198 episodes

A weekly podcast dedicated to all things production and library music where we talk about industry topics and take deep dives into the different aspects of being a working production music composer. 

52 Cues Podcast Dave Kropf

    • Music

A weekly podcast dedicated to all things production and library music where we talk about industry topics and take deep dives into the different aspects of being a working production music composer. 

    5 Career Lessons I Learned from Star Wars

    5 Career Lessons I Learned from Star Wars

    Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.
    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.

    Watch this episode on YouTube!
    https://youtu.be/7yFNZFZ7uqk

    00:00 - Intro & welcome
    01:28 - Weekly check-in
    08:03 - Main Topic: 5 Career Lessons I Learned From Star Wars
    10:31 - #1: The force is all around us
    19:04 - #2: You progress from Padawan to Jedi master
    26:35 - #3: There must be balance in the force
    33:23 - #4: There will always be trench runs
    38:34 - #5: We need someone in our lives who say "no"
    48:58 - How to join the 52 Cues community
    50:24 - This week's Expedition 52 cue
    53:06 - Outro
    Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://productionmusictools.com/products/bowed-cymbals-by-52-cues 
     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!Support the Show.
    Join the 52 Cues Community for FREE! – https://52cues.com

    Be a 52 Cues FRIEND – https://my.52cues.com/plans/290656?bundle_token=b6502231ec464e7fbe3205c28c27269d&utm_source=manual

    Join the 52 Cues FAMILY –
    https://my.52cues.com/plans/290660?bundle_token=ba116c19700ddb0183c85c707a4a558a&utm_source=manual

    One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available! – http://52cues.com/coaching.

    Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

    • 57 min
    What's Your Superpower?

    What's Your Superpower?

    Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.
    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!

    Watch this episode on YouTube!
    https://youtu.be/8dEbZDy3OgE

    00:00 - Intro & welcome
    05:36 - Weekly check-in
    12:12 - Main Topic: What's Your Superpower
    25:30 - Finding your superpower and leveraging it for production music
    36:03 - What if your superpower isn't production music friendly?
    38:10 - How we deal with our "Kryptonite"?
    44:13 - The "What's Your Superpower" composer quest
    47:00 - How to join the 52 Cues community
    48:03 - This week's Expedition 52 cue
    50:24 - Outro

    Join the "What's Your Superpower" Composer Quest going on now at 52 Cues!
    https://my.52cues.com/spaces/13451427
    Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://productionmusictools.com/products/bowed-cymbals-by-52-cues 
     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!Support the Show.
    Join the 52 Cues Community for FREE! – https://52cues.com

    Be a 52 Cues FRIEND – https://my.52cues.com/plans/290656?bundle_token=b6502231ec464e7fbe3205c28c27269d&utm_source=manual

    Join the 52 Cues FAMILY –
    https://my.52cues.com/plans/290660?bundle_token=ba116c19700ddb0183c85c707a4a558a&utm_source=manual

    One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available! – http://52cues.com/coaching.

    Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

    • 55 min
    The Habits of Success (with Jelle Dittmar)

    The Habits of Success (with Jelle Dittmar)

    Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.
    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 YouTube
    https://youtu.be/NTwgRCS-4SA

    Find Jelle Dittmar online: https://www.jelledittmar.com
    Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://productionmusictools.com/products/bowed-cymbals-by-52-cues 
     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!Support the Show.
    Join the 52 Cues Community for FREE! – https://52cues.com

    Be a 52 Cues FRIEND – https://my.52cues.com/plans/290656?bundle_token=b6502231ec464e7fbe3205c28c27269d&utm_source=manual

    Join the 52 Cues FAMILY –
    https://my.52cues.com/plans/290660?bundle_token=ba116c19700ddb0183c85c707a4a558a&utm_source=manual

    One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available! – http://52cues.com/coaching.

    Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

    • 1 hr
    Parkinson's Law and Composers

    Parkinson's Law and Composers

    Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.
    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.

