear McCreary, score keepers". *The Star-Ledger*. Archived from the original on March 21, 2009. Retrieved March 18, 2009.
8. ↑ Ryan, Maureen (June 16, 2008). "'Battlestar Galactica' provides some Earth-shattering 'Revelations'". *Chicago Tribune*. Archived from the original on March 29, 2009. Retrieved March 18, 2009.
9. ↑ McCreary, Bear (July 25, 2009). "Human Target Screens Today". BearMcCreary.com. Retrieved July 26, 2009.
10. ↑ Burlingame, Jon (July 8, 2010). "Emmy Music Nominations Announced". *FilmMusicSociety.org*. Archived from the original on August 17, 2010. Retrieved July 8, 2010.
11. ↑ McCreary, Bear (July 25, 2010). "I Am Leaving 'Human Target'". BearMcCreary.com.
12. ↑ Fitzpatrick, Kevin (July 23, 2010). "Comic Con 2010: The Cape Casts a Mighty Shadow". *Ugo.com*. UGO Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 27, 2010.
13. ↑ Nguyen, Hanh (July 23, 2010). "'Walking Dead' reveals trailer, taps Bear McCreary as composer". Zap2it.com. Archived from the original on August 28, 2010. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
14. ↑ Boucher, Geoff. "'Agents of SHIELD': Clark Gregg's 'commanding presence' calls the tune for composer Bear McCreary". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
15. ↑ "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Original Soundtrack Album)". Amazon.com. September 4, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
16. ↑ Hartmann, Graham (October 17, 2013). "Dethklok, 'Blazing Star' – Exclusive Song Premiere". *Loudwire.com*. Townsquare Media. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
17. ↑ Yamato, Jen (July 2, 2010). "Exclusive: 'Step Up 3D' Billboard Art Premiere!". Cinematical.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2010. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
18. ↑ Barton, Steve (March 10, 2015). ""Silent Night" music video by Raya Yarbrough & Bear McCreary, directed by Joe Lynch". Dread Central. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
19. ↑ Diener, Matt (April 2011). "Interview with Bear McCreary (April 2011)". Squareenixmusic.com. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
20. ↑ Napolitano, Jayson (December 16, 2010). "Bear McCreary Vs. The Angry Video Game Nerd: A Christmas Special". Original Sound Version. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
21. ↑ Davis, Justin (June 13, 2016). "E3 2016: New God of War Announced". IGN.com. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
22. ↑ McCreary, Bear (February 24, 2009). "I'm Getting Married!!". BearMcCreary.com. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
23. ↑ "Malibu Wedding Photographer". Archived from the original on September 5, 2010. Retrieved January 15, 2014.
24. ↑ McCreary, Bear. "Sonatine Yarbrough McCreary". BearMcCreary.com.
25. ↑ Barnett, Barbara (July 29, 2016). "A Conversation with Outlander Composer Bear McCreary". Original Sound Version. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
26. ↑ FITZ (April 26, 2011). "Music Review: Bear McCreary – Human Target Soundtrack". *Seattle Post-Intelligencer*. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
27. ↑ Weisman, Jon (September 15, 2013). "LIVE From the Creative Arts Emmys: Tracking the winners at Sunday's Creative Arts ceremony". *Variety*. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
28. ↑ McCreary, Bear (September 14, 2011). "Battlestar Galactica Solo Piano CD". BearMcCreary.com. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
29. ↑ "The Music of Battlestar Galactica for Solo Piano". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
30. ↑ "Rest Stop – Don't Look Back: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
31. ↑ "Zom-B-Movie Soundtrack". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
32. ↑ "Europa Report". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
33. ↑ "Knights of Badassdom". iTunes Store. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
34. ↑ "Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie". iTunes Store. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
35. ↑ "Everly". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
36. ↑ "The Forest". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
37. ↑ "The Boy". Amazon. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
38. ↑ "10 Cloverfield Lane (Music from the Motion Picture)". Amazon. Retrieved March 15, 2016.
39. ↑ "10 Cloverfield Lane – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2XLP". MondoTees.com. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
40. ↑ "Colossal". Amazon. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
41. ↑ "Rebel in the Rye". Amazon. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
42. ↑ "Unrest". Amazon. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
43. ↑ "Happy Death Day". Amazon. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
44. ↑ "Revolt". Amazon. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
