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

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!

Weekly Feedback - Week 38 https://my.52cues.com/posts/weekly-feedback-weekly-feedback-week-38Office Hours https://my.52cues.com/events/office-hours-106297027SPECIAL TIME! Live Feedback and Critiques (2 Hr Session) https://my.52cues.com/events/special-time-live-feedback-and-critiques-2-hr-sessionA Little Chat with Shannon and Dave https://my.52cues.com/events/a-little-chat-with-shannon-and-dave-106075709Acoustic Storytelling | Cue Review Session https://my.52cues.com/events/acoustic-storytelling-brief-info-cue-review-sessionAmbient Soundscape | Composing Livestream https://my.52cues.com/events/ambient-soundscape-composing-livestreamMinimal Percussion Dramedy | Final Submissions https://my.52cues.com/events/minimal-percussion-dramedy-results-and-final-submissionsQ&A and Cue Review with Ryan Edwards (Secret Roots Music House) https://my.52cues.com/events/qa-and-cue-review-with-ryan-edwards-secret-roots-music-house 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!

Weekly Feedback - Week 37 https://my.52cues.com/posts/weekly-feedback-weekly-feedback-week-37Office Hours with Marlon Gibbons https://my.52cues.com/events/office-hours-with-marlon-gibbonsPMA Member Virtual Networking Coffee Hour https://pmamusic.com/event/pma-member-virtual-networking-coffee-hour-7/Live Feedback and Critiques (Tuesday) https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-106075858A Little Chat with Shannon and Dave https://my.52cues.com/events/a-little-chat-with-shannon-and-dave-106075691Live Feedback and Critiques (Thursday) https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-106076967Hip-Hop Tension Deliverables | Composing Livestream https://my.52cues.com/events/hip-hop-tension-deliverables-composing-livestreamThrowback Hip-Hop for RRHOT | Final Submissions https://my.52cues.com/events/throwback-hip-hop-for-rrhot-final-submissions 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!

Weekly Feedback - Week 35 https://my.52cues.com/posts/weekly-feedback-weekly-feedback-week-35How Would You Start a Composing Career in 2026 (with Anne-Kathrin Dern)? | 52 Cues Podcast #283 https://my.52cues.com/posts/how-would-you-start-a-composing-career-in-2026-with-anne-kathrin-dern-52-cues-podcast-283Office Hours https://my.52cues.com/events/office-hours-104215339Understanding Library Contracts | Workshop https://my.52cues.com/events/understanding-library-contractsOrchestral Chat Club https://my.52cues.com/events/orchestral-chat-club-102528723Live Feedback and Critiques (Tuesday) https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-105502797A Little Chat with Shannon and Dave https://my.52cues.com/events/a-little-chat-with-shannon-and-dave-105573228Live Feedback and Critiques (Thursday) https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-105502874Hip-Hop Tension #4 | Composing Livestream https://my.52cues.com/events/hip-hop-tension-4-composing-livestreamWatch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zJLQy2ipnN8 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!

Weekly Feedback - Week 34 https://my.52cues.com/posts/weekly-feedback-weekly-feedback-week-34Office Hours https://my.52cues.com/events/office-hours-104215323Live Feedback and Critiques (2 Hr Session) https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-2-hr-session-100942283A Little Chat with Shannon and Dave https://my.52cues.com/events/a-little-chat-with-shannon-and-dave-105573217Minimal Percussion Dramedy | Brief Info & Cue Review Session https://my.52cues.com/events/minimal-percussion-dramedy-brief-info-cue-review-sessionDark Sci-Fi Tension | Publisher Deliverables https://my.52cues.com/events/dark-sci-fi-tension-publisher-deliverablesHip-Hop Tension #3 | Composing Livestream https://my.52cues.com/events/hip-hop-tension-3-composing-livestreamThrowback Hip-Hop for RRHOT | Submission Round https://my.52cues.com/events/throwback-hip-hop-for-rrhot-submission-roundUnderstanding Library Contracts | Workshop https://my.52cues.com/events/understanding-library-contracts 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!

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/72TYUpvBsys Weekly Feedback - Week 33 https://my.52cues.com/posts/95668894Office Hours https://my.52cues.com/posts/104215320Live Feedback and Critiques (Tuesday) https://my.52cues.com/posts/105502768A Little Chat with Shannon and Dave https://my.52cues.com/posts/105573210Live Feedback and Critiques (Thursday) https://my.52cues.com/posts/105502851Hip-Hop Tension #2 (Part 2) | Composing Livestream https://my.52cues.com/posts/104215491Uplifting Indie Pop Tasking | Final Submissions https://my.52cues.com/posts/104143332Minimal Percussion Dramedy | Brief Info & Cue Review Session https://my.52cues.com/posts/105462573Throwback Hip-Hop for RRHOT | Submission Round https://my.52cues.com/events/throwback-hip-hop-for-rrhot-submission-roundUnderstanding Library Contracts | Workshop https://my.52cues.com/posts/106066053 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!

Weekly Feedback - Week 32 https://my.52cues.com/posts/weekly-feedback-weekly-feedback-week-32Office Hours https://my.52cues.com/posts/103906733Q&A and Cue Review with Chuck Henry (10 West Music) https://my.52cues.com/events/qa-and-cue-review-with-chuck-henry-10-west-musicLive Feedback and Critiques (Tuesday) https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-105502734A Little Chat with Shannon and Dave https://my.52cues.com/events/a-little-chat-with-shannon-and-dave-105573156Live Feedback and Critiques (Thursday) https://my.52cues.com/events/live-feedback-and-critiques-105502820Hip-Hop Tension #2 | Composing Livestream https://my.52cues.com/events/hip-hop-tension-2-composing-livestreamUplifting Indie Pop Tasking | Revision Round https://my.52cues.com/posts/104143305Throwback Hip-Hop for RRHOT | Submission Round https://my.52cues.com/events/throwback-hip-hop-for-rrhot-submission-round 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!