    Watch this episode on YouTube:
    https://youtu.be/5i2nXHdbh6I

    00:00 - Intro & welcome
    02:02 - Weekly check-in
    09:49 - Main Topic: How Parkinson's Law Impacts Composers
    12:15 - #1: Efficiency
    15:36 - #2: Decision making
    17:27 - #3: Productivity
    18:57 - #4: Motivation
    21:53 - #5: Creativity
    25:08 - Outro and how you can join the 52 Cues community
    Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://productionmusictools.com/products/bowed-cymbals-by-52-cues 
     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!Support the Show.
    Join the 52 Cues Community for FREE! – https://52cues.com

    Be a 52 Cues FRIEND – https://my.52cues.com/plans/290656?bundle_token=b6502231ec464e7fbe3205c28c27269d&utm_source=manual

    Join the 52 Cues FAMILY –
    https://my.52cues.com/plans/290660?bundle_token=ba116c19700ddb0183c85c707a4a558a&utm_source=manual

    One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available! – http://52cues.com/coaching.

    Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

    • 29 min
    Evolving in the Music Industry (with Timothy Andrew Edwards)

    Evolving in the Music Industry (with Timothy Andrew Edwards)

    Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.
    In this episode, composer and publisher, Timothy Andrew Edwards, shares insights from his journey in production music, emphasizing the role of networking, creativity, and organization. He discusses balancing work with personal interests and the need for multiple income streams. Join us as we discuss the importance of standing out through originality, effective organization, and building trust in the industry.

    Watch this episode on YouTube
    https://youtu.be/CZl_U3IzDW0

    00:00 - Intro & welcome
    01:53 - Weekly check-in
    09:06 - Main Topic: Interview with Timothy Andrew Edwards
    23:28 - Thoughts on building industry relationships for folks starting out
    31:14 - The importance of coaching and mentoring
    40:50 - How can composers balance quantity and quality?
    48:40 - The challenges of work / life balance
    55:19 - Outro and how you can join the 52 Cues community

    Reach out to Tim via email
    tae at theteam-llc dot com

    Tim on Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com

    Tim on IMDb
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1597994
    Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://productionmusictools.com/products/bowed-cymbals-by-52-cues 
     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!Support the Show.
    Join the 52 Cues Community for FREE! – https://52cues.com

    Be a 52 Cues FRIEND – https://my.52cues.com/plans/290656?bundle_token=b6502231ec464e7fbe3205c28c27269d&utm_source=manual

    Join the 52 Cues FAMILY –
    https://my.52cues.com/plans/290660?bundle_token=ba116c19700ddb0183c85c707a4a558a&utm_source=manual

    One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available! – http://52cues.com/coaching.

    Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

    • 1 hr
    Let's Talk Sync Agents (with Chuck Milan)

    Let's Talk Sync Agents (with Chuck Milan)

    Reach out! Let us know your questions & comments.
    On this episode, I welcome Chuck Milan who shares insights into the evolving role of sync agents, music libraries, and the legal intricacies involved in music production and distribution. We chat about the challenges and strategies for artists looking to navigate the sync licensing landscape, and Chuck shares his perspective on the balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability along with the future directions of music licensing.

    Watch this episode on YouTube!
    https://youtu.be/Z29vCV5qJs0

    Milan Marketing
    https://milanmarketing.net
    Cymbal SFX - Bowed! Elevate your soundscapes with Cymbal SFX - Bowed—a masterful collection of 68 unique bowed cymbal performances, meticulously recorded for tension-filled tracks and cinematic trailers. Now available exclusively at Production Music Tools!https://productionmusictools.com/products/bowed-cymbals-by-52-cues 
     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!Support the Show.
    Join the 52 Cues Community for FREE! – https://52cues.com

    Be a 52 Cues FRIEND – https://my.52cues.com/plans/290656?bundle_token=b6502231ec464e7fbe3205c28c27269d&utm_source=manual

    Join the 52 Cues FAMILY –
    https://my.52cues.com/plans/290660?bundle_token=ba116c19700ddb0183c85c707a4a558a&utm_source=manual

    One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available! – http://52cues.com/coaching.

    Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

    • 50 min

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