52 Cues Podcast

By Dave Kropf

What's 52 Cues Podcast about?

A weekly podcast dedicated to all things production and library music where we talk about industry topics and take deep dives into the different aspects of being a working production music composer. 

Download our free app to listen on your phone

52 Cues Podcast episodes:

05.16.2024
Sync Gems, Part 1 (with Roy Matz)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
05.10.2024
Production Music Q&A LIVE!
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
05.02.2024
5 Career Lessons I Learned from Star Wars
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
04.25.2024
What's Your Superpower?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
04.17.2024
The Habits of Success (with Jelle Dittmar)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
04.11.2024
Parkinson's Law and Composers
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
04.04.2024
Evolving in the Music Industry (with Timothy Andrew Edwards)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
03.28.2024
Let's Talk Sync Agents (with Chuck Milan)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
03.21.2024
From Pews to Production Music (with Jeff Hargrove)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
03.14.2024
Where Are Your Bottlenecks?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
03.08.2024
Cymbal Slice Composer Quest LIVE!
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
02.29.2024
We Need To Talk About AI... Again
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
02.22.2024
Hacking Music Theory with Music Interval Theory
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
02.16.2024
Ready for Sync? Live!
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join us for a special Ready For Sync? LIVE! event where I give feedback on cues from the 52 Community!Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/wG0GUg2wPJsCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal...
02.08.2024
Software Synths Demystified (with Jon Audio)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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,...
02.01.2024
What Are You Afraid Of?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
01.25.2024
What Can Golf Teach Us About Production Music?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
01.17.2024
From Beats to Banjos (with Ryan Harlin)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
01.10.2024
How to Handle Discouragement (a Family Roundtable)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
01.04.2024
What Should You Look for in a Mentor?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
12.31.2023
Looking Back on 2023 and What's Ahead for 2024
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
12.28.2023
I Just Turned 50 and I'm Just Getting Started!
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.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...
12.26.2023
Is This Orchestral Hip-Hop Cue Ready for Sync?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as we check out if this orchestral hip-hop cue from 52 Cues community Member, Ms. JujuBeatz, is ready for sync!Is your cue ready for sync licensing and library placement? Head...
12.21.2023
A Library Wants My Cue! What Now?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Today, we're unpacking the chain of events that kicks off once library says "yes" to your cue. We'll discuss the importance of handling contracts and dive into the intricacies of deliverables, including...
12.19.2023
Is This Spanish Guitar Cue Ready for Sync?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as we check out if this Spanish guitar cues from 52 Cues Family Member, Michal Pacalaj, is ready for sync!Is your cue ready for sync licensing and library placement? Head...
12.15.2023
Is This Festive Christmas Cue Ready for Sync?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as we check out if this epic festive Christmas cues from 52 Cues Community Member, James Oakden, is ready for sync!Is your cue ready for sync licensing and library placement?...
12.14.2023
The Classically Trained Synthesist (with Jameson Nathan Jones)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Jameson Nathan Jones is a classically trained composer who has found a bridge between classical piano and modern synthesis. Oh, and he isn’t afraid to call it like it is!On this week's...
12.07.2023
Production Music Q&A LIVE!
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Joni me for another Production Music Q&A - recorded live!Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/Wy82VcNq5N0Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal...
12.05.2023
Is This Synthwave Cue Ready for Sync?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as we check out if this 80’s Synthwave cue from 52 Cues Community Member, Jakob Forslund, is ready for sync!Is your cue ready for sync licensing and library placement? Head...
11.30.2023
6 Career Lessons I Learned from Star Trek
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Star Trek is more than just an entertainment franchise; it's a trove of valuable life lessons. The series offers timeless wisdom about embracing diversity, being adaptable, and fostering alliances – lessons that...
11.23.2023
The Power of Gratitude, Grace, and Forgiveness
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.The transformative power of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness is undeniable. These principles wield immense influence in our lives, shaping our personal and professional journeys, and in this week's episode, Shannon and Dave...
11.22.2023
Is This Dark Dramedy Cue Ready for Sync?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as we check out if an dark dramedy cue from 52 Cues Community Member, Alan Moore, is ready for sync!Is your cue ready for sync licensing and library placement? Head...
11.16.2023
How To Think Like a Publisher (with Jason Rudd)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Publishers and library owners play a critical role in finding homes for our cues and building relationships with these folks is a mission critical skill for any sync music composer. Today,...
11.14.2023
Is This Epic Hip-Hop Cue Ready for Sync?
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as we check out if an epic orchestral hip-hop cue from 52 Cues Community Member, Karsten Wilck, is ready for sync!Is your cue ready for sync licensing and library placement?...
11.09.2023
I Suck at Guitar (and That's OK)!
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Have you ever wondered why picking up a new instrument feels like unlocking a superpower? In this episode, I explore how immersing myself in the world of guitar has reinvigorated music’s magic,...
11.07.2023
Spy Dramedy Cue Review
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as a give feedback on a spy dramedy cue by 52 Cues community member, Simon Tong.Watch this on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/XXIIYgdW91ICymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a...
11.03.2023
Arabian Orchestral Cue Review
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as a give feedback on an Arabian orchestral cue by 52 Cues community member, Mark Morgon-Shaw.Watch this on YouTube!https://youtu.be/-g0QbLp4lVYCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a...
11.02.2023
Orchestration Recipes (with Philip Johnston)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.If you’ve been watching my videos for any length of time you know I love to use metaphors to break down complex topics, and I have found a kindred spirit in composer...
10.26.2023
Fright Night Composer Quest Live Showcase!
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Ready for a bone-chilling journey through soundscapes from comedic to terrifying? We promise to thrill you with 19 mind-bending cues as we navigate the murky depths of horror and comedic music. Not...
10.24.2023
Hybrid Horror Cue Review
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as a give feedback on a hybrid horror cue by 52 Cues community member, John Dupont!Watch this on YouTube!https://youtu.be/j45zcbO6yAQCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a...
10.19.2023
Coming Up Through the Ranks (with Jonas Friedman)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Name-brand composers often employ teams of ghost writers and composers assistants to help get their projects over the finish line. While an accomplished film/TV composer himself, Jonas Friedman joins me today to...
10.17.2023
Uplifting Piano & Orchestra Cue Review
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as a give feedback on an uplifting piano and orchestra cue by 52 Cues community member, Jake Cox!Watch this on YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjRMlqjtVhMCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX...
10.12.2023
How to Find the Art in Artisan (with Hans York)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Today I welcome production music veteran and 52 Cues member, Hans York to the podcast to talk about his journey into production music, his role and experiences with Sync Academy and Sync...
10.10.2023
Sound Design Trailer Cue Review
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as I give critique and feedback on a sound design trailer action cue by 52 Cues community member, Topi Jokinen!Watch this on YouTube!https://youtu.be/cNzKM_yl87QCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with...
10.05.2023
Who Needs Spitfire's Abbey Road 1st Violins??
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Spitfire's latest orchestral release, Abbey Road Orchestra 1st Violins, offers an unparalleled level of control, but with an eye-watering price of $449 for just one section It begs the questions: who is...
10.03.2023
Indie Acoustic Cue Review
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as I give critique and feedback on an indie acoustic cue by 52 Cues community member, Robert Raede!Watch this on YouTube!https://youtu.be/Hd52aotLsKkCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX...
10.03.2023
Orchestral Sports Cue Review
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as I give critique and feedback on an orchestral sports cue by 52 Cues community member, Mike Breidegam!Watch this on YouTube!https://youtu.be/yiLWlXkD8AkCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX...
10.03.2023
Emotional Piano & Strings Cue Review
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as I give critique and feedback on an emotional piano & strings cue by 52 Cues community member, Reed Gesteland!Watch this on YouTube!https://youtu.be/1Eok-XMY46YCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with...
10.02.2023
Sports Rock Cue Review
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.Join me as I give critique and feedback on a sports rock cue by 52 Cues community member, Jesse Carrigan (https://www.jessecarrigan.live)!Watch this on YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwR4XsdnZ-ECymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal...
09.28.2023
Can Subscriptions Actually Be Done Right? (A Roundtable)
Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.In today's episode, Dave delves into the debate around software subscriptions, drawing insights from 52 Cues Family members from across the globe. In this roundtable discussion, we explore the complexities of subscriptions,...

