Advertise on podcast: 52 Cues - A Production Music and Sync Podcast

Every year, composers, publishers, music supervisors, and other music industry professionals gather in Los Angeles for the Production Music Conference (PMC). But with so much of our industry happening online these days, why do we keep coming back? This year, I wanted to find out. A huge thank you to the Production Music Association (PMA), Angela Sheik, Lisa Danaë, and everyone who took the time to share their experiences! Learn more about the Production Music Association: https://pmamusic.com Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t9xodjNNb88 Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave breaks down "Outback Intrigue," an Australian-inspired tension cue featuring the didgeridoo that landed on ABC's The Bachelor, sharing how he built the arrangement, created tension, and why delivering stems proved so valuable! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NV1_df83aV8 Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave and Jeff explore whether there's still money to be made in sync in 2026, comparing royalties from network sports, cable TV, streaming, and advertising while discussing upfront fees, building a profitable music catalog, and the long-term strategies composers need to succeed. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/Ab8S42hDozo Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, production music composer and 52 Cues community mentor Mary Shaw shares what she learned during five months at Michael Whittaker's Scorecraft Academy, including which production music skills translate to film scoring, which habits she had to unlearn, and how the experience changed her approach to writing music. http://scorecraftacademy.com Michael Whittaker's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@whittymusic Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this special live episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, I’m reviewing cues submitted by members of the 52 Cues community and giving real-time feedback on what’s working, what could be stronger, and how each cue might be made more useful for production and library music. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bt7jBky7AQo Get feedback on your own cues! https://52cues.com/coaching Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave reviews a production music cue from composer and bassist Elysa Tancheff, breaking down what he listens for in arrangement, energy, edit points, mix, and library usability. If you'd like feedback on your own cues, head over to https://52cues.com/coaching! Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave and 52 Cues community mentor Jeff LaPlante unpack the unwritten rules of production music, from pitching and follow-up etiquette to rejection, deadlines, contracts, collaborations, and deliverables. Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode Dave and 52 Cues community mentor Jeff LaPlante break down the non-negotiable sounds, arranging choices, and production techniques behind dramedy, tension, hip-hop, pop, rock, emotional, holiday, country, and vocal cues. Artists & Bands Mentioned Great Good Fine Okay Taylor Swift Dua Lipa Ariana Grande Ed Sheeran Foo Fighters Nickelback Big Wreck Spiritbox Coheed and Cambria The Band Feel Geese Rush Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross Mariah Carey Beyoncé Pink Floyd Plugins & Tools Mentioned Spectrasonics Trilian ProjectSAM Symphobia iZotope RX / Spectral Repair Xfer Serum 8Dio Clocks FAW SubLab Native Instruments DEFT LINES Spectrasonics Omnisphere 3 Spectrasonics Keyscape Native Instruments Guitar Rig Celemony Melodyne Ink Audio Ink Steel Splice Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave talks with Dr. Tim Stulman, Program Director for Music Production at Full Sail University and creator of Keyboard Kafe, about how much music theory producers really need, why basic keyboard and ear-training skills can reduce friction in the creative process, and how a little practical musicianship can go a long way when writing production music. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JtSSFgLMVWQ Check out Keyboard Kafé and get 3 months free! https://keyboardkafe.web.app/promo/52cues Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, film and game composer Anne-Kathrin Dern joins Dave to talk about how she’d start a composing career in 2026, including the differences between film, games, and production music, the changing role of composer assistants, and the practical steps she’d take to break into the industry today. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/49hI7_Ch81w https://annedern-filmcomposer.com https://www.youtube.com/@AnneKathrinDernComposer We Asked Anne-Kathrin Dern About Her Brutal Composer Advice | 52 Cues Podcast #282 https://youtu.be/rYF_xun27Ec How Hard Is it to Make a Living in Production Music? | 52 Cues Podcast #278 https://youtu.be/-owQEUH26js Is Production Music Worth It in 2026? | 52 Cues Podcast #279 https://youtu.be/L9gJYZC8330 Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, film and game composer Anne-Kathrin Dern joins Dave to talk about her recent brutally honest composer advice, how her own career has evolved, and how she actually gets hired. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rYF_xun27Ec https://annedern-filmcomposer.com https://www.youtube.com/@AnneKathrinDernComposer How Hard Is it to Make a Living in Production Music? | 52 Cues Podcast #278 https://youtu.be/-owQEUH26js Is Production Music Worth It in 2026? | 52 Cues Podcast #279 https://youtu.be/L9gJYZC8330 Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave reflects on what he learned from spending an entire week focused almost exclusively on writing music, and how simplicity, flow state, and avoiding constant context switching helped him finish eight cues without feeling completely burned out. What this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OgxxwlznTWg Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave talks with Pibox founder and CEO Ivan Talaichuk about the point where Dropbox, email, and spreadsheets stop being enough and what production music composers can learn from the way professional music teams manage feedback, revisions, cue versions, and collaboration. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5p2apQqacwU Find out more about Pibox: https://pibox.com Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In part two of their response to Anne-Kathrin Dern's brutally honest career advice, Jeff and Dave look at the money, the workload, the lifestyle, and the growing guru culture, to answer the question every production music composer eventually has to face: is production music worth it? Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L9gJYZC8330 A Rant About Brutally Honest Career Advice by Anne-Kathrin Dern https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y06R6sOc5bs Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!

In this episode, Dave and Jeff use Anne-Kathrin Dern’s recent composer reality-check video as a jumping off point to discuss how hard it really is to make a living in production music. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/-owQEUH26js A Rant About Brutally Honest Career Advice by Anne-Kathrin Dern https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y06R6sOc5bs Support for the 52 Cues Podcast comes from ReelCrafter, the professional way to pitch your production music and know exactly when your cues are heard. Start your free trial at ReelCrafter.com/52Cues! Join the 52 Cues Community! – https://my.52cues.com It's free to post your cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, and ask questions about the industry! Plus, member subscribers get extra perks like workshops, livestreams,  cue breakdowns, live feedback sessions, hundreds of hours of video archives, and opportunities to submit to real music libraries. One-on-one coaching sessions and video critiques also available at http://52cues.com/coaching! Note: Links may be affiliate links which generate a small commission but at no extra cost to you!