52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast

The quest:  showcase your particular, extraordinary abilities! Whether your strength lies in crafting compelling rhythms, enchanting melodies, masterful mixing, innovative sound design, or anything in between, in this episode we listen to the 10 submissions and you get to vote! Voting is open through June 9! https://www.52cues.com/vote Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ZTnDzugndvw Wha...

Now, I know what you're thinking—you’re probably sick of hearing about AI. I know I’m sick of talking about AI and the constant handwringing about it, but recent events have brought AI screaming to the forefront. During a recent live stream, I used Sumo AI to generate a custom reference track, but after the session, I was hit with not one, not two, but four copyright notices for the same sect...

In this episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave continues his interview with Roy Matz of the Sync Gems podcast and Roy discusses the challenge of overcommitting and the importance of authenticity in the sync industry. He shares how his passion for superhero movies fuels his music career and reflects on balancing creative expression with commercial demands. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu....

In this episode of the 52 Cues podcast, we chat with Roy Matz of the Sync Gems podcast about his transition from beatboxing to music production and the importance of authenticity in the industry. We explore personal growth, recognizing when to move on from past identities, and the significance of setting goals. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/8XJwSmHrxeQ 00:00 - Intro & welcome...

In this live Q&A episode of the 52 Cues podcast, Dave tackles questions on the importance of reference tracks, offering tips on using them creatively while analyzing harmonic structures, instrumental textures, and rhythmic languages. He also talks about LUFS targets for quiet music, layering strategies for various cue types, managing low-end frequencies in hip-hop, the impact of AI on music, a...

In this episode, Dave Kropf explores lessons from Star Wars that can be applied to production and library music. He discusses the importance of using references effectively, the developmental journey from novice to expert, and the balance between artistry and commercial viability. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/7yFNZFZ7uqk 00:00 - Intro & welcome 01:28 - Weekly check-in 08:03...

In this episode of the 52 Cues podcast, we explore "superpowers"—those innate skills that emerge naturally and effortlessly. We talk about recognizing these abilities, understanding their value, and applying them effectively within the production music industry to ensure both success and personal fulfillment in your career! Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/8dEbZDy3OgE 00:0...

Tune in as Dave Kropf hosts music producer Jelle Dittmar in a dynamic episode of the 52 Cues Podcast. Explore how online networking catapulted Jelle into a major album deal with an LA music library, plus uncover the secrets to forging lasting industry relationships. Learn about the role of live elements in music production, advances in remote collaboration technology, and Jelle's dedication t...

Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. In this episode, Dave discusses how this concept applies to the world of production music, and how it impacts efficiency, decision-making, and creativity in music production. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5i2nXHdbh6I 00:00 - Intro & welcome 02:02 - Weekly check-in 09:49 - Main Topic:...

In this episode, composer and publisher, Timothy Andrew Edwards, shares insights from his journey in production music, emphasizing the role of networking, creativity, and organization. He discusses balancing work with personal interests and the need for multiple income streams. Join us as we discuss the importance of standing out through originality, effective organization, and building trust in t...

On this episode, I welcome Chuck Milan who shares insights into the evolving role of sync agents, music libraries, and the legal intricacies involved in music production and distribution. We chat about the challenges and strategies for artists looking to navigate the sync licensing landscape, and Chuck shares his perspective on the balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability along...

In this episode, Dave welcomes Jeff Hargrove back to the podcast. They catch up on Jeff's progress in the past year, including his success in getting placements on CBS Sports and signing with multiple libraries, along with his experience starting a YouTube channel and the next steps in his career! Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/35vAVbOW188 What if you could turn a simple pian...

In this episode, Dave explores some common bottlenecks that can impede our workflow and creativity. From finding motivation, choosing the right sounds, to mastering the technicalities of music production, Dave helps you navigate these obstacles, including setting routines, utilizing music briefs, and managing the balance between creative and technical tasks. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://...

The quest - create a cue with the provided bowed cymbal samples, much like a sushi chef expertly prepares their ingredients! This challenge encouraged participants to slice, dice, stretch, and creatively manipulate the samples in any way imaginable, transforming these sounds into something uniquely theirs, and showcasing their ability to innovate and design sound with precision and creativity. Vot...

In this week's episode of the 52 Cues podcast, we dive back into the topic of AI, spurred by OpenAI's recent release of their text-to-video engine, Sora, which presents both stunning and unsettling advancements in AI-generated content. Dave reflects on the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI in creative industries and stresses the importance for  composers to elevate their craft beyond t...

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Frank and TC from the Music Interval Theory Academy, who introduce a groundbreaking approach to music composition. By focusing on a three-step composing process that veers away from traditional music theory, they offer new creative strategies and methods that not only challenge conventional composing techniques but also opens up a world of innovation for...

Join us for a special Ready For Sync? LIVE! event where I give feedback on cues from the 52 Community! Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/wG0GUg2wPJs 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 free workshop, we'll pull back the curtain on my composition workflow that...

Today, Dave welcomes synth guru, Jon Audio ( @jonaudio ) and they delve into the world of synthesizers, discussing favorites like Zebra, Omnisphere, and Vital, highlighting the importance of user-friendliness, third-party support, and learning through presets. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/6Jp263rPPbE 00:00 - Intro & welcome 01:52 - Weekly check-in 06:47 - Software synths dem...

Pursuing a career in any creative industry, whether it's production music,  film scoring,  game music, or even being a painter, is filled with uncertainty. What fears keep you up at night? What are you afraid of? In this episode, I unpack six different fears that you might be struggling with and give you some tips on how to overcome them! 00:00 - Intro & welcome 01:48 - Weekly check-in 06...

Join me as I welcome 52 Cues Family member, Shane Jensen, who in addition to being an accomplished musician was also once a professional golfer. In this episode we discuss how his time on the links has translated to his time in the studio and what lessons can be learned by learning golf. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/FQ1Z1bI_vPs 00:00 - Intro & welcome 01:48 - Weekly check-in...

If you've watched any music production tutorials out on YouTube, I guarantee you you've at least heard this man's voice. My guest joining me today is a singer, a songwriter, producer, music educator, the senior creative lead at Reason Studios, Ryan Harlin, and chat about everything from how he found himself making Reason tutorials, how Reason fits into his workflow, and how the banj...

Whether it's getting rejected from a client, ghosted from a publisher, getting placements that pay pennies to the dollar, or never getting placements at all, this gig can be pretty brutal at times. So how do we deal with that? This week, I thought it would be a really good idea to have another 52 Cue Family roundtable and talk about handling discouragement. A huge thanks to Jesse Carrigan, Ro...

Mentors and coaches can play a huge role in guiding you along your career journey, but how do you know when you need one, and what should you look for when looking for a mentor? Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/7hUVOk1mv0w 00:00 - Intro & welcome 02:05 - A small change to our YouTube Vlog format 03:04 - Weekly check-in 04:33 - This week's Expedition 52 cue: "Shanghai A...

Join me as I take a look back on the ups, downs, and challenges of 2023 while also looking forward to what's to come for me and the channel for 2024! Watch this Episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/gvC6_eCKZ_U 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 free workshop, we'll p...

Join me for a special episode marking my 50th birthday, where I reflect on my journey from aspiring band director to becoming a production music composer and educator. I share insights about my 30-year marriage with Shannon, my career transitions, and the lessons I've learned about maintaining work-life balance and embracing personal growth. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/VNG...