52 Cues - A Production Music Podcast

Mar 06 2025 239 ep. 49 mins 19
52 Cues - A Production Music Podcast artwork

Your weekly insight into all things production music, library music, and sync licensing! 

Hosted by Dave Kropf, a production music composer, podcaster, and educator based in Orlando, Florida.

His credits include CBS Sports (NFL, PGA, NCAA and more), NFL Network, The Golf Channel, FOX Sports, ESPN, ABC, Netflix, Sony, Amazon, Showtime, Disney, Discovery, Animal Planet, OWN, TLC, The History Channel, USA, TBS, E!, Bravo, TNT, TruTV, and many others.

  Music  Arts  Education
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Can Samples Save This Hip-Hop Cue?

Mar 06 2025 50 mins  
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

7 Keys to Great Collaborations

Feb 27 2025 81 mins  
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 Disco

Reworking, Repurposing, and Reinventing Your Cues with SCAMPER

Feb 20 2025 79 mins  
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 mode

Do Sync Composers Need Branding? (with Andy Gesner)

Feb 13 2025 66 mins  
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 contempl

Production Music Q&A – LIVE!

Feb 06 2025 75 mins  
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,

The State of AI in 2025 (with Timothy Andrew Edwards)

Jan 30 2025 51 mins  
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 Dis

How to Stay Grounded When Sync Feels Overwhelming

Jan 23 2025 35 mins  
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/S9

Sync Trends for 2025 (with Timothy Andrew Edwards)

Jan 16 2025 87 mins  
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

How To Work Smarter, Not Harder

Jan 08 2025 44 mins  
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

Looking Back on 2024 and What's Ahead for 2025

Jan 02 2025 41 mins  
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 Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes w