The Tim Kulig Free Music Podcast

In this Quick Hit, Tom and I discuss the San Francisco Independent Film Festival which we'll be attending in February, 2026 to promote the screening of "Video Dreams" and participate in a Q&A about the film.  The film will be screening Saturday, February 8th at The Roxy Theater in downtown San Francisco.  Come and check it out if you're able to!   Follow me for more royalty free music: https://timkulig.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063945225723 https://www.patreon.com/timkulig https://www.instagram.com/tim...

This week, me and Tom Seymour discuss our experiences in the film industry, particularly focusing on the independent film festival circuit. We share insights on the importance of music in film, the challenges of navigating festivals, and the creative processes behind their projects. In addition, we also touch on marketing strategies, audience engagement, and the evolution of artistic expression, culminating in reflections on our journey to date and future aspirations. Takeaways The film festival circuit is crucial for independent filmmakers. Music plays a significant role in enhancing film narratives. Navigating film festivals...

When it's too much to make full compilations or focus on a specific genre of music, I just sit down and come up with ideas.  I call it my "Monday/Friday Ideation."  It's a really low-risk approach to generating ideas without having to take them any further than I feel like.  But I still have to sit down and do it! Then, at a later date, I come back and polish the ideas that make sense and speak to me.  It's the only way I can create and do this many tracks on the timeline I've given myse...

Part 2 of 2! Mike and I dig into his career timeline—starting in the early, scrappy days of new media, learning the ropes by taking opportunities as they came, and leveling up through networking, timing, and pure reps. We talk about what it was like building a career while the internet was changing the rules in real time: shifting audience habits, platform gatekeepers, and the constant pressure to adapt. From content creation and gaming culture to how algorithms shape what gets seen, Mike’s story is basically a case study in staying relevant. The big thread: evolve with the...

"Winnebago Man" was a very niche documentary about a roughly 4 minute compilation of out-takes from a corporate video promotion gone sideways.  Jack Rebney, a seemingly foul-mouthed RV salesman having a rough day, spouts 4 minutes of meme inducing, accidental comic genius, and history was thusly made.   The story of Jack was far more interesting than those 4 minutes, though, and the authentic capture of this overarching character arc and story are what made this documentary so great. This is true art, and in this Quick Hit, Tom Seymour and I touch on just how important that niche aut...

What better way for an independent movie producer and director to get their film in front of an audience than a film festival run?  That's been our stance and our discovery over the 30+ years of filmmaking together. Come check out the first of MANY more Tim Kulig Free Music (TKFM) "Quick Hits" - excerpts from full-length podcasts that focus on 1 subject area for a bit longer than short-form content. A new experiment to explore what the audience enjoys and how the different parts of the podcast resonate with everyone! Full length episode can b...

Part 1 of 2! Mike and I dig into his career timeline—starting in the early, scrappy days of new media, learning the ropes by taking opportunities as they came, and leveling up through networking, timing, and pure reps. We talk about what it was like building a career while the internet was changing the rules in real time: shifting audience habits, platform gatekeepers, and the constant pressure to adapt. From content creation and gaming culture to how algorithms shape what gets seen, Mike’s story is basically a case study in staying relevant. The big thread: evolve with the...

(This is the most hair I've EVER seen on Alex's head, BTW! LOL!) Happy New Year!  Today, Me and Alex Nakarada discuss the challenges of winter, the creative process in music production, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. We focus on the importance of taking breaks, the impact of AI on music, and the significance of health and well-being in sustaining a music career. Alex and I reflect on our personal growth, the role of community, and the pursuit of authenticity in our creative endeavors, all while navigating the complexities of distribution and promotion in t...

Merry Christmas Everyone! Takeaways Melbourne Underground Film Festival is a significant platform for independent filmmakers. Film festivals serve as a crucial stepping stone for filmmakers seeking distribution. Audience feedback is essential for adapting and improving creative works, both in movies and music. Artists often continue creating throughout their lives, driven by passion. The rise of streaming services like Netflix impacts the future of physical media. Major IP acquisitions can reshape the landscape of entertainment. Franchise economics play a vital role in the success of films and series. Comic...

The Journey of Music Production In this episode, I sit down with mentor, inspiration and friend Kevin MacLeod to talk about the real journey of music production — the highs, the milestones, and everything in between, while celebrating my recent win of publishing 1,000 songs. We dive into how the creative process evolves over time, how technology has completely changed the way we make music, and why staying authentic still matters more than ever. Kevin and I discuss experimenting with different genres, chasing new sounds, and the magic that happens when collaboration clicks. There’s something powerful abou...

