Episode 029: Too Real for the Algorithm – The Mind of a Middle-Aged Music Maker

In this bold and reflective episode of Why Make Music… (dot dot dot), host DJ Warm Cookies aka Willa May dives deep into the real-life, real-time journey of middle-aged music creator ThinkTimm—that’s T-H-I-N-K-T-I-M-M.

This monologue is a soul-powered manifesto about building creative legacy in the age of algorithms, navigating music as therapy, resisting digital burnout, and embracing the sacred process of sound, rhythm, and resilience.

We talk confidence curves, late-night uploads, invisible audiences, the metaphysical origins of music, and what it means to leave behind more than just memories—you leave proof.

From cassette tapes to CapCut, from soul loops to sync dreams, ThinkTimm proves you don’t need fame to be fire, and you don’t need a label to be legendary. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to share your music, this episode was made for you.

Mentions & Shoutouts:

Music produced by ThinkTimm. Hosted by DJ Warm Cookies.

Shoutout to Temple University and Tamron Hall for inspiration behind the name “DJ Warm Cookies.”

Salute to the unseen listeners, late-blooming creators, and those who build legacy from scratch.

Listen, Follow, Support:

Website: www.ThinkTimm.com">https://www.thinktimm.com">www.ThinkTimm.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@ThinkTimm">https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkTimm">youtube.com/@ThinkTimm

Instagram: @ThinkTimm">https://www.instagram.com/thinktimm">@ThinkTimm

SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music

Merch: TeePublic">https://www.teepublic.com/user/thinktimm">TeePublic | Threadless">https://thinktimm.threadless.com">Threadless

BlueSky: @ThinkTimm

“We don’t ask for a seat. We build the table.”

#WhyMakeMusic #ThinkTimm #TooRealForTheAlgorithm

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of sampling and interpolation in music production, exploring their definitions, origins, legal considerations, and their impact on hip-hop, R&B, and pop.

A sample is a reused segment of a sound recording—from drum loops to vocals—allowing artists to integrate old sounds into new creations. Sampling rose to prominence in the 1970s via hip-hop DJs like Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash.

Sampling typically requires a Master Use License (original sound) and a Publishing License (composition). Costs depend on how prominently the sample is used and the original artist’s stature, often involving fees, royalties, or writing credits.

Interpolation involves re-recording a melody from another song rather than sampling the original recording. It needs permission from songwriters only, making clearance easier and often cheaper.

Olivia Rodrigo – "Good 4 U": Echoes Paramore’s "Misery Business."

Dua Lipa – "Levitating": Faced legal claims over similarities.

The Weeknd – "Blinding Lights": Inspired by 1980s synth-pop.

"Blurred Lines" Case: Thicke & Pharrell vs. Marvin Gaye’s estate resulted in $5M judgment.

Juice WRLD: Interpolated Sting’s "Shape of My Heart"; Sting earned major royalties.

Nicki Minaj: Won a case allowing unreleased sampling under fair use.

James Brown: One of the most sampled artists ever.

Kanye West: Known for soulful sample chops.

Dr. Dre: Crafted G-Funk by sampling P-Funk.

While dominant in hip-hop, these techniques are also vital to R&B, pop, electronic, and experimental music.

In the '70s, DJs looped funk breaks. The '80s introduced digital samplers like the Akai MPC, revolutionizing production.

Today’s producers use DAWs like FL Studio, Ableton, and Logic Pro with plugins like Serato Sample and SliceX. Interpolation now often includes virtual instruments or live musicians to re-record melodies creatively and legally.

Join us as we explore the rich past and future of sampling and interpolation, and how these tools shape today’s soundscape.

🎙️ Hosted by ThinkTimm

In this episode, ThinkTimm explores the neuroscience behind creativity. Do the brains of musicians and producers function differently from non-creators? Inspired by Susan Rogers, Prince’s former sound engineer (1983-1987) turned neuroscientist, ThinkTimm reflects on his own experiences and dives into research that suggests musicians develop unique cognitive and neurological traits.

• Musicians have increased gray matter in areas related to motor control, auditory processing, and coordination.
• Studies show musicians require fewer neurons for complex movements, making their brain function more efficiently.
• A highly specialized auditory-motor network helps musicians process sound and movement differently from non-musicians.

• Musicians tend to have stronger verbal memory due to enhancements in the left planum temporale.
• Studies suggest musical training improves memory recall and information retention.

• Music therapy is used to retrain impaired brain circuits in various disorders.
• The ability of music to reshape neural networks supports mental health and cognitive rehabilitation.

