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 consideration: https://my.52cues.com/posts/74389385

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

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

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

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

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

From concept to cash, I’m breaking down the complete timeline of a production music cue so you’ll know exactly what to expect on your path to those sweet royalty checks.

Watch this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/vVyK-ZvJ20s

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In today's episode, Dave's talks about mood, and he unpacks how he communicates emotions in his cues by shifting three primary musical elements.

Watch this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/fVSKlQLLI40

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this epic 200th episode, Dave shares lessons learned from four years of the 52 Cues Podcast, working towards sustainability, growth, and embracing imperfection.

Watch this on YouTube
https://youtu.be/puqtb1FP0P0

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, we revisit the art of crafting ominous tension cues as Dave explores the harmonic and rhythmic techniques behind these cues, emphasizing drone-based harmony, slow-moving melodies, and evolving layers.

Watch this episode on YouTube
https://youtu.be/_pCP9_MPm7M

Friends and Family, join us for the Dramedy Writing Workshop!
https://my.52cues.com/posts/71524272

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave questions whether originality is overrated in production music, suggesting that unique expression matters more than being entirely original. He discusses techniques like modeling and referencing to meet industry expectations while staying creatively fulfilled.

Watch this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/aM5E-wY0rq8

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave breaks down the art of using SFX like booms, risers, and sweeps to enhance transitions in a cue, demonstrating his approach live on a recent hip-hop track.

Watch this episode on YouTube
https://youtu.be/JkeKZQazOLI

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave welcomes Detroit-based pianist and composer Dale Grisa about his journey from performing thousands of gigs to creating production music and collaborating with top musicians!

Watch this episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/v4SutVFN0Ag

https://www.dalegrisa.com

Expedition 52 Returns!
Embark on the most epic, year-long composer quest from 52 Cues!  Weekly challenges and check-ins help keep your creativity ablaze while collaborations and feedback hone your cues and your critical listening.

Sing up today at https://expedition52.com!

Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com
It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry!

Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams, cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries.

One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching!

Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!