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Can Subscriptions Actually Be Done Right? (A Roundtable Discussion)
YouTube Description: 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, from user perceptions to the strategies of companies like Waves and Adobe.
Exploring Sound Design with Venus Theory
As the world of sound design continues to evolve and innovate, having a firm understanding of the tools, techniques, and trends in the industry is essential. Whether you're an experienced sound designer or a novice looking to break into the field, our conversation with Cameron Gorham of Venus Theory offers invaluable insights to help you navigate this dynamic industry!
Turning Pro
What separates hobbyists from professionals in music composition is not talent, but mindset, accountability, dedication, and an ability to embrace failure! In this episode, we talk patience, persistence, self-actualization, and the acceptance of failure as part of the road to success.
Demystifying the Cue with Dean Krippaehne
There's no shortage of YouTube channels about library and sync music but there aren't that many books about the production music industry. So when I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the few people really putting out great books about production music, I was more than happy to jump at the chance and welcome Dean Krippaehne to the podcast!
Musical Solutions to Mixing Problems
In this episode, we delve into the challenges of juggling both composition and production tasks, and uncover the 'composer first' approach that prioritizes musicality in three key areas: balance, dynamic range, and stereo placement. Learn how this strategy can simplify your workflow, minimize the need for technical fixes, and elevate the emotional impact of your cues.
Q&A LIVE
Join me for a special Q&A episode recorded live! I answer your questions about streaming royalties, loudness and mastering practices, sound design, referencing in Ozone, the artisan approach, ride cymbal programming, overcoming fear of submitting to libraries, and many more!
Standing Out in the Crowd
Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a unique brand in the music industry? Join me as I sit down with Jason Moss, the co-founder of Bulletproof Bear, to unpack his extraordinary journey from being a composer to becoming a music publisher. Jason shares his insights into the value of authentic relationships and how opening your circle to new individuals can make a significant impact.
Do You *NEED* a YouTube Channel?
What if YouTube could make a real difference in your career as a composer? This podcast episode provides an in-depth analysis of how to leverage YouTube for your career growth. Learn about digital sharecropping, cross-promotion tactics, and more!
You Should Learn Guitar | with Guest Mike Meiers
As production music composers, we often find ourselves reaching for virtual instruments first, but we also know that recording live instruments can bring magic to a cue!
On today's episode, I welcome Emmy Award-winning composer, songwriter, guitarist, and host of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Mike Meiers, to talk about how he uses real instruments on his tracks, and how we shouldn't be afraid to pick up a guitar – even if we don't really know what we're doing!
Who Writes Those Plugin Demos?
One of my favorite things to do whenever any new synth, sample set, or patch library comes out is to take a listen to the demos, but who actually puts these demos together, and how do you land that gig?
Well, we are super fortunate to have a very accomplished demo writer right here in the community, and I’m thrilled to welcome Michal Sinay to this week’s episode of the 52 Cues Podcast.
Featured Composer: Michael Reschke
Michael Reschke is a producer who has been a drummer for over 40 years, and a drum and percussion educator for 16 years.
The 5 Lies I Used to (and Still Do) Tell Myself
In the absence of facts, it’s human nature to substitute fears in place of truth, and it seems that no matter how much we grow up and how much we accomplish there are lies we tell ourselves that can keep up from being in the moment or achieving the very success we’re going after.
Featured Composer: Omar Blyde
This track is from Blyde’s album “Orchestral Fantasy.” Have a listen to the track and check out Dave’s feedback!
Left vs Right Brain Thinking for Composers
Our cognitive processes are generally divided into the two hemispheres of our brain. The “left brain” is analytical and logical. The “right brain” houses imagination and intuition. Let’s explore the intersection of neuroscience and composition!
Featured Composer: Jerome Detotto
A lifelong music lover and musician, Jerome performed in nightclubs with rock cover bands in the 1980s. Though he no longer performs live, he continues to write and record music in his home studio. Jerodet Music was created to market his original compositions to the TV and film industry. His music ranges from quirky pop to EDM to orchestral/synth hybrid, and much in between.
How Gaming Makes Me a Better Composer
As a lifelong gamer, I've come to realize that the decades spent leveling characters, looting corpses, and stomping sentient fungus have led to real, tangible skills that have benefited me as a professional composer.
So today, we’re going unpack 5 ways in which gaming can help your career in production music!
Overcoming and Avoiding Burnout
Dave Kropf discusses avoiding burnout in music composition, coping with burnout when it happens, plus self-care and wellness strategies. Learn to deal with strict clients, the repetitive nature of production music, competition, rejection, and more.
PROs Explained
There are a lot of moving parts to getting paid when your music gets placed on TV and as production music composers, the majority of the money we make depends on backend royalties managed by PROs or Performing Rights Organizations.
So on today's episode, I examine the role of PROs, what they do, how they operate, and how they determine how much you get paid.
5 Ways the 80/20 Rule Can Boost Your Career in Production Music
The 80/20 rule, or “Pareto Principle,” is a concept that states that 80% of the outcomes in life can be attributed to 20% of causes, and as it turns out, this principle can also be applied to our development as composers.
On this week’s episode, we unpack 5 ways to use this 80/20 rule to boost our careers in production music, as well as talk about some pitfalls to watch out for if this all goes sideways.
Featured Composer: Kris Claerhout
Kris Claerhout began his "sync" adventure at the beginning of the pandemic, finding great enjoyment in it—and earning a modest income as well. Kris is also a label manager and booking agent.