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Are You Too Old to Start a Music Career?
On today’s show, I sit down and chat with longtime 52 Cues member, and now recent Full Sail graduate, Greg Fellman, who left his career in social work to pursue his dream of being a media composer.
Plus, we listen to three of his cues which were recently selected to be featured during the 2022 Full Sail Hall of Fame induction ceremony!
Will Artificial Intelligence Ever Replace Composers?
Why do we get such anxiety over how technology and AI might one day make us all obsolete? To help us understand why we might get so wound up about the threat of technology, I thought it’d be a good idea to get an historical perspective, so I welcome back Mrs. 52 Cues herself, Shannon Kropf, who takes us on multiple centruries-long journey to show us that technological apprehension is nothing new!
All About the Production Music Association
I sit down and chat with the executive director of the Production Music Association, Morgan McKnight. She answers questions about the organization, what the PMA does for composers in the business!
Never Say Never! (Or Always)
It seems like a lot of professionals in the music industry like to deal in absolutes, so on today's episode I thought it’d be a good idea to talk about why we should probably get rid of absolute words like "never" and "always" from our production music vocabulary.
Podcast Transcripts Available!
You can download transcripts of podcast episodes here at 52 Cues! Whether you need a little extra hand hearing or just prefer to read, we’re here for you.
Making Music Income
This week, Dave talks with Eric Copeland from Make Music Income. Eric’s mission is to help other composers find the many ways they can support a career in music.
The Truth About “Passive” Income
If you’ve done any research on building a music career, chances are you’ve come across the idea of “passive income," which sounds great! The idea of cranking out some cues and then raking in the royalties without having to lift another finger is certainly appealing!
Do We Really Need to Know Music Theory??
Do we have to know music theory as production music composers? I've invited Mrs. 52 Cues herself, Shannon Kropf, who’s quite literally written the book on music theory, to help answer this question!
Tips and Strategies for Maximizing Taxi!
On today's episode, I sit down and chat with two of our own 52 Cues members, Chris Moser and Jeff LaPlante, who seemed to have cracked the TAXI code! We talk tips, strategies, understanding Taxi’s strengths, and discuss the lessons learned in Taxi’s seemingly enigmatic and elusive screening process.
SHOWDOWN! Soundcloud vs Reelcrafter vs Disco
What is the best way now to put your music out there to pitch to libraries? On this week’s episode, I take a look at the three biggest players in the catalog management and playlist space: SoundCloud, Reelcrafter, and Disco. I’m looking at their strengths, weaknesses, and costs. Which service is right for you?
Keeping it Real with Sync My Music
If you’ve been digging around YouTube for Production Music resources for any length time, then I can almost guarantee you’ve come across Jesse Josefsson and the @Sync My Music YouTube channel. I was super excited to be able to chat with him on this week’s 52 Cues Podcast.
The Best YouTube Channels for Media Composers
Back in week 10, I warned about subscribing to educational services that seem to overpromise but will probably underdeliver. Today, instead of talking about what's not working, let’s talk about the YouTubers out there doing it right and had the most influence on me!
Plus we listen to hybrid orchestral hip-hop cue from 52 Cues community member, Omar Blyde!
Featured Composer: Omar Blyde
Congrats to Omar Blyde, 52 Cues Community member. He’ll be featured this week on the 52 Cues podcast. You can get a sneak peak of his hybrid orchestral hip hop cue, “Lost Oceans,” by checking out his SoundCloud.
Should Composers Ever Work for Free?
We all have to start somewhere, and building a career in any creative industry often involves paying your dues, but does that mean we should be giving our music away? We talk about that, plus we listen to an industrial tension cue from 52 Cues community member, Pete Mason!
Are Audio Software Subscriptions Worth It?!
The Internet of things has meant an explosion of opportunity for composers, but with that companies have started to think of new ways of doing business and a new business model: software subscription services. Is it really all that bad?
RANT WARNING: I kind of go HAM on AVID!
Plus, we listen to a cute, "silly" chiptune cue from 52 Cues community member, John Chambers!
Matt Bowdler | The Unfinished
Soundsets from Matt Bowdler have quickly become a staple in my synth toolkit, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with the imagination behind The Unfinished.
Join us as we talk about sound design, creating synth presets, and what it's like to be on the production team for the Oscar winning soundtrack for Dune.