Best Dave Kropf Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Write True Crime Tension Cues 40:10

Play Pause

1h ago40:10

40:10

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the true crime corner of the light-tension spectrum where I’ll walk you through the sounds, the pulses, and the gritty textures that push this style right up to the edge of ominous tension. Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Dc4c5bXRJK0 Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCraft…

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I Said This Isn’t Art… Was I Wrong? 44:15

8h ago44:15

44:15

In this episode, I revisit the bold 2021 statement that what we do in production music isn’t art and ask if that still holds up in the age of AI. I talk about how technology has shifted the production music world and if the artisan mindset still matters. Plus, we’ll take a listen to my latest hip-hop dramedy cue, "Resting Witch Face." Watch this ep…

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Meet the Exec Who Decides Which Cues Get Used 51:11

18d ago51:11

51:11

In this episode I am joined by Emmy and Mark Award–winning composer and Head of Production at Warner Chappell Production Music, Scott Reinwand, and we chat about how composers can stand out in a crowded catalog. Plus we listen to a recent trip hop tension cue, "Remains to Be Seen." Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/ZShsnfsbLzw https:…

1
The PROs Say Yes to AI Music. Should You? 49:25

25d ago49:25

49:25

In this episode, I unpack what ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN’s new policy on partially AI-generated works means for production music composers. We’ll talk about where the line is between using AI as a creative assistant and letting it compose for you, what this shift means for publishers and libraries, and whether the “stink of AI” will ever really go away…

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A VIP Tour of 52 Cues 50:54

22d ago50:54

50:54

Ever wonder what really goes on inside 52 Cues? In this episode, I’m unpacking how the community works, what each space is for, and how it all ties together to help you grow as a production music composer. Plus, we listen to another tension cue for Shark Week on Discovery! Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/GhXZ-toijh0 Support for the…

1
Why Conferences Matter (PMC 2025 Recap) 54:43

1M ago54:43

54:43

This week, Shannon joins me to unpack her very first Production Music Conference – what it’s really like to meet the 52 Cues community in person, how one simple meetup turned into a full-blown Hollywood party, and why personal connection is still the real currency in this business. Plus we listen to a new investigative tension cue for Shark Week on…

1
Level Up Your Pitches with Reelcrafter 2.5 50:55

1M ago50:55

50:55

In this episode, Sam Hulick and Sara Pocius from ReelCrafter return to talk about the brand-new ReelCrafter 2.5 update, what’s new under the hood, and how it helps composers pitch smarter and present their music professionally. Plus, we’re unveiling a new feature for the Friends and Family of 52 Cues! Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.b…

1
The Secrets of Tasking Cues 43:30

1M ago43:30

43:30

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 what makes them work, where they’re used, and break down one of my own inside the DAW. Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/wzAwYf4O9x8 Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from Ree…

1
What Does "Editor-Friendly" Mean? 38:16

2M ago38:16

38:16

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 walk through a Shark Week investigation cue I recently wrote and put it to the test. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2FoaMZuqekk Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from Ree…

1
Writing Melodies That Work 49:12

2M ago49:12

49:12

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 shape the emotional color of a phrase, and how static melodies can create forward motion without getting in the way. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mTf90xoGIdc Support for the …

1
Unlocking the Secrets of Reference Cues 49:17

2M ago49:17

49:17

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 elements that shape mood and emotion and how to extract those details so you can use them as a blueprint for your own cues! Plus we check out a new Trip Hop crime tension cue, "Hard of Red Herring."…

1
Must-Know Tips for Music Conferences 46:33

2M ago46:33

46:33

In this episode, I share practical tips for navigating music conferences without feeling overwhelmed. From what to bring and how to prepare, to approaching networking in a way that builds real connections at events like PMC, the Taxi Road Rally, or any industry gathering! Plus, we listen to a new ominous intrigue cue, "Shanks for the Memories." Wat…

1
How to Write Investigative Tension Cues 47:20

2M ago47:20

47:20

In this episode, we’re unpacking investigative tension cues – those cerebral, clue-assembling moments that show up everywhere from crime and dating shows and house hunting reveals. Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/yMJaUS776yQ Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music …

1
Vacation Fails & Life Lessons 1:17:19

3M ago1:17:19

1:17:19

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 between the chaos, the hang gliders, and the quiet mountain mornings, we discovered some unexpected lessons about life and what it means to be a composer. Plus, we take a listen to an Italian-…

