Why Make Music… Episode 034: Legends Still Shred

Hosted by DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May) and ThinkTimm, this week’s episode dives headfirst into the myth, magic, and mastery of the guitar—from blues roots to rock gods, pedal worship to digital rigs, and every soul-stirring solo in between.

We explore how guitars have transcended time and genre—how they’ve served as instruments of rebellion, tools of tenderness, and everything in between. From Hendrix to Santana, from Slash to Frusciante, from classic analog rigs to modern DAWs and amp sims—we cover it all.

ThinkTimm closes the episode with a deeply personal monologue on live instrumentation, home studio production, and the mental clarity that comes from creating honest art in a digital world. He also teases future sync licensing news and reflects on the journey of indie artistry in the algorithm age.

New to the show? Stick around. You might not know us yet—but you just might love us.

Follow & Stream:

• Website: www.ThinkTimm.com
">https://www.ThinkTimm.com">www.ThinkTimm.com
• Instagram & SoundCloud: @ThinkTimm
• BlueSky: ThinkTimm
• Streaming: Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music
• Podcast: Available on all major platforms
• YouTube: Behind-the-scenes, producer series, music & more

Shoutouts: All the musicians holding down live shows and DIY sessions, all the producers using FL Studio, Logic Pro, Akai gear and more. Whether you're in a bedroom or a boardroom, you’re part of the DAMNNATION.

This week’s featured producers: Linda Perry and Trent Reznor. All genres welcome. All music is music.

#WhyMakeMusic #ThinkTimm #DAMNNATION #GuitarLegends #MusicProduction #FLStudio #LogicPro #SyncLicensing #PhillyCreators #WDMN #WillaMay

Why Make Music… Episode 033 | Creation Begins Inside: Finding Balance & Flow

This episode is a journey inward — toward stillness, sound, and the source of all creativity. DJ Warm Cookies opens with a moving poem about love and presence, setting the tone for a deep conversation between ThinkTimm and DJ Warm Cookies on what it means to make music from a centered, soul-aligned place.

Through stories, humor, and reflection, they explore the difference between forced creation and inspired flow, how meditation and mindfulness fuel artistry, and why creating from within leads to the most powerful art. ThinkTimm delivers a heartfelt monologue on legacy, mental wellness, and what it means to be a lifelong creative. There's even a wild yet meaningful story about deer, traffic, and spiritual awareness.

Episode 033 features:

• A poetic opening by DJ Warm Cookies
• Guided meditation to help you reset and return to your creative center
• Conversations about music as healing, water as metaphor, and art as truth
• A candid ThinkTimm monologue about purpose, peace, and leaving a mark
• A philosophical story about deer and Jehovah’s Witnesses — and what it means to be human
• A final invitation to love, share, and stay grounded

Follow ThinkTimm:

Instagram: @thinktimm">https://www.instagram.com/thinktimm\">@thinktimm | @whymakemusic">https://www.instagram.com/whymakemusic\">@whymakemusic | @djwarmcookies">https://www.instagram.com/djwarmcookies\">@djwarmcookies

BlueSky: thinktimm.bsky.social">https://thinktimm.bsky.social\">thinktimm.bsky.social

Streaming: Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud (search: ThinkTimm)

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

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

Share this episode if it touched your spirit. Send it to someone who needs a creative reset. And remember:

“What we give is what we become.”

#WhyMakeMusic #ThinkTimm #Mindfulness #MusicProduction #SpiritualArtistry #DJWarmCookies #ReturnToCenter #PodcastEpisode

Episode 032 – The Artist Formerly Known As Just a Musician

Hosted by DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May) and ThinkTimm, this episode of Why Make Music… (dot dot dot) dives into the blurred lines between experimentation, authenticity, and the evolving relationship between artists and technology.

Across five grounded and soulful segments, ThinkTimm and Willa reflect on:

• The rollout of Why Make Music… The Producers series
• Creative evolution from musician to tech-powered creator
• “Accidental expertise” born from necessity, not instruction
• The confusion around what we label “experimental” in modern music
• The ethics and philosophy of AI-generated voices and production tools

They ask: Who defines originality? Is a tool still just a tool if it creates something you love? What happens when art becomes indistinguishable from automation?

Recorded and produced independently by ThinkTimm, with love, labor, and late nights. Stream, share, and follow for more. This is the artist formerly known as just a musician.

Follow: YouTube">https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkTimm-if-nothing-else">YouTube | Website">https://www.thinktimm.com">Website | Merch

Why Make Music…

Episode 031: Not for Money, for Motivation

Hosted by: DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May) & ThinkTimm

Episode 031 opens in story mode: a monologue from DJ Warm Cookies reflecting on ThinkTimm’s early days of chasing a dream—digging through old notebooks, remembering 90s-era rehearsals, failed bands, and never-captured sparks of brilliance. It’s a poetic journey through lost songs and found purpose, setting the tone for a powerful message:

You don’t make music for money. You make it for survival. For peace. For you.

This episode explores:

• The real cost of building a music setup in 2024
• Time, energy, and confidence as currency
• Marketing, tools, and why visibility is never free
• The truth about chasing creativity while adulting
• What you can offer to the industry, your peers, and yourself

Episode 031 features a full poetic reading of “Poor Lonely Sky,” an original poem written by ThinkTimm, layered into a spoken word soliloquy that captures the spirit of the modern creator.

We close with a powerful benediction—what it means to “clear the trees” and fight for blue sky through the noise of today’s industry.

Follow ThinkTimm:

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

Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky: @ThinkTimm

SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube: T H I N K T I M M

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

Patreon: Support">https://www.patreon.com/ThinkTimm">Support on Patreon

Be a friend to the process. Share, repost, or just let it sit with you.

This is Why Make Music… dot dot dot

In this milestone episode, ThinkTimm and DJWarmCookies (aka Willa May) step into a new chapter of the podcast, inviting listeners to rediscover the heart and hustle behind the Why Make Music… series. As the 30th episode unfolds, we go beyond just sound and storytelling—we dive deep into soul, upbringing, legacy, and the truth of independent artistry.

ThinkTimm reintroduces himself—not as a star, but as a lifelong student of sound. From the boom boxes on Cedar Park Ave to Prince concerts with friends from the block, he takes us on a journey that’s rich with memory and meaning. We hear about the legacy of his great-grandmother Willa Mae, the mentorship of his stepfather, cassette tape experiments with his brother, and the homegrown hustle that birthed over 156 instrumental tracks across six albums.

This episode is an ode to old-school struggle tech, Philly soul, sidewalk cyphers, and the power of musical influence—from John Williams to Miles Davis, Salt-N-Pepa to Steely Dan. Through dual narration between DJWarmCookies and ThinkTimm (via professional vocal clone), we blend past, present, and possibility.

If you're new here, welcome. If you’ve been riding with us, thank you. This episode is a reset, a reflection, and a reminder: you don’t need fame to make something timeless. You just need purpose, patience, and the right playlist.

Follow & Support:

YouTube: @ThinkTimm-if-nothing-else

Instagram: @thinktimm @wdmnation @djwarmcookies @whymakemusic

Facebook: Think Timm

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

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

Stream the full catalog on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.

Like what you hear? Share it. Tag it. Talk about it. Word of mouth is undefeated.

#WhyMakeMusic #ThinkTimm #DJWarmCookies #IndependentArtist #MusicIsMedicine

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.