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Building Better Work-Life Balance | 52 Cues Podcast #254

Building Better Work-Life Balance | 52 Cues Podcast #254

In Episode 254 of the 52 Cues Podcast, host Dave Kropf is joined by community mentor Greg Fellman for a thoughtful conversation about work–life balance in the world of production and library music.

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The Production Music Industry Quietly Changed | 52 Cues Podcast #253

The Production Music Industry Quietly Changed | 52 Cues Podcast #253

In episode 253 of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave Kropf and co-host Jeff LaPlante explore how the production music industry has evolved over the last decade—and why standing out now requires more intention than ever.

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I Said This Isn’t Art… Was I Wrong? | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 45

I Said This Isn’t Art… Was I Wrong? | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 45

In this week’s episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave revisits an idea he first shared back in 2021: the artisan mindset. With technology—and especially AI—reshaping creative industries, Dave asks if artisan thinking still holds up.

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The Four "C's" of Success | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 17

The Four "C's" of Success | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 17

Feeling stuck in the creative process? In this episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, host Dave Kropf introduces the Four C’s of Success—Collect, Collaborate, Create, and Correct—a practical framework designed to help composers identify where they are in their workflow and move forward with clarity. Whether you're staring at a blank DAW session or obsessively mixing a cue that isn’t even done, these four phases can bring structure and momentum to the creative journey. Dave also shares a new cue inspired by rediscovered Kontakt instruments and offers feedback on a psychedelic rock track submitted by community member Frasier McDermott. For any production music composer feeling lost in “loop land,” this episode might just be the missing roadmap.

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These 5 Small Choices Can Mean Huge Growth | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 16

These 5 Small Choices Can Mean Huge Growth | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 16

In this week’s episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave Kropf reminds us that the biggest transformations in our production music careers aren’t born from huge wins—they’re quietly built through small, daily choices. From simply opening your DAW even when you’re not feeling inspired, to practicing intentional listening, carving out moments of silence, staying curious when things get tough, and fiercely protecting your creative time, Dave breaks down five (plus a bonus!) mindset shifts that shape your path over the long haul. He also highlights the importance of choosing community over isolation, reminding us that real growth happens when we show up for ourselves and each other. Plus, Dave offers an insightful cue review of "Think Harder," a soft tension track submitted by a 52 Cues member. It’s an episode full of encouragement, practical wisdom, and a nudge to keep moving forward—one small step at a time.

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