1
Prep Like a Chef: The Composer’s Mise en Place 37:07

3M ago37:07

37:07

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 organized, work faster, and hit deadlines – plus, I feature my dark, ominous tension cue, "From Inside the House." Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/VB8Jy_jHLo0 Support for the 52 Cue…

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The 4 Stages of Learning Any DAW 47:07

4M ago47:07

47:07

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 fluently. Plus, I feature a new reggaeton-meets-comedy hip hop cue. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pEN_lE0HZyo Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professi…

1
Chomp and Circumstance 42:18

4M ago42:18

42:18

In this episode, I’m joined by band director and composer Brandon Psenicka, whose eerie reimagining of the classic graduation march – complete with creepy vocals from his own daughter – took first place in our recent Composer Quest! Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/OFSRYuqc6TI https://brandonpsenickamusic.com https://www.jwpepper.com…

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Your Sync Questions, Answered! 1:04:10

4M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

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 deliverables, SoundCloud ads, mastering workflow tips, library contracts, and even whether or not you should leave your computer on overnight. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/H9u…

1
5 Failures That Kill Your Creative Output 1:02:11

5M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

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 and Prayers,” a recent ominous tension cue written for a documentary. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/SHb9GCqSlyg Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the pr…

1
How I Think About Light Tension 32:03

5M ago32:03

32:03

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 corporate cues to investigative and true crime textures, we’re unpacking the entire light tension spectrum. Plus, I feature one of my latest hip hop comedy cues, "Cat Gotye Tongue." Watch th…

1
Sync Terms You Should Know (But Were Afraid to Ask) 43:20

5M ago43:20

43:20

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 embarrassed to ask. From PROs to button endings, we’re clearing up the jargon. Plus, I share a no-pizzicato dramedy waltz from my latest Discovery album. Watch this episode on YouTube! https:…

1
Give Your Cues an Edge That Beats AI 26:58

6M ago26:58

26:58

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 dramedy cue, “Of Mice and Mensa,” as a real-world example, I unpack a creative habit that adds realism, nuance, and authenticity – giving your music an edge the machines just can’t match. Watch thi…

1
Composers, It’s Time to Leave SoundCloud 30:27

6M ago30:27

30:27

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 hosted there, is it time to pull the plug? Plus, I share Optimist Prime – a dramedy cue written without a single pizzicato string. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/y7BWQ5ZiuIc Oth…

1
Ask Dave Anything (LIVE)! 1:10:40

6M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

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 cover reversion clauses, B sections in dramedy and sports cues, and pitching etiquette. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/OOW6O_b9ims Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from Re…

1
Why Your Metadata (Probably) Sucks (with Mrs. 52 Cues) 1:05:05

6M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

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 YouTube https://youtu.be/Rqhy-n…

1
Pomp and Circumstance – Composer Quest LIVE! 53:14

6M ago53:14

53:14

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 reimagine the classic graduation march in any genre they wanted – from orchestral to ska, cinematic trailer to chipmunk glitchcore. Vote for your favorites at https://52cues.com/vote! Watch this ep…

1
Even More Inconvenient Truths About Production Music 44:32

7M ago44:32

44:32

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 Indian-infused world hip-hop cue! Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ef1lMcXViHo Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production…

1
The Four "C's" of Success 48:46

7M ago48:46

48:46

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 feature a new investigation tension cue and give my thoughts on a psychedelic rock cue from 52 Cues member, Fraser Macdermid. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/9tmb-sy3Qps Supp…

1
These 5 Small Choices Can Mean Huge Growth 49:53

7M ago49:53

49:53

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 composer. Plus I feature one of my cues that I KNOW you've heard before, and I give my thoughts on a soft tension cue from 52 Cues member, keschkau. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/M…

1
An Editor Tells Why Great Cues Get Cut! (with Biagio Messina)! 1:46:00

7M ago1:46:00

1:46:00

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 can do to make their music easier to work with. Plus I feature a new uplifting corporate rock cue and give my thoughts on a TV Drama cue from 52 Cues member, James Oakden. Watch this episode…

1
These Climbers Made the Summit of Expedition 52! 1:21:34

8M ago1:21:34

1:21:34

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 feedback every single week. We talk about what they learned, how they stayed motivated, and how consistency helped them grow! Plus, I’m sharing a new positive ambient drone cue and I'm reviewing…