What's 52 Cues Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

52 Cues Podcast episodes:

Sync Gems, Part 1 (with Roy Matz)

Production Music Q&A LIVE!

5 Career Lessons I Learned from Star Wars

What's Your Superpower?

The Habits of Success (with Jelle Dittmar)

Parkinson's Law and Composers

Evolving in the Music Industry (with Timothy Andrew Edwards)

Let's Talk Sync Agents (with Chuck Milan)

From Pews to Production Music (with Jeff Hargrove)

Where Are Your Bottlenecks?

Cymbal Slice Composer Quest LIVE!

We Need To Talk About AI... Again

Hacking Music Theory with Music Interval Theory

Ready for Sync? Live!

Software Synths Demystified (with Jon Audio)

What Are You Afraid Of?

What Can Golf Teach Us About Production Music?

From Beats to Banjos (with Ryan Harlin)

How to Handle Discouragement (a Family Roundtable)

What Should You Look for in a Mentor?

Looking Back on 2023 and What's Ahead for 2024

I Just Turned 50 and I'm Just Getting Started!

Is This Orchestral Hip-Hop Cue Ready for Sync?

A Library Wants My Cue! What Now?

Is This Spanish Guitar Cue Ready for Sync?

Is This Festive Christmas Cue Ready for Sync?

The Classically Trained Synthesist (with Jameson Nathan Jones)

Production Music Q&A LIVE!

Is This Synthwave Cue Ready for Sync?

6 Career Lessons I Learned from Star Trek

The Power of Gratitude, Grace, and Forgiveness

Is This Dark Dramedy Cue Ready for Sync?

How To Think Like a Publisher (with Jason Rudd)

Is This Epic Hip-Hop Cue Ready for Sync?

I Suck at Guitar (and That's OK)!

Spy Dramedy Cue Review

Arabian Orchestral Cue Review

Orchestration Recipes (with Philip Johnston)

Fright Night Composer Quest Live Showcase!

Hybrid Horror Cue Review

Coming Up Through the Ranks (with Jonas Friedman)

Uplifting Piano & Orchestra Cue Review

How to Find the Art in Artisan (with Hans York)

Sound Design Trailer Cue Review

Who Needs Spitfire's Abbey Road 1st Violins??

Indie Acoustic Cue Review

Orchestral Sports Cue Review

Emotional Piano & Strings Cue Review

Sports Rock Cue Review

Can Subscriptions Actually Be Done Right? (A Roundtable)