Kevin MacLeod | Stock Music Composer | Full Interview

Kevin MacLeod, the composer behind the vast Incompetech royalty-free music library, discusses his career trajectory from Wisconsin to New York and his philosophy on democratizing music access. By releasing his work under Creative Commons, MacLeod prioritized widespread usage over restrictive licensing, a strategy that led to his music appearing in countless online videos, including major Minecraft and Fortnite content. He explains that he avoids overvaluing his own work, viewing his music as a utility rather than precious art. Beyond composition, MacLeod addresses his interest in solving real-world inefficiencies, such as creating ad-free tools like graph paper generators and calculators, while embracing the potential of AI to further evolve music production. His approach demonstrates a commitment to open access, challenging traditional industry gatekeeping and the aggressive monetization models common in digital media and gaming.