1
They Went From Returns to Real Placements (with Michael Reschke)! 1:16:37

8M ago1:16:37

1:16:37

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 easier. Plus, I’m sharing a new epic rock collaboration and I'm reviewing an emotional cinematic cue from 52 Cues member, Simon Armitage. Watch this epis…

1
This Dramedy Cue Gets Placed Over and Over! 58:42

8M ago58:42

58:42

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 introspective piano cue and reviewing a modern electro funk cue from 52 Cues neighbor, Corey Dee! Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/MmAFNkR…

1
Stop Overthinking Chords with This Simple Tool! 1:07:29

9M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

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 harmony. Plus, I’m sharing a new intrigue with hope cue and reviewing a pulsing tension cue from 52 Cues Family member Daniel Rose. Watch this episode on Y…

1
Can Samples Save This Hip-Hop Cue? 49:54

9M ago49:54

49:54

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, and sample chopping to enhance a hip-hop cue. Plus, I feature my last Modern Comedy cue and I share my thoughts on a reflective piano cue from 52 Cues Fa…

1
7 Keys to Great Collaborations 1:20:23

9M ago1:20:23

1:20:23

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 right, so today we’re talking about seven keys to successful co-writing and how to make sure your next collab is a win-win. Plus, we listen to another…

1
Reworking, Repurposing, and Reinventing Your Cues with SCAMPER 1:18:44

9M ago1:18:44

1:18:44

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 repurpose your music so you can work smarter and keep your ideas fresh. Plus, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on an epic trailer cue by 52 Cues Friend David Gate…

1
Do Sync Composers Need Branding? (with Andy Gesner) 1:05:50

10M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

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 feeling like they have to become content creators. Plus, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on an electronic disco/funk cue by 52 Cues Friend Darko Malcevic …

1
Production Music Q&A – LIVE! 1:14:45

10M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

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 AI ruling, the importance of adding human elements to cues, and what genres are in demand. I also share my approach to mastering stems, how much you …

1
The State of AI in 2025 (with Timothy Andrew Edwards) 51:00

10M ago51:00

51:00

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 protect their careers. Plus, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on a cinematic tension cue by 52 Cues Friend Russ Westfield and featuring a new modern comedy cue I…

1
How to Stay Grounded When Sync Feels Overwhelming 34:22

10M ago34:22

34:22

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 share my thoughts on a dark fantasy cue written by OG 52 Cues member, Enrico Caporale and feature an intrigue with hope cue of my own. Watch this episode…

1
Sync Trends for 2025 (with Timothy Andrew Edwards) 1:26:27

10M ago1:26:27

1:26:27

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 and how composers can stay ahead of the game. Plus, I share my own ominous crime tension cue, “Read Between the Crimes,” and give feedback on a neocla…

1
How To Work Smarter, Not Harder 43:19

11M ago43:19

43:19

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 using reference cues for structure. Plus, I review Timothy Ackerman’s cyberpunk cue, "Circuit Breaker!" Do you want to have your cue reviewed on the po…

1
Looking Back on 2024 and What's Ahead for 2025 40:38

11M ago40:38

40:38

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 what’s coming in 2025 and the goals I’m setting for the year ahead! Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/nlpIut1QVlY Support for the 52 Cue…

1
The 3 Keys to a Long (and Happy!) Career 23:06

11M ago23:06

23:06

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 cue, Funk Salad Annie! What this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/8Wv4nxo1v-w Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professio…

1
Why Does it Take So Long to Get Paid? 25:17

12M ago25:17

25:17

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! https://youtu.be/vVyK-ZvJ20s Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exa…

1
What Defines the "Mood" in a Cue? 32:28

12M ago32:28

32:28

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/fVSKlQLLI40 Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are h…

1
It's Episode 200! What Have I Learned? 49:40

12M ago49:40

49:40

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.be/puqtb1FP0P0 Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your …

1
Understanding Ominous Tension 41:31

1y ago41:31

41:31

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, and evolving layers. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/_pCP9_MPm7M Friends and Family, join us for the Dramedy Writing Workshop! https://my.…

1
Is Originality Overrated? 49:23

1y ago49:23

49:23

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 modeling and referencing to meet industry expectations while staying creatively fulfilled. Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/aM5E-wY0rq8 Support…