Shows
52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastWhy 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 we go wrong, and how to stop sabotaging our own discoverability.Plus I feature a brand new playful dramedy cue with no pizzicato strings!Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/Rqhy-npPH0k Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video content, discussion threads, articles, and resources which guides you through the entire process...2025-05-221h 0552 Cues - A Production Music PodcastAsk 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 SoundCloud if they’re already on Spotify, how many cues you need for a sustainable income, and the best way to approach bigger libraries. Plus, thoughts on using tempo changes in cues and the importance of synths in modern production music. Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/FtCNXfO3QgE Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video c...2024-10-241h 1252 Cues - A Production Music PodcastConferences, 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 past few weeks. No cues, no production music topics this week – just conferences, colonoscopies, and (2!) hurricanes! Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/72ZdCTpx0Yo00:00 - Introduction and Welcome Shannon!03:57 - Dave’s Travel Anxiety08:46 - Reflecting on the PMC19:27 - Dave Tries to Get Home37:05 - Being a Grown-Up About Health50:06 - Riding Out Hurricane Milton1:05:15 - Lessons Learned2024-10-171h 1552 Cues - A Production Music PodcastWriting Epic Hip-Hop for SportsIn 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 sports platforms. He also shares his eventful week—from preparing for the upcoming Production Music Conference to handling a last-minute request from CBS that didn't go as planned. Stay tuned until the end to hear "Only Ever Onward," nd uplifting trailer cue that took four weeks to complete!Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/VvHU7dS7QQ4 Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self...2024-09-1957 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastChristmas 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 award-winning tracks, their journeys into the world of production music, and how feedback and community have shaped their creative processes.Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/jFwT47fWCiURalph OleskiWebsite: RalphOleski.com Simon TongWebsite : tongy.co.ukSoundCloud : soundcloud.com/simonjtongJenny GoodspeedWebsite: jennygoodspeed.comInstagram: @j...2024-09-121h 0652 Cues - A Production Music PodcastCue Review – LIVE!In this special live podcast episode, Dave reviews cues written by the 52 Cues Community! Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video content, discussion threads, articles, and resources which guides you through the entire process of creating a production music album. Plus you’ll receive a 90-minute, one-on-one session to listen through your album and discuss strategies for library placement. Head over to 52cues.com/accelerator to sign up today!2024-09-062h 1952 Cues - A Production Music PodcastHow To Use Story Beats to Structure Trailer CuesIn this episode, Dave explores the fascinating connection between storytelling and music structure, particularly in trailer cues, and he breaks down how narrative beats, like those found in novels or movies, can apply to the form and structure of production music. Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/RVx-NaQLazMSave The Cat! by Blake Snyderhttps://amzn.to/3AHyNxj Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video content, discussion threads, articles, and resources which guides you through the entire process of crea...2024-08-2959 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastWhat 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 often-overlooked qualities that can elevate one cue above another and the fundamental components that every professional cue must have.Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/_y3L1FBkCj4 Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video content, discussion threads, articles, and resources which guides you through the entire process of creating a production music album. Plus you’ll receiv...2024-08-2256 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastHow 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 way. He explores practical approaches to staying resilient, from navigating rejection to pushing through setbacks.Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/UPxRlnp6UrgThe War of Art by Stephen Pressfieldhttps://amzn.to/46OwmF0 Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video content, discussion threads, articles, and resources which guides you through the entire proc...2024-08-1549 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastHow 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 from high school musician to senior executive. They explore the evolving music industry, including streaming, AI, and SESAC's initiatives to support underrepresented composers.Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/dUN4gSifSEAhttps://www.sesac.com/employee/erin-collins/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2997074/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erincollinsmusic/ SESAC’s Reel Change Grant Programhttps://newmusicusa.or...2024-08-011h 0752 Cues - A Production Music PodcastMore Inconvenient Truths About Production MusicIn 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.Watch this Episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/zVkvio6pfi8First Episode: The Inconvenient Truths About Production Music | 52 Cues Podcast, 2022 Week 35https://youtu.be/-TPllxYYFUgA.I...2024-06-131h 0552 Cues - A Production Music PodcastSync Gems, Part 2 (with Roy Matz)In this episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave continues his interview with Roy Matz of the Sync Gems podcast and Roy discusses the challenge of overcommitting and the importance of authenticity in the sync industry. He shares how his passion for superhero movies fuels his music career and reflects on balancing creative expression with commercial demands. Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/gItND8GfkRMSync Gems Podcasthttps://roymatz1.podbean.comRoy on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@MATZ302...2024-05-2350 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastProduction Music Q&A LIVE!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. Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/2l7ttjV7pw0 Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over...2024-05-101h 1452 Cues - A Production Music Podcast5 Career Lessons I Learned from Star WarsIn 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.Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/7yFNZFZ7uqk00:00 - Intro & welcome01:28 - Weekly check-in08:03 - Main Topic: 5 Career Lessons I Learned From Star Wars10:31 - #1: The force is all around us19:04 - #2: You progress from Padawan to Jedi master26:35 - #3: There must be...2024-05-0256 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastThe Habits of Success (with Jelle Dittmar)Tune in as 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. Watch this episode on YouTubehttps...2024-04-1759 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastParkinson's Law and ComposersParkinson'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.Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/5i2nXHdbh6I00:00 - Intro & welcome02:02 - Weekly check-in09:49 - Main Topic: How Parkinson's Law Impacts Composers12:15 - #1: Efficiency15:36 - #2: Decision making17:27 - #3: Productivity18:57 - #4: Motivation21:53 - #5: Creativity25:08 - Outro and how you can join the 52 Cues community2024-04-1128 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastFrom Pews to Production Music (with Jeff Hargrove)In this episode, Dave welcomes Jeff Hargrove back to the podcast. They catch up on Jeff's progress in the past year, including his success in getting placements on CBS Sports and signing with multiple libraries, along with his experience starting a YouTube channel and the next steps in his career!Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/35vAVbOW188 Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video content, discussion threads, articles, and resources which guides you through the entire process of creating a production music albu...2024-03-2156 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastWhere Are Your Bottlenecks?In this episode, Dave explores some common bottlenecks that can impede our workflow and creativity. From finding motivation, choosing the right sounds, to mastering the technicalities of music production, Dave helps you navigate these obstacles, including setting routines, utilizing music briefs, and managing the balance between creative and technical tasks.Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/VitSKTQ8ofE00:00 - Intro & welcome01:52 - Weekly check-in11:23 - Main topic: Where are you getting stuck?12:55 - #1: Motivation17:05 - #2: What should you write?24:06 - #3: Choosing your sounds30:15 - #4...2024-03-1452 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastWe Need To Talk About AI... AgainIn 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.Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/4dpVR2I4pV400:00 - Intro & welcome01:45 - Weekly check-in11:31 - This week's t...2024-02-2940 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastSoftware Synths Demystified (with Jon Audio)Today, Dave welcomes synth guru, Jon Audio ( @jonaudio ) and they delve into the world of synthesizers, discussing favorites like Zebra, Omnisphere, and Vital, highlighting the importance of user-friendliness, third-party support, and learning through presets.Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/6Jp263rPPbE00:00 - Intro & welcome01:52 - Weekly check-in06:47 - Software synths demystified with Jon Audio09:00 - Overcoming the "fear factor" of programming synthesizers10:42 - What is an oscillator?14:00 - FM synthesis basics15:01 - What is an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)?17:50 - What is granular synthesis?2024-02-0855 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastThe Power of Gratitude, Grace, and ForgivenessThe transformative power of gratitude, positivity, and forgiveness is undeniable. These principles wield immense influence in our lives, shaping our personal and professional journeys, and in this week's episode, Shannon and Dave Kropf delve into the significance and power these concepts hold.Watch this episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/mBfYMDm2-W400:00 - Intro & Welcome01:36 - Gratitude18:27 - Grace28:18 - Forgiveness39:55 - Outro and How You Can Join The 52 Cues Community Join the 52 Cues Album Accelerator – a self-paced program with over 6.5 hours of video con...2023-11-2343 min
