52 Cues - A Production Music Podcast

Nov 21 2024 224 ep. 47 mins 15
52 Cues - A Production Music Podcast artwork

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

  Music  Arts  Education
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Understanding Ominous Tension

Nov 21 2024 41 mins  
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 -

Is Originality Overrated?

Nov 14 2024 48 mins  
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

How to Use Transition SFX

Nov 07 2024 51 mins  
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 re

Collaboration is King (with Dale Grisa)

Oct 31 2024 71 mins  
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

Ask Me Anything!

Oct 24 2024 71 mins  
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

Conferences, Colons, and Storms (Oh My!)

Oct 17 2024 74 mins  
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 - D

One on One with Jason Graves

Sep 26 2024 97 mins  
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 Courseht

Writing Epic Hip-Hop for Sports

Sep 19 2024 56 mins  
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 Onw

Christmas In July Winners!

Sep 12 2024 65 mins  
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: RalphOles

Cue Review – LIVE!

Sep 06 2024 138 mins  
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/prod