As a creator, ThinkTimm has always felt his perception, memory, and emotional processing operate differently than those who don’t make music. Is it just a feeling, or is there scientific proof? The research suggests there is. This episode breaks it down and explores how musical training may enhance brain function and creativity. Tune in!

📢 Listen now and join the conversation!

In this episode of Why Make Music…, ThinkTimm takes listeners on a journey back to 1994 with a rare cassette recording from that era. This tape marks one of the first instances of WDMN, a mock radio broadcast created with a friend, featuring original material, playful commentary, and a guest appearance from the group 3 (Three) Pounds of Soul.

At the time, ThinkTimm was fully immersed in music, spending late nights from midnight to 6 AM recording tracks in his first apartment—shoutout to the neighbors who tolerated the noise! The episode is packed with vintage sounds recorded on a Tascam 4-track, capturing the raw energy of the era without vocal effects or processing—just creative tape manipulation.

Throughout the episode, ThinkTimm narrates the playback, offering behind-the-scenes insights into his early recording process and creative mindset. The music holds up surprisingly well, reinforcing his passion for both production and songwriting. Reflecting on his past work, he even considers revisiting vocals for future projects.

With a mix of nostalgia, humor, and deep musical reflection, this episode continues the podcast’s evolution as ThinkTimm experiments with format and storytelling. Tune in for a unique throwback experience and a heartfelt shoutout to the members of 3 (Three) Pounds of Soul—wherever they may be today.

Stay locked in for more musical memories and future creations!

Episode 25: Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Life

In this episode of Why Make Music…, ThinkTimm delves into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the music-making process. He discusses the convenience that AI brings to creators, particularly how it streamlines the creative process of music production. ThinkTimm reflects on a YouTube video he followed, where a few simple steps led to the creation of a children’s song in mere minutes. The AI tool used was Sono.AI, which generated song titles, lyrics, and even composed two versions of the song in less than two minutes.

As ThinkTimm points out, the songs created were just as polished and professional as any mainstream children’s tune, like those you’d hear in Disney productions. This sparks a larger conversation on the utility of AI in music production. While ThinkTimm acknowledges that AI can be a powerful tool, he stresses that he personally enjoys the human element of music-making. He shares that although he uses AI regularly in various aspects of his creative work, he still values the traditional process of crafting music from scratch.

ThinkTimm also raises an important philosophical question: is it wrong to embrace technology to create art, or should we maintain a more traditional, human-centric approach? He compares the current debate about AI in music to the resistance many musicians once had when digital audio workstations (DAWs) were introduced to replace traditional recording studios. Drawing from his personal experience with music, ThinkTimm recalls how he began his journey with traditional instruments and a 4-track cassette recorder.

In this episode, ThinkTimm explores the pros and cons of AI as a creative tool, asking whether it enhances or diminishes the artistic experience. Is AI the future of music-making, or does it remove the magic of human creativity? Listen in as he weighs the benefits and drawbacks of artificial life in music.

Key Topics:

• ThinkTimm’s experience with AI tools like Sono.AI
• The benefits and challenges of using AI in music creation
• How AI compares to traditional music-making processes
• The philosophical debate about technology’s role in art
• Personal reflections on traditional versus digital music production
• Can AI lead to a more financially sustainable music career?

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the role of AI in music, the future of creativity, and how technology is reshaping the landscape of music production.

Podcast Episode 24: "One Better Than 23"

In episode 24 of Why Make Music…, ThinkTimm dives deep into his thoughts on the modern music landscape. He explores the notion that the average listener may not even know what they like, especially when it comes to the mainstream music they consume. ThinkTimm reflects on the current state of the music industry, where only a select group of approximately 200 artists dominate the scene. While these artists receive heavy backing and promotion, he argues that their music isn't necessarily better or more entertaining than what countless independent creators are producing.

The episode highlights the reality that music in today's industry is largely driven by money and marketing, with corporations dictating trends and pushing artists to conform. Independent producers and artists, particularly those unwilling to compromise their authenticity, often face an uphill battle. ThinkTimm acknowledges that while selling out isn't inherently bad, it's simply not the path available to the masses of independent creators who are unwilling to sacrifice their integrity for corporate interests.

The episode then tackles a poignant question: What happens when an independent artist, musician, or composer has spent years—sometimes even a lifetime—creating music purely for personal enjoyment or a small circle of friends? How does this individual navigate the sudden realization that their work could compete with mainstream offerings, even though they've never sought commercial success?

ThinkTimm discusses how technology has democratized music creation. No longer is it necessary to have a multimillion-dollar studio to produce professional-quality music. Independent artists can now work from home using digital audio workstations, making the barriers to entry much lower. However, this also leads to the question: How does an independent artist compete with the massive financial backing that major corporations provide for mainstream acts?

