Shows / 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Hosted by working composer and long-time professor Dave Kropf, the 52 Cues Podcast takes you inside the real world of production music, library music, and sync licensing – breaking down cues, unpacking industry insights, and sharing candid conversations with fellow composers and publishers.
Weekly episodes deliver practical strategies, creative inspiration, and insider information to help you land more placements and build a sustainable career in sync.
Episodes
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
The Secrets of Tasking Cues
In this episode, we’re unpacking tasking cues – the music that underscores moments of focus, pacing, and process in reality TV and beyond. We’ll talk about…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
What Does "Editor-Friendly" Mean?
In this episode, I unpack what it really means to write an editor-friendly cue. We’ll look at the six essentials that reduce friction in the edit bay and I'll…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Writing Melodies That Work
In this episode, I unpack my approach to writing melodies that really work inside production music cues. I walk through how I build motivic ideas, how modes…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Unlocking the Secrets of Reference Cues
In this episode, I share a simple framework I created to help composers break down and study reference cues. You’ll learn how to listen for the musical…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Must-Know Tips for Music Conferences
In this episode, I share practical tips for navigating music conferences without feeling overwhelmed. From what to bring and how to prepare, to approaching…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
How to Write Investigative Tension Cues
In this episode, we’re unpacking investigative tension cues – those cerebral, clue-assembling moments that show up everywhere from crime and dating shows and…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Vacation Fails & Life Lessons
In this episode, Mrs. 52 Cues joins me to talk about our recent vacation that started with noisy cabins, wrong turns, and even a dropped pizza. But somewhere…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Prep Like a Chef: The Composer’s Mise en Place
In this episode, I show how the French cooking concept of mise en place can streamline your cue-writing process. You’ll learn five practical steps to get…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
The 4 Stages of Learning Any DAW
In this week’s episode, I compare learning a new DAW to learning a new language – and share where I’m at in my own journey toward “speaking” Ableton Live…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Chomp and Circumstance
In this episode, I’m joined by band director and composer Brandon Psenicka, whose eerie reimagining of the classic graduation march – complete with creepy…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Your Sync Questions, Answered!
In this episode, I’m playing submissions from our latest Composer Quest – “A Whole New Light,” and then we open things up for a live Q&A. We talk stems and…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
5 Failures That Kill Your Creative Output
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the unexpected breakdowns that threaten to bring your entire creative process to a halt. Plus, Dave features “Thoughts…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
How I Think About Light Tension
In this episode, I’m again leaning into my professor side to break down one of the most widely used styles in production music: light tension. From tasking and…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Sync Terms You Should Know (But Were Afraid to Ask)
In this week's episode, you're invited into Professor Dave’s classroom as I break down the sync music terms every composer should know – but might’ve been too…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Give Your Cues an Edge That Beats AI
In this episode, I explore one simple, yet powerful way to make your cues stand out in a world where AI is getting better by the minute. Using my latest…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Composers, It’s Time to Leave SoundCloud
In this episode, I talk about why SoundCloud just might be too risky for production music composers. From AI policy concerns to publishers turning away cues…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Ask Dave Anything (LIVE)!
In this episode, I’m answering your questions live – from piano mixing and cue layering strategies to how many libraries you should pitch to at once. We also…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Why Your Metadata (Probably) Sucks (with Mrs. 52 Cues)
In this episode, I’m joined by Mrs. 52 Cues (Shannon Kropf) to talk about the one thing composers love to avoid: metadata. We’ll unpack why it matters, where…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Pomp and Circumstance – Composer Quest LIVE!
In this episode, we host a live listening party for our latest Composer Quest: Pomp and Circumstance, where 52 Cues community members were challenged to…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Even More Inconvenient Truths About Production Music
From rejection to relationships, I unpack five more hard truths every production music composer needs to hear, but probably hasn’t. Plus I feature a recent…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
The Four "C's" of Success
In this episode, I break down the Four C’s of Success – a practical framework to help composers stay clear, creative, and on track from start to finish. Plus I…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
These 5 Small Choices Can Mean Huge Growth
In this episode, I’m sharing five small daily choices, plus a bonus one, that can quietly shape your growth and long-term success as a production music…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
An Editor Tells Why Great Cues Get Cut! (with Biagio Messina)!
In this episode, veteran TV producer and editor Biagio Messina joins me to talk about how cues actually get used in real-world productions – and what composers…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
These Climbers Made the Summit of Expedition 52!
In this episode, I’m joined by composers who completed the 2024 Expedition 52 composer quest – a year-long challenge to write one cue and give one piece of…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
They Went From Returns to Real Placements (with Michael Reschke)!
Michael and Yuka Reschke were doing everything right… but still felt stuck. In this episode, we talk about what changed, how they found their lane, and how…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
This Dramedy Cue Gets Placed Over and Over!
In this episode, I’m breaking down one of my most placed cues to show what makes a great dramedy cue – and why this quirky genre continues to deliver…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Stop Overthinking Chords with This Simple Tool!
