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FRIGHT NIGHT Composer Quest
It’s that spine-tingling time of year again! Introducing the 52 Cues Fright Night Composer Quest, where we'll fill the crisp autumn air with echoes of haunted harmonies!
Slink, crawl or skitter over to the FRIGHT NIGHT Composer Quest info page to find out more.
Who Needs Spitfire's Abbey Road 1st Violins??
Spitfire's latest orchestral release, Abbey Road Orchestra 1st Violins, offers an unparalleled level of detail and programming control, but with an eye-watering price of $449 for just one section, it begs the questions: who is this really for? Has Spitfire lost their way, and is it a smart purchase for the production music composer?
Indie Acoustic Cue Review
Join me as I give critique and feedback on an indie acoustic cue by 52 Cues community member, Robert Raede!
Passing on Notes: The Tale of Freddie Keppard
When it comes to jazz, there are names that resonate through the annals of history. Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, and King Oliver are just a few. But today, I want to introduce you to a name that might not be as familiar: Freddie Keppard.
If you're already acquainted with Keppard, you'll know the significance of his story. For those who aren’t, Freddie Keppard might have been the best cornetist to ever live. But the world will never truly know, and here's why.
Orchestral Sports Cue Review
Join me as I give critique and feedback on an orchestral sports cue by 52 Cues community member, Mike Breidegam!
Can Subscriptions Actually Be Done Right? (A Roundtable Discussion)
YouTube Description: Dave delves into the debate around software subscriptions, drawing insights from 52 Cues Family members from across the globe. In this roundtable discussion, we explore the complexities of subscriptions, from user perceptions to the strategies of companies like Waves and Adobe.
Dave Writes Omnisphere Demo Using only Random Patches!
Dave was thrilled to be invited to work up a demo track for The Very Loud Indeed Co.'s new Omnisphere Fjall soundset! And what's more interesting, every sound in this track was selected completely at random!
We’ll post a video of the composition process soon!
Emotional Piano and Strings Cue Review
Join me as I give critique and feedback on an emotional piano & strings cue by 52 Cues community member, Reed Gesteland!
Exploring Sound Design with Venus Theory
As the world of sound design continues to evolve and innovate, having a firm understanding of the tools, techniques, and trends in the industry is essential. Whether you're an experienced sound designer or a novice looking to break into the field, our conversation with Cameron Gorham of Venus Theory offers invaluable insights to help you navigate this dynamic industry!
All Our Seasons Change
Your seasonal shifting will probably not look the same as mine. Some of us are going through significant life transitions, while some are seizing new opportunities like launching new albums or making career moves. Change, like the seasons, is a common experience for all of us.
Sports Rock Cue Review
Join me as I give critique and feedback on a sports rock cue by 52 Cues community member, Jesse Carrigan!
Signposts: Curves Ahead!
Stay alert. Listen to your intuition. While it may not be right every time (thanks, lizard brain!), when you open your heart and mind, you realize these aren’t just random events. There's something – a science, a magic, an intelligence – we've yet to fully grasp.
Turning Pro
What separates hobbyists from professionals in music composition is not talent, but mindset, accountability, dedication, and an ability to embrace failure! In this episode, we talk patience, persistence, self-actualization, and the acceptance of failure as part of the road to success.
Great Music Production Books by Dean Krippaehne
Dave devoured these three books in 2017 and 2018! Dean Krippaehne's music production books—"Demystifying the Cue," "Demystifying the Genre," and "Write Submit Forget Repeat,”— stand as an indispensable resource for anyone navigating the competitive world of music licensing and songwriting.
Americana Hip-Hop Cue Review
Join me as I give critique and feedback on an Americana Tension cue by 52 Cues Family member, Rolf Schild!
Demystifying the Cue with Dean Krippaehne
There's no shortage of YouTube channels about library and sync music but there aren't that many books about the production music industry. So when I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the few people really putting out great books about production music, I was more than happy to jump at the chance and welcome Dean Krippaehne to the podcast!
Growing in Circles
My own “life spiral” has sometimes looked remarkably coherent and blessed. At others it has resembled a weirdly misshapen cinnamon roll, rather than a perfect circle. It's supposed to be that way. Growth is imperfect and asymmetrical—and sometimes we have to go back and repeat something in order to learn the lesson from that experience.
You’re Never Too Pro to Grow
When you receive disappointing feedback, the first reaction is naturally discouragement. But Dave asks, “Where can I grow from this?” No matter how far you’ve come in your career, nothing is guaranteed. And you’re never too pro to grow!
Musical Solutions to Mixing Problems
In this episode, we delve into the challenges of juggling both composition and production tasks, and uncover the 'composer first' approach that prioritizes musicality in three key areas: balance, dynamic range, and stereo placement. Learn how this strategy can simplify your workflow, minimize the need for technical fixes, and elevate the emotional impact of your cues.
Country Hip-Hop Hybrid Cue Review
Join me as I give critique and feedback on a country hip-hop hybrid cue by 52 Cues Community member, Jeff LaPlante!