Gone are the days of selling CDs out of the trunk of a car at local shows. Now, an artist's music can be distributed to a global audience with a minimal fee. Despite this, the question of visibility and promotion remains a challenge for those without significant resources.

ThinkTimm delves into his own emotional journey as a creator. He admits that his love for music and the creation process outweighs any desire for commercial success. Still, he acknowledges the reality that the music industry can provide financial stability, as it thrives on consumers who spend disposable income on music and ideas they may not be able to create themselves.

The episode is a reflection on the evolving role of independent creators in a world where technology and corporate influence have reshaped the music industry. ThinkTimm calls for more recognition and appreciation of creators who produce art for the sake of the art itself, rather than for mass marketability.

Welcome to episode 23 of the Why Make Music podcast, hosted by ThinkTimm. In this episode, ThinkTimm delves into the work that goes into being an independent producer and artist, focusing on the challenges and strategies of building a brand from the ground up. The goal is not necessarily to sell records, but to achieve visibility and market your material, whether it's your music or graphic art. ThinkTimm discusses how cultivating a strong brand identity—centered around the name ThinkTimm—can open doors to opportunities beyond streaming platforms.

The Importance of Visibility and Brand Building

As an independent artist, visibility is crucial. ThinkTimm explains that it’s not just about the music, but about establishing a personal brand that resonates with your audience. By curating and controlling all intellectual property associated with the ThinkTimm brand, ThinkTimm is able to focus on avenues that maximize exposure, including social media platforms, licensing deals, and merchandise sales. This episode highlights the importance of a consistent and professional brand image, which can help attract collaborations, sync licensing opportunities, and more.

Sync Licensing: A Path to Direct Payouts

ThinkTimm talks about his aspirations to land sync licensing deals for his instrumental music. These deals could involve having his music featured in commercials, TV shows, or movies—offering more direct financial rewards compared to streaming revenue or social media payouts. ThinkTimm shares insights into why sync licensing is an appealing path for independent artists and producers, especially when your music is well-suited for background tracks in various media.

Merchandising the Brand

Another component of building a brand is merchandise. ThinkTimm reveals that his trademark symbols and logos are available on apparel such as T-shirts, hoodies, and more through platforms like https://tpublic.com/thinktimm " target="_blank">TeePublic and https://threadless.com/thinktimm " target="_blank">Threadless. By diversifying his income sources and offering fans the chance to wear the brand, ThinkTimm is creating another revenue stream while promoting the ThinkTimm name.

Social Media Impact: Reaching a Global Audience

ThinkTimm shares an interesting insight into the social media traffic he’s been receiving, particularly from India. Over the last month, he’s accumulated more than 2 million views across his platforms. However, ThinkTimm also emphasizes the challenges associated with social media payouts, explaining that while views are valuable, revenue is often more effectively generated through followers and subscribers. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram require a minimum of 10,000 followers to start monetizing content, which makes it important for fans to follow, subscribe, and share the content to help build the base. ThinkTimm encourages listeners to support by following and subscribing to increase his potential for passive income.

Welcome back to ‘Why Make Music,’ where we explore music creation and its creators. I’m your host, ThinkTimm. Today, we highlight influential music producers from 2022 to 2025.

As the 2025 Grammy Awards approach, we reflect on visionaries who shaped the soundscape. We’ll explore their backgrounds, notable collaborations, tools, and impact. An exciting announcement about my latest project follows.

Our first spotlight is on Jack Antonoff. A formidable force in the music industry for over a decade, his influence has grown. From 2022 to 2025, he collaborated with artists like Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Lorde, producing chart-topping albums.

Notably, he co-produced Taylor Swift’s Grammy-winning album ‘Midnights’. Jack primarily uses Logic Pro X for its intuitive interface and capabilities. His studio has vintage synthesizers and guitars.

Next is Finneas O’Connell, known as Finneas. While many know him as Billie Eilish’s brother, he’s carved out his own niche as a producer. Between 2022 and 2025, he worked with artists like Selena Gomez and Camila Cabello, bringing his minimalist yet impactful production style to their music.

Finneas prefers Ableton Live for its flexibility. His home studio setup includes the Universal Audio Apollo interface and Neumann U87 microphone.

Our third feature is Metro Boomin, a powerhouse in hip-hop and trap. From 2022 to 2025, he produced hits for artists like Future, 21 Savage, and Travis Scott. His work on ‘Savage Mode II’ received acclaim for its dark, atmospheric beats.

Metro Boomin, Ricky Reed, and SOPHIE are renowned producers who have significantly impacted modern music production.

