52 Cues - A Production Music Podcast
Your weekly insight into all things production music, library music, and sync licensing!
Hosted by Dave Kropf, a production music composer, podcaster, and educator based in Orlando, Florida.
His credits include CBS Sports (NFL, PGA, NCAA and more), NFL Network, The Golf Channel, FOX Sports, ESPN, ABC, Netflix, Sony, Amazon, Showtime, Disney, Discovery, Animal Planet, OWN, TLC, The History Channel, USA, TBS, E!, Bravo, TNT, TruTV, and many others.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 49 minutes
- Episodes
- 262
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
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 they pushed through when quitting seemed ea…
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 consistent placements.
Plus, I’m sharing a new int…
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 can help take the guesswork out of harm…
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 real-time process for using loops, one-shots, an…
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 collaboration only works when it’s done…
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 can help you rethink, reshape, and repurp…
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 music composers can build a presence without…
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 composition!
We talk about the US Copyright Office's…
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 – and what composers need to do to prote…
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 unpredictable world of sync licensing.
Plus, I sha…
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 to why tension music still reigns supreme…
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 your library to simplifying your mix and …
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 community. Plus, I’ll share a sneak peek into…
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, I’ll break down my latest NuDisco-inspired …
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 royalty checks.
Watch this episode on YouTube!
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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 episode on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/fVSKlQLL…
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 imperfection.
Watch this on YouTube
https://youtu.…
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 drone-based harmony, slow-moving melodies, an…
Is Originality Overrated?
In this episode, Dave questions whether originality is overrated in production music, suggesting that unique expression matters more than being entirely original. He discusses techniques like modelin…
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 recent hip-hop track.
Watch this episode on…