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PODCAST

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast

Hosted by working composer and long-time professor Dave Kropf, the 52 Cues Podcast takes you inside the real world of production music, library music, and sync licensing – breaking down cues, unpacking industry insights, and sharing candid conversations with fellow composers and publishers.Weekly episodes deliver practical strategies, creative inspiration, and insider information to help you land more placements and build a sustainable career in sync.

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All Episodes

43:20

How To Work Smarter, Not Harder

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2025/01/08

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/74389385Expedition 52 Returns!Embark on the most epic, year-lon...

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40:40

Looking Back on 2024 and What's Ahead for 2025

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2025/01/02

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/nlpIut1QVlYExpedition 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 collabora...

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23:07

The 3 Keys to a Long (and Happy!) Career

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/12/19

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-wExpedition 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 crit...

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24:47

Why Does it Take So Long to Get Paid?

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/12/12

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-ZvJ20sCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://produc...

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31:58

What Defines the "Mood" in a Cue?

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/12/05

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/fVSKlQLLI40Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://productionmusictools.com/produc...

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49:10

It's Episode 200! What Have I Learned?

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/11/28

Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://productionmusictools.com/products/bowed-cymbals-by-52-cues Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.comIt's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the...

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41:01

Understanding Ominous Tension

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/11/21

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 YouTubehttps://youtu.be/_pCP9_MPm7MFriends and Family, join us for the Dramedy Writing Workshop!https://my.52cues.com/posts/71524272Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal perform...

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48:53

Is Originality Overrated?

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/11/14

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-wY0rq8Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for...

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51:28

How to Use Transition SFX

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/11/07

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 YouTubehttps://youtu.be/JkeKZQazOLICymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https:...

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71:40

Collaboration is King (with Dale Grisa)

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/10/31

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/v4SutVFN0Aghttps://www.dalegrisa.comCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available e...

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71:27

Ask Me Anything!

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/10/24

It's time for another 52 Cues live Q&A! In this episode, Dave Kropf tackles questions from the community, including whether it’s safe to upload tracks to SoundCloud if they’re already on Spotify, how many cues you need for a sustainable income, and the best way to approach bigger libraries. Plus, thoughts on using tempo changes in cues and the importance of synths in modern production music. Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/FtCNXfO3QgECymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundsca...

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74:48

Conferences, Colons, and Storms (Oh My!)

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/10/17

In today's very special episode of the 52 Cues podcast, Dave welcomes back Mrs. 52 Cues herself, Shannon Kropf, for a discussion about the whirlwind of the past few weeks. No cues, no production music topics this week – just conferences, colonoscopies, and (2!) hurricanes! Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/72ZdCTpx0Yo00:00 - Introduction and Welcome Shannon!03:57 - Dave’s Travel Anxiety08:46 - Reflecting on the PMC19:27 - Dave Tries to Get Home37:05 - Being a Grown-Up About Healt...

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97:13

One on One with Jason Graves

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/09/26

In this episode, Dave chats with BAFTA-winning composer Jason Graves, known for his work on blockbuster games like Dead Space, Tomb Raider, and Call of Duty: Warzone. They reminisce about their college days and explore Jason's journey from percussionist to leading industry composer, discussing his creative process and the evolution of game music!Music Composition for Games Coursehttps://elvtr.com/course/music-composition-for-gameshttps://jasongraves.com/Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://yo...

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56:57

Writing Epic Hip-Hop for Sports

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/09/19

In this episode, Dave breaks down his epic hip-hop sports broadcasting cue, "All Up In This," revealing how to create tracks that resonate across various sports platforms. He also shares his eventful week—from preparing for the upcoming Production Music Conference to handling a last-minute request from CBS that didn't go as planned. Stay tuned until the end to hear "Only Ever Onward," nd uplifting trailer cue that took four weeks to complete!Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/VvHU...

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65:55

Christmas In July Winners!

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/09/12

In this episode, Dave sits down with the winners of the Christmas in July Composer Quest: Jenny Goodspeed, Simon Tong, and Ralph Oleski. They discuss their award-winning tracks, their journeys into the world of production music, and how feedback and community have shaped their creative processes.Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/jFwT47fWCiURalph OleskiWebsite: RalphOleski.com Simon TongWebsite : tongy.co.ukSoundCloud : soundcloud.com/simonjtongJenny GoodspeedWebsite: jennygoo...

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138:40

Cue Review – LIVE!

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/09/06

In this special live podcast episode, Dave reviews cues written by the 52 Cues Community!Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://productionmusictools.com/products/bowed-cymbals-by-52-cues Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.comIt's free to post your cues f...

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58:56

How To Use Story Beats to Structure Trailer Cues

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/08/29

In this episode, Dave explores the fascinating connection between storytelling and music structure, particularly in trailer cues, and he breaks down how narrative beats, like those found in novels or movies, can apply to the form and structure of production music. Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/RVx-NaQLazMSave The Cat! by Blake Snyderhttps://amzn.to/3AHyNxjCymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal perf...

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55:42

What Makes a "Good" Cue?

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/08/22

In this episode, Dave unpacks the essential elements that make a cue truly stand out in the competitive world of production music. He explores the often-overlooked qualities that can elevate one cue above another and the fundamental components that every professional cue must have.Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/_y3L1FBkCj4Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for ...

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49:01

How Do I Stay So Positive?

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/08/15

In this episode, Dave shares four key strategies he relies on to maintain a positive mindset, even when the music industry throws its toughest challenges his way. He explores practical approaches to staying resilient, from navigating rejection to pushing through setbacks.Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/UPxRlnp6UrgThe War of Art by Stephen Pressfieldhttps://amzn.to/46OwmF0Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bow...

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110:56

Christmas In July Composer Quest Live!

52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast ·

2024/08/09

In this episode, we host a special live voting session for the Christmas in July Composer Quest, where participants' cues are showcased across three categories: Classic Christmas Magic, High-Energy Holiday, and Acoustic Christmas. Join us as we listen to the submissions, and the community votes on their favorites, with winners receiving exciting prizes and opportunities for music library placements.Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/hH1MzvYc5-AVote now at https://www.52cues.com/vo...

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