Struggling with chord choices or feeling overwhelmed by music theory? I’m sitting down with Chordii co-founder Ian McClellan to talk about how this simple tool…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Can Samples Save This Hip-Hop Cue?
Sometimes a cue just needs a little extra something, so in this episode, I’m jumping into the DAW, opening up Splice and Serato Sample, and showing my…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
7 Keys to Great Collaborations
Teaming up with other composers not only lightens the workload, it pushes you creatively and can open doors to opportunities you wouldn’t have on your own. But…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Reworking, Repurposing, and Reinventing Your Cues with SCAMPER
Feeling like all your cues are starting to sound the same? In this episode, we’re talking about the SCAMPER model, a simple but powerful creativity tool that…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Do Sync Composers Need Branding? (with Andy Gesner)
In this week's episode, I’m joined by Andy Gesner of HIP Video Promo to talk about why personal branding is becoming harder to ignore – and how production…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Production Music Q&A – LIVE!
In this week's episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, we're doing a live Ask Me Anything session! I answer questions about sync licensing, production, and…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
The State of AI in 2025 (with Timothy Andrew Edwards)
In this week's episode, I’m welcoming back Timothy Andrew Edwards to talk about how AI is already affecting gigs, contracts, and the production music industry…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
How to Stay Grounded When Sync Feels Overwhelming
Today we’re talking all about how the ancient philosophy of stoicism can help production music composers stay grounded, focused, and resilient in the…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Sync Trends for 2025 (with Timothy Andrew Edwards)
This week, I’m joined by production music heavyweight, Timothy Andrew Edwards ,to talk about the trends shaping 2025 – from the growing demand for vocal cues…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
How To Work Smarter, Not Harder
In this episode, I’m sharing six practical strategies to help you streamline your workflow, save time, and stay creative – from reusing sounds and organizing…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Looking Back on 2024 and What's Ahead for 2025
On this final episode of the year, I’m reflecting on 2024 – the milestones, lessons learned, and highlights from both my personal journey and the 52 Cues…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
The 3 Keys to a Long (and Happy!) Career
Feeling stuck on what you should be writing? This week, I’m unpacking three keys to building a sustainable and fulfilling career in production music. Plus…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Why Does it Take So Long to Get Paid?
From concept to cash, I’m breaking down the complete timeline of a production music cue so you’ll know exactly what to expect on your path to those sweet…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
What Defines the "Mood" in a Cue?
In today's episode, Dave's talks about mood, and he unpacks how he communicates emotions in his cues by shifting three primary musical elements. Watch this…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
It's Episode 200! What Have I Learned?
In this epic 200th episode, Dave shares lessons learned from four years of the 52 Cues Podcast, working towards sustainability, growth, and embracing…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Understanding Ominous Tension
In this episode, we revisit the art of crafting ominous tension cues as Dave explores the harmonic and rhythmic techniques behind these cues, emphasizing…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Is Originality Overrated?
In this episode, Dave questions whether originality is overrated in production music, suggesting that unique expression matters more than being entirely…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
How to Use Transition SFX
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…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Collaboration is King (with Dale Grisa)
In this episode, Dave welcomes Detroit-based pianist and composer Dale Grisa about his journey from performing thousands of gigs to creating production music…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Ask Me Anything!
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…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Conferences, Colons, and Storms (Oh My!)
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…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
One on One with Jason Graves
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…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Writing Epic Hip-Hop for Sports
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…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Christmas In July Winners!
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…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Cue Review – LIVE!
In this special live podcast episode, Dave reviews cues written by the 52 Cues Community! Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
How To Use Story Beats to Structure Trailer Cues
In this episode, Dave explores the fascinating connection between storytelling and music structure, particularly in trailer cues, and he breaks down how…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
What Makes a "Good" Cue?
In this episode, Dave unpacks the essential elements that make a cue truly stand out in the competitive world of production music. He explores the…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
How Do I Stay So Positive?
In this episode, Dave shares four key strategies he relies on to maintain a positive mindset, even when the music industry throws its toughest challenges his…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Christmas In July Composer Quest Live!
In this episode, we host a special live voting session for the Christmas in July Composer Quest, where participants' cues are showcased across three…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
How PROs Support Composers (with Erin Collins, SESAC)
In this episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave welcomes Erin Collins, Senior Vice President of TV/Film and Creative Services for SESAC, to discuss her journey…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Are Production Music Composers Going Extinct?
In this episode, we discuss the impact of technology and AI on the production, library, and sync music industry, drawing parallels to the career of Academy…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
How To Use Your Superpower (with Nathan Toft)
In this episode, Nathan Toft, winner of the What's Your Superpower Composer Quest, shares his journey into production and library music. He discusses embracing…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Understanding Orchestral Articulations
In this episode, we're digging into orchestral articulations in the DAW. We'll be exploring BBCSO, which features a wealth of fantastic articulations, and…
- 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast
Getting Into Film Scoring (with Scott Mclaughlin)
For many, including myself, film music remains the Holy Grail. While I love writing production music for libraries, scoring to picture is a rewarding and…