Old School Old Friends50 Is The New 30In this episode, Dave and Sol discuss life milestones, aging, and how they've experienced birthdays over the years. From missing out on typical 21st birthday festivities due to boot camp, to how their parents might have felt at their age.Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-11-0631 minOld School Old FriendsGotta Know When to Fold 'EmIn this episode, Dave and Sol chat about the importance of knowing when it's time to move on, drawing from Dave's recent tiring gig and Sol's busy life with school and his relationship. They touch on the need for balance, having a good support system, and being true to yourself when making big decisions.Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-10-3031 minOld School Old FriendsTech and the Modern Student ExperienceIn this episode, Dave and Sol discuss the challenges of balancing school responsibilities and the intricacies of effective note-taking. Solomon shares his academic journey, emphasizing the importance of classroom positioning due to sensory limitations and reflecting on the evolving nature of his academic challenges.Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-10-2333 minOld School Old FriendsShould "Whites Only" Groups Be Allowed?In this episode, Dave and Sol discuss a "whites only" mom and tot group advertisement in Canada, exploring the nuances of cultural identity, heritage, and the challenges of exclusion versus celebration. They contrast this with other exclusive groups, like a women's only group at Sol's school, and reflect on how historical actions influence current societal perceptions.Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-10-1639 minOld School Old FriendsLosing My ReligionIn this episode, Dave and Sol get real about their personal journeys with religion, exploring how their upbringings influenced them and how their beliefs have shifted over time. They candidly discuss their past experiences and the evolution of their religious perspectives.Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-10-0233 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastCan Subscriptions Actually Be Done Right? (A Roundtable)In today's episode, 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.Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/Zi7_MDVTSng00:00 - Intro & Welcome6:40 - Why did the sudden Waves subscription model generate so much negativity?14:07 - How did Adobe get away with a subscription model and Waves couldn't?16:35 - What can subscriptions do that make us...2023-09-281h 00Old School Old FriendsEconomic AnxietyIn this episode, Dave and Sol delve into the pressing economic realities many are facing today. From the looming threat of resumed student loan payments to the tangible bite of inflation at the grocery store and gas station. Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-09-1835 minOld School Old FriendsHurricanes and HomeworkIn this episode, Sol and Dave chat about their experiences with hurricanes and the unique challenges that come with them, from Hurricane Idalia making its presence felt near Dave's home in Orlando to past storms like Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Hugo. They also discuss Sol's journey in psychology, from the demands of coursework and clinical training to the delicate balance of dating amidst a busy schedule. Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-09-1131 minOld School Old FriendsSo Let's Just Dismantle Affirmative ActionIn this episode, Dave and Sol delve into the nuances and implications of the dismantling of affirmative action. From the Supreme Court's decisions to the realities of generational wealth and the impact on education and job opportunities, they explore the intertwining issues of race, equity, and representation. Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-09-0438 minOld School Old FriendsI Like Presidents Who Weren't IndictedJoin Dave and Sol as they delve deep into the unprecedented political climate of the U.S., examining the unique situation of a former president facing multiple indictments. With a historical lens, they question past presidential decisions, like Ford's pardon of Nixon, while drawing parallels to today's polarized environment. Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-08-2834 minOld School Old FriendsWhen Games Get Too RealIn this episode, Dave and Sol discuss the entwined realms of online gaming and real-life friendships. Can a game become too real, a virtual friendship as poignant as its physical counterpart? Can the lines blur, leading to unexpected drama, or can they reinforce bonds, making them stronger than ever? From the heady days of Counter-Strike and Diablo to the intricate social dynamics of World of Warcraft guilds, they ponder on the weight of virtual relationships and how they can impact our real-world connections. Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gm...2023-08-2134 minOld School Old FriendsWhat Happens When AI Hallucinates?In this episode, Dave and Sol dive deep into the intricacies of artificial intelligence in modern academia and other sectors. From the perils of "hallucinated" facts to the evolving nature of songwriting, they touch on both the wonders and worries of relying too heavily on machines. They highlight personal experiences and the recent shockwaves AI has made in the legal world and the blurred lines between man and machine in the world of creativity and research.Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-08-1436 min52 Cues - A Production Music PodcastYou Should Learn Guitar (with 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!Watch this episode on YouTube!https://youtu.be/9aSyxdrQVdE00:00 - Intro & Welcome2023-08-0359 minOld School Old FriendsThe Social Security GambleIn this episode, Dave and Sol, approaching their 50s, discuss fears about social security insolvency upon their retirement. They highlight current system issues like inadequate benefits, tax caps on high earners, and lack of inflation adjustments. Despite recognizing potential solutions like removing tax caps, adjusting retirement age, and tying payments to inflation, they admit these require political courage.Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-07-2840 minOld School Old FriendsYou're Never Too Old to be a GamerOn this week's episode, Dave and Sol dive into a nostalgic conversation about their shared passion for video games. Dave cherishes their weekly World of Warcraft meet-ups, while Sol eagerly anticipates playing Final Fantasy 16 on his new PS5. They also recall their earliest gaming memories, featuring classic consoles like the Colecovision, Atari, NES, and iconic games such as Donkey Kong and Super Mario Brothers.Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-07-2133 minOld School Old FriendsFrom Sails and Masts to Yoga MatsOn this episode, Dave and Sol dive deep into the intricacies of self-awareness, mindfulness, and the art of staying centered amidst life's chaos. Sol explores his journey of self-discovery, explaining how he turned to meditation and yoga after experiencing major life upheavals, and they candidly discuss the challenges of keeping up meditation and yoga routines while providing practical advice for integrating these practices into our fast-paced lives. Healing and Recovery by David R. Hawkins M.D. Ph.Dhttps://amzn.to/43eqzoAHave a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know...2023-07-0535 minOld School Old FriendsShadows over the Sunshine StateIn this episode, Dave and Sol discuss the social and political climate in Florida, exploring the impact of recent travel advisories on the economy and diverse communities. They consider the fallout of discriminatory policies, the future of education, corporate response, and the threat to civil rights, particularly for vulnerable groups. Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-05-2940 minOld School Old FriendsNavigating Social Media for KidsIn this episode, Sol and Dave dive into the world of social media and its impact on children. They discuss the potential pros and cons of social media on the emotional and cognitive development of kids, as well as the role of legislation in regulating children's access to these platforms. Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-05-0836 minOld School Old FriendsTimeshares and Test RetakesIn this episode, Dave and Sol discuss timeshares, homeowners' associations, and Sol's upcoming summer break in Cancun. They touch on the pros and cons of timeshares and compare the pressures of the medical profession to Dave's field of music. Sol shares his recent experience of scoring just below passing on a test for his doctoral program and the support he's received while preparing for his retake.Dave and Sol also explore the challenges in their respective fields, the role of failure as a great teacher, and the potential impact of AI, like ChatGPT, on industries like music...2023-05-0134 minOld School Old FriendsRenting Horror Stories (when Sometimes You're the Villain)In this episode, Dave and Sol reminisce about their varied renting experiences, from apartments to townhouses. They discuss the challenges of noisy neighbors, dealing with property management companies, and the responsibilities that come with renting older houses or high-rise buildings. Both share anecdotes about their past and current living situations, including noise complaints and bug problems.As the conversation unfolds, Dave and Sol humorously recount their adventures in renting different types of properties, touching on aspects like pets, utilities, and maintenance. Their stories serve as a relatable exploration of the ups and downs of the renting experience.2023-04-2434 minOld School Old FriendsDating as a Grownup in the Swiping EraIn this episode, Dave and Solomon continue their discussion on relationships with a focus on dating. The two discuss online dating in 2023.Have a comment, question, or topic suggestion? Let us know at oldschoololdfriends@gmail.com!© 2023 818 Studios.2023-04-1734 min52 Cues - A Production Music Podcast10 Piano VSTs Compared!While I’m not a pianist, I’ve certainly done a fair amount of piano programming as well as lot of research looking for that perfect piano sound. On today's episode I compare ten (yes ten!) piano libraries with examples from meditation to jazz and Beethoven to Debussy.Plus in my Year of Taxi update, we check in on any returns or forwards and take a listen to this week’s submission which is a Stranger Things-inspired synth tension cue, and then I give my thoughts a Cuban salsa cue written by another longtime 52 Cues Community Member, Enrico Capo...2023-04-131h 20