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Bridge the Gap in Your Production Music Skillset and Placements
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Production Music Is A Team Sport
Dave Kropf highlights the importance of community and mentorship in the production music industry. This episode features a unique gathering of the 52 Cues community in Orlando, where members shared music and life experiences, emphasizing support, collaboration, and how personal connections enhance professional growth.
More Inconvenient Truths About Production Music
In this episode, Dave shares five more "Inconvenient Truths" for sync composers, including insights on how to stand out in an increasingly competitive industry and reveals some hard-to-hear realities every production music composer should know.
Plus, we reveal the winner of the "What's Your Superpower" Composer Quest, and Dave talks about rekindling the spark with drumming.
Mastermind | Summer 2024
The 52 Cues Mastermind is the fastest--and perhaps most enjoyable--way to grow your music production skills, network with an elite tier of composers, and explore the discipline, mindset, and motivation needed to find succeed in this business!
Watching the Impact of AI on Music Production
What the AI conversation seems to be lacking in the music industry is answers. I’m seeing lots of discussions about the nature of creativity and the human soul. I'm seeing fewer, but still substantial and needed, conversations about the technology involved in AI music generation. But mostly I’m also seeing lots of worry and projection of fear, which is why I think the most recent 52 Cues Podcast kicked up some conversations around the composer neighborhood.
I Got Copyright Notices for Using AI Loops
Now, I know what you're thinking—you’re probably sick of hearing about AI. I know I’m sick of talking about AI and the constant handwringing about it, but recent events have brought AI screaming to the forefront.
During a recent live stream, I used Sumo AI to generate a custom reference track, but after the session, I was hit with not one, not two, but four copyright notices for the same section of the AI-generated drum loop.
Yeah, we've got some things to talk about.
Sync Gems, Part 1 (with Roy Matz)
In this episode of the 52 Cues podcast, we chat with Roy Matz of the Sync Gems podcast about his transition from beatboxing to music production and the importance of authenticity in the industry. We explore personal growth, recognizing when to move on from past identities, and the significance of setting goals.
Production Music Q&A Live! Podcast Episode
In this live Q&A episode of the 52 Cues podcast, Dave tackles questions on the importance of reference tracks, offering tips on using them creatively while analyzing harmonic structures, instrumental textures, and rhythmic languages. He also talks about LUFS targets for quiet music, layering strategies for various cue types, managing low-end frequencies in hip-hop, the impact of AI on music, and the evolving role of analog vs. digital equipment.
5 Career Lessons I Learned from Star Wars
In this episode, Dave Kropf explores lessons from Star Wars that can be applied to production and library music. He discusses the importance of using references effectively, the developmental journey from novice to expert, and the balance between artistry and commercial viability.
What’s Your Superpower?
In this episode of the 52 Cues podcast, we explore "superpowers"—those innate skills that emerge naturally and effortlessly. We talk about recognizing these abilities, understanding their value, and applying them effectively within the production music industry to ensure both success and personal fulfillment in your career!
The Habits of Success (with Jelle Dittmar)
Dave Kropf hosts music producer Jelle Dittmar in a dynamic episode of the 52 Cues Podcast. Explore how online networking catapulted Jelle into a major album deal with an LA music library, plus uncover the secrets to forging lasting industry relationships.
Learn about the role of live elements in music production, advances in remote collaboration technology, and Jelle's dedication to mentoring the next generation of talent. Perfect for composers at any stage, this episode is packed with actionable insights to fuel your musical journey.
Parkinson's Law and Composers
Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. In this episode, Dave discusses how this concept applies to the world of production music, and how it impacts efficiency, decision-making, and creativity in music production.
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!
Competence and Confidence: The Power of Knowledge
Explore the essence of creativity and music education inspired by “12 Notes on Life and Creativity” by Quincy Jones. Dive into the art and science of music, the importance of internalizing knowledge, and the impact of digital-age learning on creativity. Perfect for musicians, educators, and anyone seeking inspiration.
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.