This is part two of my conversation with Olivia, where we dive deep into the creative process and what it really means to stay authentic as an artist. We talk about how music shapes content creation, the power of collaboration, and the balance between discipline and flow. I also share my thoughts on why taking breaks is essential for keeping creativity alive, and how different art forms influence and inspire one another. We explore the healing power of sound, the evolution of music through technology, and the importance of creating from a place of truth—doing it for yourself fi...

This week, in Part 1, Tim Kulig and Olivia discuss the unpredictable nature of social media platforms, the impact of algorithms on content visibility, and the importance of building a sustainable online presence. They emphasize the need for email lists, the challenges faced by independent artists, and the evolving landscape of music distribution. Catching up with Olivia is always fun!  Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and she's truly passionate about her energy work and making a positive difference in the world and this great big universe we all live in.  We also touch on the cr...

I did it! Tim Kulig and Tom Seymour discuss the journey of creating a thousand royalty-free music tracks, the altruistic motivations behind royalty-free music, and the impact of exposure through collaborations. They delve into the shifting landscape of YouTube and streaming services, the role of PR in achieving fame, and the challenges faced by content creators in a rapidly changing digital environment. The discussion highlights the economics of streaming and the illusion of fame in the music industry, emphasizing the importance of genuine engagement over manufactured popularity. Tim Kulig and Tom Seymour delve into various...

Summary This week, Tom Seymour and Tim Kulig Free Music chat with Emmy-nominated filmmaker Jon Navarro about his journey into filmmaking, the challenges he faced, and the experiences that shaped his career. They discuss his education at LaGuardia Community College, the production of his Emmy-nominated film 'Soledad', and the importance of mentorship and practical experience in the film industry. Jon shares insights into the creative process, the significance of storytelling, and the serendipitous moments that led to his success. Takeaways Jon Navarro's journey into filmmaking was largely accidental. He credits LaGuardia...

Summary This week, Tim Kulig and Tom Seymour discuss the creative process behind music production and independent filmmaking. They share insights on the challenges and successes of navigating the film festival circuit, the impact of AI on the industry, and the importance of building a brand. The duo also explores the cultural significance of commercials and the evolving landscape of gaming, emphasizing the need for creativity and collaboration in their respective fields.   Keywords music production, independent film, film festivals, AI in filmmaking, cultural reflections, brand building, gaming industry <p...

Summary In this episode, Tim Kulig shares exciting updates about his music production journey, including his goal of releasing a thousand songs by the end of the year. He discusses new orchestral music releases, the exploration of innovative software and tools, and his creative process. Tim also outlines his social media strategy for increased engagement and collaboration with other artists, while expressing enthusiasm for future projects and genres he plans to explore. Takeaways Tim is aiming to release a thousand songs by the end of the year. He has released an...

Summary In this conversation, Tim Kulig discusses his prolific music production journey, sharing insights into his recent achievements, future projects, and the creative processes that drive his work. He emphasizes the importance of innovation in music production, collaboration with other creators, and the evolving landscape of music in the digital age. Takeaways Tim has published 955 songs since September. Future projects include Christmas instrumentals and orchestral music. Tim is investing in high-quality music production software. He plans to explore new genres and styles in the coming year. Collaboration with...

Another week, another kitchen sink episode... I've been in a massive writing / editing / publishing blitz the last 4 weeks, and the podcast schedule has been suffering for it.  Apologies - but progress / 1,000 published songs trumps EVERYTHING ELSE going on!  Woot! That said, some fun updates here, new footage on the VHS Massacre goes Commercial project, and festival updates for Video Dreams.  I love what I do! ~Tim Kulig   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Equipment Testing 02:39 Exploring Film Festivals and Music Production 05:21 Royalty-Free Music Landscape 08:13 Film Festival Updates and...

This week we talk about...EVERYTHING!  And...what the hell Camtasia?!  Why you making my files so damned big?  Gotta figure that out so I can place in the intro / outro properly. Anyways, enjoy - show notes and whatnot below...   Takeaways Tim discusses the importance of quality control in music production. Tom shares insights on the film festival circuit and its challenges. The duo reflects on their film's success in various festivals. They discuss the impact of streaming platforms on film distribution. Tim emphasizes the need for pers...

(*video version on YouTube this week - issues uploading video this week*) Summary This week, Kelly and Tim discuss their personal lives, including the challenges of managing health while streaming and creating content. They delve into the intricacies of music production, exploring various genres and the creative process behind their projects. The discussion also touches on nostalgia for past cultural trends and the evolution of music styles, leading to exciting ideas for future projects. Tim Kulig and Kelly also discuss various topics related to streaming, voice acting, music production, and the challenges faced...