52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast

In this week's episode, you're invited into Professor Dave’s classroom as I break down the sync music terms every composer should know – but might’ve been too embarrassed to ask. From PROs to button endings, we’re clearing up the jargon. Plus, I share a no-pizzicato dramedy waltz from my latest Discovery album. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/aV1txmoFwCA What if you could...

In this episode, I explore one simple, yet powerful way to make your cues stand out in a world where AI is getting better by the minute. Using my latest dramedy cue, “Of Mice and Mensa,” as a real-world example, I unpack a creative habit that adds realism, nuance, and authenticity – giving your music an edge the machines just can’t match. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/gp_vsawIZL8...

In this episode, I talk about why SoundCloud just might be too risky for production music composers. From AI policy concerns to publishers turning away cues hosted there, is it time to pull the plug? Plus, I share Optimist Prime –  a dramedy cue written without a single pizzicato string. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/y7BWQ5ZiuIc Other links: https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/09/sound...

In this episode, I’m answering your questions live – from piano mixing and cue layering strategies to how many libraries you should pitch to at once. We also cover reversion clauses, B sections in dramedy and sports cues, and pitching etiquette. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/OOW6O_b9ims What if you could turn a simple piano sketch into a cue that's ready for production music...

In this episode, I’m joined by Mrs. 52 Cues (Shannon Kropf) to talk about the one thing composers love to avoid: metadata. We’ll unpack why it matters, where we go wrong, and how to stop sabotaging our own discoverability. Plus I feature a brand new playful dramedy cue with no pizzicato strings! Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/Rqhy-npPH0k What if you could turn a simple piano sketch...

In this episode, we host a live listening party for our latest Composer Quest: Pomp and Circumstance , where 52 Cues community members were challenged to reimagine the classic graduation march in any genre they wanted – from orchestral to ska, cinematic trailer to chipmunk glitchcore. Vote for your favorites at https://52cues.com/vote! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Mj_xxGFzjn8 Wh...

From rejection to relationships, I unpack five more hard truths every production music composer needs to hear, but probably hasn’t. Plus I feature a recent Indian-infused world hip-hop cue! Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ef1lMcXViHo What if you could turn a simple piano sketch into a cue that's ready for production music libraries, trailers, promos, and television placements?...

In this episode, I break down the Four C’s of Success – a practical framework to help composers stay clear, creative, and on track from start to finish. Plus I feature a new investigation tension cue and give my thoughts on a psychedelic rock cue from 52 Cues member, Fraser Macdermid. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/9tmb-sy3Qps What if you could turn a simple piano sketch into a cu...

In this episode, I’m sharing five small daily choices, plus a bonus one, that can quietly shape your growth and long-term success as a production music composer. Plus I feature one of my cues that I KNOW you've heard before, and I give my thoughts on a soft tension cue from 52 Cues member, keschkau. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/MTUbptGy5R0 What if you could turn a simple pi...

In this episode, veteran TV producer and editor Biagio Messina joins me to talk about how cues actually get used in real-world productions – and what composers can do to make their music easier to work with. Plus I feature a new uplifting corporate rock cue and give my thoughts on a TV Drama cue from 52 Cues member, James Oakden. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/aJPTw3zD4yc Joke Pro...

In this episode, I’m joined by composers who completed the 2024 Expedition 52 composer quest – a year-long challenge to write one cue and give one piece of feedback every single week. We talk about what they learned, how they stayed motivated, and how consistency helped them grow! Plus, I’m sharing a new positive ambient drone cue and I'm reviewing a dark tension cue from 52 Cues family membe...

Michael and Yuka Reschke were doing everything right… but still felt stuck. In this episode, we talk about what changed, how they found their lane, and how they pushed through when quitting seemed easier. Plus, I’m sharing a new epic rock collaboration and I'm reviewing an emotional cinematic cue from 52 Cues member, Simon Armitage. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/CbSzsfqpVEs...

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of my most placed cues to show what makes a great dramedy cue – and why this quirky genre continues to deliver consistent placements. Plus, I’m sharing a new introspective piano cue and reviewing a modern electro funk cue from 52 Cues neighbor, Corey Dee! Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/MmAFNkRt6bE What if you could turn a simple piano sketch...

