The Tim Kulig Free Music Podcast

EP066 "Kitchen Sink Episode"

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 persistence in the creative process.Tom shares his experiences with film festival rejections.They explore the economics of film production and marketing.The duo discusses the evolution of the film industry post-COVID.Incentivizing creativity can enhance productivity and discipline in artistic endeavors.Commercials can be viewed as a unique form of art that reflects cultural values.Nostalgia plays a significant role in how we perceive past media and its relevance today.Economic disparities have drastically changed the cost of living compared to previous generations.Fast food quality has declined, impacting consumer experiences and expectations.Advertising techniques have evolved, often targeting younger audiences in manipulative ways.The impact of nostalgia can create a disconnect with contemporary values and norms.Creativity should be pursued passionately, regardless of age or life circumstances.Engaging with art and creativity can foster community and shared excitement. 
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Music Updates02:38 Film Festival Journey and Achievements04:57 Documentary Insights and Personal Reflections07:55 Film Festival Rejections and Resilience11:04 International Film Festival Success14:04 The Changing Landscape of Film Festivals17:03 Reality TV and Streaming Trends20:01 The Future of Film Studios and Streaming Services22:59 Digital Ownership and Consumer Rights29:45 The Unsustainable Model of Big Studios31:57 The Impact of Bloat on Creativity34:47 Reimagining Storytelling in Film35:53 The Evolution of Advertising in Film39:20 Navigating the Streaming Landscape43:01 The Journey of Independent Filmmaking48:15 The Importance of Persistence in Creativity50:45 The Role of AI in Music and Art01:00:53 The Art of Performance and Engagement01:01:54 Upcoming Music Releases and Creative Projects01:03:49 Incentivizing Creativity and Overcoming Blocks01:05:14 Exploring Commercials as Cultural Artifacts01:07:25 The Evolution of Advertising and Consumer Culture01:10:28 Economic Reflections on Food and Inflation01:22:16 Cultural Reflections in Media01:25:18 The Evolution of Advertising01:29:38 Nostalgia and Its Discontents01:34:00 The Absurdity of Past Commercials01:38:30 Pursuing Passion and Creativity
 
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Tim Kulig \ timkulig.com
 

EP065 "Kelly from Dork Tales! - Navigating Life and Creativity"

(*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 in the tabletop gaming industry. They explore the creative process behind music, the importance of art representation, and the role of virtual assistants in managing workloads.
The conversation also touches on community engagement, environmental issues such as wildfires, and the impact of tariffs on the tabletop industry. In this conversation, Kelly discusses the intricacies of managing multiple tabletop gaming campaigns, the emotional depth of storytelling, and the balance between pre-made modules and homebrew adventures. In addition, Tim & Kelly explore the importance of player engagement and the satisfaction derived from emotional storytelling, as well as the potential for passive income through creative work. The discussion highlights the transformative power of role-playing games and the creative processes involved in game design.
Finally, Kelly and Tim discuss various aspects of productivity, health, and personal experiences with weight management. They share insights on exercise routines, the importance of counting calories, and the benefits of walking for mental clarity. The discussion also touches on the significance of stretching and physical health, as well as the role of gaming as a relaxation tool.
They conclude with recommendations for indie games and the creative process behind music production.
Takeaways
Raising a puppy has prepared Kelly for future parenting.Streaming requires balancing personal health and creative output.Tim is working on a diverse range of music projects.Meditation music production involves unique challenges.Combining genres can create innovative music experiences.Nostalgia influences current fashion trends among younger generations.Kelly seeks specific music styles for his gaming sessions.Tim aims to reach 1000 published tracks by year-end.The conversation highlights the importance of creative collaboration.Ideas for lo-fi fantasy music emerged during the discussion. Voice acting can lead to unexpected creative projects.Layering music tracks can create unique listening experiences.Whimsical titles can attract listeners to music tracks.Horror music should evoke unsettling feelings.Managing multiple campaigns requires organization and focus.Virtual assistants can help streamline creative processes.Community engagement is crucial for content creators.Emotional storytelling enhances player engagement.Pre-made modules can be limiting; homebrew adds creativity.Creating resources for other DMs can be beneficial.Passive income opportunities exist for creative work.Role-playing games can transform players' experiences.Players can surprise you with their creativity.Sharing your work can lead to community growth.The power of imagination is essential in gaming.  Maximizing productivity involves gaming your schedule effectively.
Walking can enhance mental clarity and creativity.Stretching is crucial for maintaining physical health, especially for those with desk jobs.Indie games can provide unique and enriching experiences.Finding joy in gaming can serve as a great stress reliever.
 
