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From shaping the worlds of God of War Ragnarök, The Walking Dead, Battlestar Galactica, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power to creating one entirely his own, it was an absolute privilege to spend some time with Bear McCreary. We talked about “The Singularity: Ekleipsis,” due out July 31 via Sparks & Shadows Records, and what it meant to step beyond composing for other stories to build a universe driven completely by his own creative vision.

We also explored Bear's incredible range of influences behind the record, bringing together progressive metal, cinematic storytelling, folk traditions, and an all-star lineup of collaborators into something uniquely his own. From the difference between composing and being an artist to the challenge of translating a project this ambitious to the live stage, this was a conversation about fearless creativity, constantly pushing boundaries, and never being afraid to build something entirely new.

Stay connected with Bear McCreary, visit: https://bearmccreary.com/, https://www.instagram.com/bearmccreary, and https://www.facebook.com/BearMcCrearyOfficial/

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Ten years in the making, Prairie feels like the record David Osterhout had been chasing since the earliest days of Bike Routes. We caught up with David to talk about finally bringing that vision to life, the influence of growing up in New Jersey, and how home can be both the place that shapes us and the place we spend a lifetime trying to understand.

We also dive into the incredible range of influences behind Bike Routes—from Bruce Springsteen and My Chemical Romance to death metal, literature, and everything in between—and how those worlds naturally coexist in his songwriting. It’s a conversation about identity, perseverance, and the creative journey that ultimately led to Prairie. One of more underrated albums of the year is out now via Blue Grape Records.

Stay connected with Bike Routes, visit: https://bikeroutesnj.com/, https://www.instagram.com/bikeroutesnj/ and https://www.facebook.com/BikeRoutesNJ/

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Some records don't just tell stories—they open old rooms and invite you inside. In the latest edition of IUF, Lynsey Ward and Jonny Knight of Exploring Birdsong discuss "Every House We Built," the band's debut album out now via Long Branch Records. The conversation explores the years-long journey behind the record, using houses as a metaphor for relationships, and why this became their most personal and vulnerable collection of songs to date.

What makes Exploring Birdsong so compelling is their refusal to fit neatly into one category. Progressive rock, cinematic arrangements, alternative textures, and pop sensibilities all coexist while never losing sight of the emotion at the center of the music. This episode dives into heartbreak, grief, resilience, and the beauty of embracing what makes a band truly unique. If you've been searching for a band that feels both ambitious and deeply human, Exploring Birdsong might just be your next obsession.

One of the most unique pieces of work you will hear in 2026. "Every House We Built" is out now worldwide via Long Branch Records.

Stay connected with Exploring Birdsong, visit: https://exploringbirdsong.com/, https://www.instagram.com/exploringbirdsong/ and https://www.facebook.com/ExploringBirdsong/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/