Struggling with chord choices or feeling overwhelmed by music theory? I’m sitting down with Chordii co-founder Ian McClellan to talk about how this simple tool can help take the guesswork out of harmony. Plus, I’m sharing a new intrigue with hope cue and reviewing a pulsing tension cue from 52 Cues Family member Daniel Rose. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/dxzWXS2Ro-c Get your own C...

Sometimes a cue just needs a little extra something, so in this episode, I’m jumping into the DAW, opening up Splice and Serato Sample, and showing my real-time process for using loops, one-shots, and sample chopping to enhance a hip-hop cue.  Plus, I feature my last Modern Comedy cue and I share my thoughts on a reflective piano cue from 52 Cues Family member, Cory Lavine. Watch this episode on Y...

Teaming up with other composers not only lightens the workload, it pushes you creatively and can open doors to opportunities you wouldn’t have on your own. But collaboration only works when it’s done right, so today we’re talking about seven keys to successful co-writing and how to make sure your next collab is a win-win. Plus, we listen to another modern comedy cue for Discovery Channel, and I sh...

Feeling like all your cues are starting to sound the same? In this episode, we’re talking about the SCAMPER model, a simple but powerful creativity tool that can help you rethink, reshape, and repurpose your music so you can work smarter and keep your ideas fresh. Plus, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on an epic trailer cue by 52 Cues Friend David Gates and featuring my latest modern comedy cue for Di...

In this week's episode, I’m joined by Andy Gesner of HIP Video Promo to talk about why personal branding is becoming harder to ignore – and how production music composers can build a presence without feeling like they have to become content creators. Plus, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on an electronic disco/funk cue by 52 Cues Friend Darko Malcevic and featuring a new contemplative tension cue...

In this week's episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, we're doing a live Ask Me Anything session! I answer questions about sync licensing, production, and composition! We talk about the US Copyright Office's AI ruling, the importance of adding human elements to cues, and what genres are in demand. I also share my approach to mastering stems, how much you can expect to earn with 500 cues, a...

In this week's episode, I’m welcoming back Timothy Andrew Edwards to talk about how AI is already affecting gigs, contracts, and the production music industry – and what composers need to do to protect their careers. Plus, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on a cinematic tension cue by 52 Cues Friend Russ Westfield and featuring a new modern comedy cue I've recently written for Discovery Chann...

Today we’re talking all about how the ancient philosophy of stoicism can help production music composers stay grounded, focused, and resilient in the unpredictable world of sync licensing. Plus, I share my thoughts on a dark fantasy cue written by OG 52 Cues member, Enrico Caporale and feature an intrigue with hope cue of my own. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/S91wDbJSKrQ What if...

This week, I’m joined by production music heavyweight, Timothy Andrew Edwards ,to talk about the trends shaping 2025 – from the growing demand for vocal cues to why tension music still reigns supreme and how composers can stay ahead of the game. Plus, I share my own ominous crime tension cue, “Read Between the Crimes,” and give feedback on a neoclassical action cue from 52 Cues friend, Colin Mosel...

In this episode, I’m sharing six practical strategies to help you streamline your workflow, save time, and stay creative – from reusing sounds and organizing your library to simplifying your mix and using reference cues for structure. Plus, I review Timothy Ackerman’s cyberpunk cue, "Circuit Breaker!" Do you want to have your cue reviewed on the podcast? Click here to submit your cue for...

On this final episode of the year, I’m reflecting on 2024 – the milestones, lessons learned, and highlights from both my personal journey and the 52 Cues community. Plus, I’ll share a sneak peek into what’s coming in 2025 and the goals I’m setting for the year ahead! Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/nlpIut1QVlY What if you could turn a simple piano sketch into a cue that's read...

Feeling stuck on what you should be writing? This week, I’m unpacking three keys to building a sustainable and fulfilling career in production music. Plus, I’ll break down my latest NuDisco-inspired cue, Funk Salad Annie! What this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/8Wv4nxo1v-w What if you could turn a simple piano sketch into a cue that's ready for production music libraries, trailers, pro...