45. ↑ Bear McCreary, *The Cloverfield Paradox*, ASIN B079LV52GR
46. ↑ "Hell Fest". Retrieved October 12, 2018.
47. ↑ "I Still See You". Retrieved October 12, 2018.
48. ↑ "Eureka". La-La Land Records. Archived from the original on May 1, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
49. ↑ "Terminator – The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Original Television Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
50. ↑ Maureen Ryan (January 23, 2009). "'Battlestar Galactica' veterans move on to 'Caprica'". *Chicago Tribune*. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
51. ↑ "Battlestar Galactica: The Plan and Razor (Original Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
52. ↑ "Human Target (Original Television Soundtrack – Season 1)". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
53. ↑ "Human Target: Limited Edition (3CD-Set)". La-La Land Records. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
54. ↑ McCreary, Bear (September 20, 2011). "The Cape Soundtrack CD". BearMcCreary.com. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
55. ↑ "A Very Eureka Christmas (Original Holiday Soundtrack From the Television Series)". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
56. ↑ "La-La Land Records Re-Engages in the Cylon Wars With Two New Soundtracks Composed by Bear McCreary". CineMedia Promotions. February 5, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
57. ↑ "Da Vinci's Demons (Original Television Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
58. ↑ "Defiance (Original Television Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
59. ↑ "Music of Bear McCreary Featured on CAPRICA Original Soundtrack, Out 7/30". Broadway World. July 25, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
60. ↑ "The World of Steam: The Clockwork Heart – EP". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
61. ↑ "Black Sails (A Starz Original Series Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
62. ↑ "Da Vinci's Demons – Season 2 (Original Television Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
63. ↑ "Outlander (Original Television Soundtrack), Vol. 1". iTunes Store. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
64. ↑ "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Original Soundtrack Album)". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
65. ↑ "Outlander, Vol. 2 (Original Television Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
66. ↑ "Da Vinci's Demons (Original Television Soundtrack from Season 3)". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
67. ↑ "Outlander: Season 2 (Original Television Soundtrack) by Bear McCreary on Apple Music". iTunes. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
68. ↑ "The Walking Dead(Original Television Soundtrack)". Amazon. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
69. ↑ "Outlander: Season 3 (Original Television Soundtrack)". Amazon. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
70. ↑ "Outlander: Season 4 (Original Television Soundtrack)". Amazon. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
71. ↑ "Dark Void (Original Video Game Score)". iTunes Store. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
72. ↑ "SOCOM 4 (Original Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
73. ↑ "SOCOM 4: Limited Edition (2-CD Set)". La-La Land Records. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
74. ↑ "Moon Breakers – EP". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
75. ↑ "Defiance (Original Video Game Soundtrack)". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
76. ↑ "Assassin's Creed Syndicate: Jack the Ripper (Original Game Soundtrack) – EP". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
77. ↑ "God of War (PlayStation Soundtrack)". Amazon. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
78. ↑ "Temporal Distortion – Single". *Apple Inc*. iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
79. ↑ "You Are My Home (feat. Brendan McCreary) – Single". *Apple Inc*. iTunes Store. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
80. ↑ "Da Vinci's Demons (Main Title Theme) – Single". *Apple Inc*. iTunes Store. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
81. ↑ "I Forever – Single". *Apple Inc*. iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
82. ↑ "Play For Japan: The Album". iTunes Store. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
83. ↑ "The Walking Dead: AMC Original Soundtrack, Vol. 1". iTunes Store. Retrieved November 21, 2013.

## External links

* Bear McCreary on IMDb
* Official website
* MAFgest 2016 interview
* Audio Interview on GeeksOn!
* "Of Duduks and Dylan: Negotiating Music and the Aural Space in *Battlestar Galactica''*, by Eftychia Papanikolaou; chapter in *Cylons in America: Critical Studies of Battlestar Galactica*, edited by Tiffany Potter and C. W. Marshall, 224–236. New York and London: Continuum, 2007.

Template:Bear McCreary