Metro Boomin frequently uses FL Studio for its user-friendly interface and powerful sequencing capabilities, particularly the Akai MPC Live II.

Ricky Reed, known for his versatility, collaborates with artists like Lizzo, Leon Bridges, and Twenty One Pilots. He prefers Pro Tools for its robust recording features, complemented by the Sequential Prophet-6 synthesizer and Telefunken U47 microphone.

SOPHIE, a visionary producer, used Ableton Live and equipment like the Elektron Monomachine. Her posthumous album continues to influence electronic and pop music.

These producers have shaped the music we listen to and influenced modern music production tools. Digital Audio Workstations like Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and Pro Tools have become industry standards, each catering to different production styles.

As we approach the 2025 Grammy Awards, these producers have left a mark on the music industry. I’m thrilled to announce my latest project, ‘NomenClefture… Verbal Scales.’ It explores the interplay between language and melody, available today on all streaming platforms.

Thanks for joining me on this musical journey. Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming episodes!

Welcome to Episode 021 of "Why Make Music..." titled Fun! Fun! Fun!. In this exciting installment, ThinkTimm expresses heartfelt gratitude to all listeners and supporters. He encourages everyone to like and follow his Instagram and Facebook accounts, emphasizing the importance of follower counts for financial compensation through social media algorithms.

Recently, ThinkTimm has garnered 1.7 million views on his Instagram reels, yet remains uncertain about receiving financial compensation. While he acknowledges that social media earnings aren't his primary focus, he recognizes the value of potential income and reflects on the math behind it—because who would turn away money?

This episode brings a small tutorial of inspiration, where ThinkTimm showcases a captivating bassline, engaging keyboard lines, and energetic drum tracks from pre-existing music released in his projects. He admits to still figuring out the best way to channel Logic tracks into FL Studio for optimal sound quality, but overall, the results are promising.

Motivation takes center stage as ThinkTimm discusses the pivotal role of music in his life, highlighting the creative freedom it provides. He feels that sync licensing opportunities are just on the horizon, especially after dedicating six months to releasing music to the masses.

Exciting news awaits! On January 31, ThinkTimm will release a new project titled NomenClefture… Verbal Scales, featuring 26 tracks of instrumental music. The title cleverly plays on "nomenclature," meaning names, while incorporating musical terminology like "cleft," reminiscent of bass clef and G clef.

ThinkTimm extends his appreciation to all listeners, urging everyone to follow along as he continues to enjoy recording. He feels optimistic about the future and motivates his audience to never give up. He stresses the importance of music in our lives, noting how often we take it for granted.

As always, this episode is a fulfilling and fun exploration of the question, "Why Make Music?" ThinkTimm invites everyone to tune in, build a community, ask questions, and leave comments. Don't forget to check out the YouTube version of the podcast, where you can watch him live as he records.

It's been an enjoyable day for ThinkTimm, and he looks forward to continuing this journey into the future. Join him next week for more insights and inspiration!

Thank you for being a part of the "Why Make Music..." community!

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Why Make Music… Episode 20: Mistakes Will Happen

In this episode of Why Make Music…, host ThinkTimm opens with an apology about the episode's original intent. Initially planned as a narrated walkthrough of crafting a beat in Logic Pro using bass, piano, horns, electric piano, guitar, and drums, technical difficulties forced a change of plans. Instead, ThinkTimm delivers an updated, more informative version of Episode 20.

ThinkTimm takes a moment to acknowledge a growing audience in India, discovered through his Instagram analytics. With video views climbing from 250,000 to nearly 800,000 within two weeks, he expresses gratitude without setting expectations, urging listeners to like, follow, and subscribe to support his content.

The discussion shifts to sync licensing and his prolific music output. With six projects containing 26 tracks each slated for release by January 31, 2025, ThinkTimm reflects on his total of 156 songs in under six months—an output he believes might rival a Guinness World Record. He shares his belief that while his music may not yet be widely appreciated, its value will be recognized in time.

ThinkTimm also addresses the potential ban of TikTok in the U.S., contemplating its impact on creators and businesses relying on the platform. He notes that while technology has its downsides, it’s integral to modern communication and growth.

Finally, ThinkTimm dives into his experiment with AI, using tools like ChatGPT to create children's songs. With minimal involvement beyond providing prompts, he generated two complete songs in just ten minutes. While unsure how to feel about this advancement, he acknowledges AI’s potential beyond recreational uses, emphasizing the importance of embracing its possibilities.

Join ThinkTimm for this candid episode where he reflects on growth, gratitude, and the ever-evolving intersection of music and technology.

Follow, Like, and Subscribe to stay connected and help spread the music!