News | Podcasts | Articles
Let's Talk Sync Agents (with Chuck Milan)
Explore the vibrant world of music sync with insights from industry expert Chuck Milan in our latest 52 Cues Podcast episode. Discover the roles of sync agents, music publishers, and libraries, and learn valuable tips for making your music stand out for film, TV, and commercials. Gain firsthand knowledge on optimizing song quality, navigating copyright laws, and leveraging social media for sync success. Join us for an enlightening conversation that unveils the secrets to mastering the music sync process and securing lucrative opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Cymbal Slice 2024 | LIVE!
The quest - create a cue with the provided bowed cymbal samples, much like a sushi chef expertly prepares their ingredients!
This challenge encouraged participants to slice, dice, stretch, and creatively manipulate the samples in any way imaginable, transforming these sounds into something uniquely yours, and showcasing their ability to innovate and design sound with precision and creativity.
We Need To Talk About AI...Again
In this week's episode of the 52 Cues podcast, we dive back into the topic of AI, spurred by OpenAI's recent release of their text-to-video engine, Sora, which presents both stunning and unsettling advancements in AI-generated content. Dave reflects on the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI in creative industries and stresses the importance for composers to elevate their craft beyond the low-effort, easily replicable content that AI is beginning to master.
Hacking Music Theory with Music Interval Theory
In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Frank and TC from the Music Interval Theory Academy, who introduce a groundbreaking approach to music composition. By focusing on a three-step composing process that veers away from traditional music theory, they offer new creative strategies and methods that not only challenge conventional composing techniques but also opens up a world of innovation for composers and musicians alike!
Software Synths Demystified (with Jon Audio)
Dave Kropf and Jon Audio explore the art of mastering synthesizers, from the basics of wavetable and FM synthesis to the creative use of LFOs for emotional depth. They offer practical tips for improving your skills and discuss the impact of instrument selection on music, highlighted by the cue "Through Hell and Heartbreak."
What Are You Afraid Of?
In this episode of "The 52 Cues Podcast," Dave Kropf discusses the transformative power of fear in music production, offering insights into overcoming creative and industry challenges. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, he reveals how fear can fuel innovation and success in the evolving music landscape.
What Can Golf Teach Us About Production Music?
Join me in this exciting episode as I introduce Shane Jensen, a distinguished member of the 52 Cues Family. Shane is not only a talented musician but also a former professional golfer. We delve into how his experiences on the golf course have enriched his musical journey. Discover the intriguing parallels and valuable lessons that golf has brought to his artistic endeavors in the studio.
From Beats to Banjos (with Ryan Harlin)
In today's episode, I'm joined by Ryan Harlin, a familiar voice from music production tutorials on YouTube. He's a singer, songwriter, producer, music educator, and senior creative lead at Reason Studios. We'll dive into his journey into creating Reason tutorials, how Reason enhances his workflow, and his surprising passion for the banjo!
How to Handle Discouragement
Whether getting rejected by a client, ghosted by a publisher, getting placements that pay pennies to the dollar, or never getting placements at all, this gig can be pretty brutal at times. So how do we deal with that? This week, I thought it would be an excellent idea to have another 52 Cue Family roundtable to discuss handling discouragement.
A huge thanks to Jesse Carrigan, Rolf Schild, Mark Justin, Michael Sinay, Kristopher Smith, Cory Lavine, and Ralph Martin for joining me on this episode!
Expedition 52: A Year-Long Composer Quest
Your challenge? To compose one cue per week, each a stepping stone towards your personal summit. Whether you are a seasoned production music composer or just beginning your career, Expedition 52 offers a platform to elevate your skills, creativity, and network.
A Library wants my cue! What now?
Today, we're exploring what happens after a library accepts your cue. We'll cover contract management, detail deliverables like file formats and metadata, and examine the library's role in distribution and marketing. Additionally, we'll discuss the patience needed as your music establishes itself in the industry.
How To Think Like a Publisher (with Jason Rudd)
Publishers and library owners play a critical role in finding homes for our cues. Building relationships with these folks is a mission critical skill for any sync music composer. Jason Rudd, an executive producer for award-winning catalog Level 77 Music, offers perspective from the other side of the business.
I Suck at Guitar (and That’s OK)!
Have you ever wondered why picking up a new instrument feels like unlocking a superpower? In this episode, I explore how immersing myself in the world of guitar has reinvigorated music’s magic, sparking a sense of exploration and creativity that has been profoundly transformative!
Coming Up Through the Ranks with Guest Jonas Friedman
Name-brand composers often employ teams of ghost writers and composers assistants to help get their projects over the finish line. While an accomplished film/TV composer himself, Jonas Friedman joins me today to talk about his experiences in the industry and how often times paying your dues can really pay off.
How to Find the Art in Artisan (with Hans York)
We welcome production music veteran and 52 Cues member, Hans York, to the podcast this week to talk about his journey into production music, his role and experiences with Sync Academy and Sync My Music, and what he's been doing lately to stave off creative stagnation.
Who Needs Spitfire's Abbey Road 1st Violins??
Spitfire's latest orchestral release, Abbey Road Orchestra 1st Violins, offers an unparalleled level of detail and programming control, but with an eye-watering price of $449 for just one section, it begs the questions: who is this really for? Has Spitfire lost their way, and is it a smart purchase for the production music composer?
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.
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.