Sound bites
"I would love more horror.""You're giving me so many ideas.""Nobody wants to look at my mug.""I wish I looked like my art.""It's so creepy, I love it.""This just creeps me the hell out.""I only do what I can.""I love making my players cry.""Passive income is powerful."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:45 Health Challenges and Streaming Life05:58 Creative Projects and Music Production08:56 Exploring Music Genres and Needs11:59 Nostalgia and Cultural Trends15:01 Future Projects and Ideas21:23 Exploring Streaming Options22:41 Art and Representation in Media24:12 Voice Acting and Creative Projects25:56 Layering Music for Unique Experiences27:39 Creating Whimsical Music Titles30:25 Crafting Horror Music31:30 Managing Multiple Campaigns34:44 The Role of Virtual Assistants36:55 Engagement and Community Building39:36 Challenges in the Tabletop Industry41:04 Wildfires and Environmental Changes46:18 Navigating Game Details and Player Engagement49:05 The Art of Emotional Storytelling50:05 Balancing Pre-Made Modules and Homebrew Adventures53:37 Creating and Sharing Game Resources55:23 The Power of Passive Income in Creative Work01:01:18 The Transformative Power of Role-Playing Games01:12:51 Navigating Productivity and Health Goals01:14:35 Weight Management Strategies and Personal Experiences01:16:41 The Importance of Exercise and Walking01:20:45 Creative Clarity Through Physical Activity01:23:59 Physical Health and Stretching Techniques01:27:17 Gaming as a Relaxation Tool and Indie Game Recommendations
 
For all things Kelly & Dork Tales, check it out:
https://www.youtube.com/@DorkTales
 
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/timkuligfreemusic/
Tim Kulig \ timkulig.com

EP064 "VHS Massacre Goes Commercial!"

This week, Tom & I are starting an interesting journey...
Once we've taken our most recent movie project to the festival circuit, and it's been spending some time running through and being selected / gaining wins, we often get inspired to start iterating on our NEXT project.  This week, we're exploring something we've affectionately pre-titled "VHS Massacre Goes Commercial".
Growing up Gen X and experiencing the height of cable television, Tom & I both remember some very crazy commercials from back in the day.  And it got us thinking - what if we started a podcast series about this, explored the idea, and see what happens?
With that, we give you Session 1 - ENJOY!
 
Follow me for more royalty free music:
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https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063945225723
https://www.patreon.com/timkulig
https://www.instagram.com/timkuligfreemusic/
Tim Kulig \ timkulig.com

EP063 "In the Studio with Output's Analog Strings!"

Another studio session week!
Yes, I'm back in the studio - feels like I haven't left lol!  I'm auditioning / sampling patches in Occular Sound's Analog Strings pack to get ready for some massive orchestral / DnD writing coming up.  Need new patches / ideas to stimulate ideating and creativity, so I'm revisiting some tolls I haven't played around with in awhile and finding some real inspiration here!
I talk a bit about the process today, and how to find / use / articulate with each patch, knowing that you in essence have to "Learn" each patch as a new instrument based on how it was programmed and layered.  Fun stuff - and it gets into the nitty gritty nuance of the creative process here.
(I may have mistakenly called this Ocular Sounds in the recording - it is in fact Output that put this and Analog Brass out, so apologies for the confusion). Output can be found here:  https://output.com/products
 
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/timkuligfreemusic/
Tim Kulig \ timkulig.com
 

EP062 "In The Studio! 8.19.2025"

This week, I delve into some software patches and demo them live.  Showing my process of listening and playing to find the next tune is something I need to do more of, and this week the updates on the albums and the festival run with Video Dreams was lacking.
So I did a thing - I just recorded myself doing what I do to climb the 1,000 published tunes ladder.
So here it is.  Raw.  Unedited.  Fun.  (I assure you, it is, even if I didn't seem super excited this week!)
All part of the process - thanks for checking it out!
~Tim

EP061 "War of the Worlds or Who Asked for This Anyways!?"

