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Sync Terms You Should Know (But May Be Afraid to Ask) | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 24
In this episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave steps into “Professor Dave” mode, guiding listeners through the often-confusing world of production and sync music terminology. With clarity and humor, he unpacks key terms like “cue,” “metadata,” “sync license,” and “back end royalties,” making the language of the industry more accessible to newcomers and seasoned composers alike.
What Makes a "Good" Cue? | 52 Cues Podcast, 2024 Week 34
In this episode, Dave unpacks the essential elements that make a cue truly stand out in the competitive world of production music. He explores the often-overlooked qualities that can elevate one cue above another and the fundamental components that every professional cue must have.
A Library wants my cue! What now?
Today, we're exploring what happens after a library accepts your cue. We'll cover contract management, detail deliverables like file formats and metadata, and examine the library's role in distribution and marketing. Additionally, we'll discuss the patience needed as your music establishes itself in the industry.
PROs Explained
There are a lot of moving parts to getting paid when your music gets placed on TV and as production music composers, the majority of the money we make depends on backend royalties managed by PROs or Performing Rights Organizations.
So on today's episode, I examine the role of PROs, what they do, how they operate, and how they determine how much you get paid.
Production Music Q&A
Dive into the world of production and library music with Dave Kropf on the 52 Cues podcast. This episode covers mastering alts and stems, AI tools, pitching to libraries, choosing sounds for cues, backend royalties, finding references, mastering dynamic tracks, panning practices, using samples, placements in PRO catalogs, transition music, and learning sample libraries.
Explore the ins and outs of being a working production music composer!