In this episode, Tim Kulig and Tom Seymour dive deep into the Netflix reboot of 'War of the Worlds', discussing its reception, plot inconsistencies, character dynamics, and production quality. They critique the film's reliance on technology and data themes, while also reflecting on the legacy of the original story. The conversation highlights the film's shortcomings and offers a humorous yet critical perspective on its execution.
Takeaways
The reboot of War of the Worlds has received a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.Critics often rate films lower than audiences, reflecting differing perspectives.The legacy of War of the Worlds includes various adaptations over the years.Ice Cube's role as a CIA agent adds a unique twist to the story.The film's plot is filled with inconsistencies and unrealistic scenarios.Production quality and cinematic techniques were criticized for being subpar.Themes of technology and data play a significant role in the narrative.Character development and dialogue were found lacking and unrealistic.The film is described as a commercial rather than a cohesive story.
 
Sound bites
"It's a terrible movie.""You don't eat data.""It's a lazy movie."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to War of the Worlds Reboot02:02 Critique of the 2025 Film04:34 Storytelling Techniques and Audience Engagement07:07 Character Development and Plot Holes09:26 CIA and Alien Invasion Dynamics11:33 Visual Effects and Production Quality13:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts16:13 The Illusion of Secrecy in Surveillance18:41 Critique of Cinematic Techniques25:32 The Flaws in Storytelling and Logic32:13 The Implications of Technology in Film
 
Keywords
War of the Worlds, Netflix reboot, movie review, Ice Cube, film criticism, sci-fi, audience reception, plot analysis, cinematic techniques, technology themes

8.7.2025 RoadCast! "Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns"

Summary
In this episode of the Tim Kulig Free Music Podcast, Tim shares personal updates following a family emergency, discusses the challenges of balancing creativity with life obligations, and emphasizes the importance of discipline in the creative process. He also touches on future projects and the need for flexibility in pursuing artistic goals.
Takeaways
Tim had to skip Creator Fest due to a family emergency.He is exploring programs to enhance content creation skills.Balancing family and creative work is essential.He emphasizes the importance of discipline in creativity.Life's unexpected events can impact creative schedules.Tim is committed to revisiting and expanding his music catalog.He encourages listeners to embrace new opportunities in creativity.Tim is excited about future projects and collaborations.Every day is a chance to start fresh in creative endeavors.
Sound bites
"I'm going to skip Creator Fest this year.""Every day is an opportunity to start anew.""Discipline trumps everything else."
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns02:29 Exploring New Marketing Strategies04:47 Creative Pauses and Family Focus07:08 The Journey of Music Creation10:05 Discipline and Commitment in Creativity
 
Keywords
Tim Kulig, Free Music, podcast, creativity, balance, discipline, music production, personal updates, family, projects
 

EP060 "Tim & Tom Got NO TIME!"

Today on the Tim Kulig Free Music Podcast, Tim Kulig and Tom Seymour explore a variety of topics ranging from innovative healthy eating options like chicken pizza crust to the complexities of music production and the evolution of their creative processes. They delve into the intricacies of documentary filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the flexibility required in the creative process. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology on filmmaking, the rise and fall of video rental stores, and the current landscape of streaming services. As they reflect on their journeys in the film industry, they share insights on navigating film festivals and the unpredictable nature of acceptance rates, all while maintaining a sense of humor and camaraderie.
Keywords
pizza crust, healthy eating, music production, documentary filmmaking, storytelling, video rental, streaming services, film festivals, creative process, industry trends
Takeaways
Healthy alternatives to traditional foods can be delicious.Music production requires constant evolution and creativity.Documentary filmmaking allows for flexibility in storytelling.Chipping away at projects makes them more manageable.Following creative cues is essential for authentic storytelling.The film industry is influenced by technology and consumer behavior.Video rental stores faced challenges from streaming services.Film festivals can be unpredictable in acceptance rates.Building a reputation in the film industry takes time and effort.Collaboration and networking are key in filmmaking. 
 
Sound bites
"It was so delicious.""Life is funny that way.""It's going to be interesting."
Chapters
00:00 A Culinary Adventure: Chicken Pizza Crust02:39 Music Land: New Releases and Creative Processes05:07 Documentary Filmmaking: The Evolution of Storytelling10:04 Navigating Challenges: Balancing Life and Creative Projects14:26 The Art of Discovery: Following the Narrative in Documentaries20:32 The Impact of Industry Changes: Video Stores and Market Dynamics21:20 The Evolution of Video Stores25:23 Streaming Services and Their Impact29:21 The Role of Directors in Modern Filmmaking33:56 The Challenges of Narrative Consistency38:07 Film Festivals and Independent Filmmaking