DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May) takes over hosting duties solo as ThinkTimm attends to family matters. (We send our condolences to ThinkTimm on the loss of his grandmother.) But the show goes on with a Star Wars twist: "Do or do not, there is no try." Willa May channels Yoda’s wisdom to deliver an inspiring message about fully committing to creativity.

She discusses how embracing technology – from ChatGPT and AI voice-cloning to DAWs like Logic Pro – can empower independent artists. The episode also celebrates ThinkTimm’s incredible first year: six self-produced albums released (156 songs!) and teases his next project, which will feature vocals for the first time.

Throughout this monologue, DJ Warm Cookies keeps it real and lighthearted, emphasizing the DIY spirit behind ThinkTimm’s journey and why artists sometimes go quiet on social media (hint: they’re busy making art!). It’s a fun, motivational episode that encourages you to stop "trying" and start doing. May the creative Force be with you!

Follow @ThinkTimm, @djwarmcookies, @whymakemusic, @wdmnation on social media and visit ThinkTimm.com">https://thinktimm.com">ThinkTimm.com for more. Stream the Why Make Music… podcast on all platforms.

Episode 037 – Why Make Music… The Mixtape

In this special extended edition, DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May) takes you on a sonic time machine through the soul, story, and culture of the mixtape. From reel-to-reel roots and cassette tape love letters to hip-hop street tapes, burned CDs, and algorithmic playlists, this episode explores the mixtape as an emotional diary, artistic manifesto, and cultural landmark.

We reflect decade-by-decade on how mixtapes evolved globally—from Bronx block parties and pirate UK radio to Brazilian funk CDs and Japanese City Pop crates. Along the way, you'll hear stories about DJ Clue, DJ Drama, DJ Screw, MF DOOM, and many more. This is more than music history—it’s a love letter to curation, memory, and the human need to share sound.

Instrumental beds by ThinkTimm. Available on all streaming platforms. Merch & more: www.thinktimm.com

Follow: @ThinkTimm | @WhyMakeMusic | @DJWarmCookies

#WhyMakeMusic #ThinkTimm #MixtapeCulture #MusicPodcast #DJWarmCookies #HipHopHistory #PlaylistPhilosophy

Episode 036: Campus Frequency – Why College Radio Still Matters

In this episode of Why Make Music…, DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May) takes the lead in exploring a topic that deserves a loud and proud revival—the power of college radio for independent musicians. Think streaming is the only game in town? Think again.

We dig deep into the human-curated, genre-bending, community-rooted world of college radio and how it’s quietly been the launchpad for legendary artists—from Ani DiFranco to R.E.M., Fugazi to Japanese Breakfast. If you’ve ever wondered whether your music has a better shot on a college station than fighting the Spotify algorithm, this episode’s for you.

We cover:

• The unique programming styles of stations like WXPN, WKDU, WHIP, and WRTI in Philadelphia
• Historical success stories of indie acts who made it through college airplay
• Step-by-step advice for getting your music on college radio (email, mail, etiquette, follow-ups)
• Royalty breakdowns: What pays more—radio, streaming, or sync?
• Why college radio still builds culture and fanbases in a world obsessed with instant plays

Plus, you know we close it out right—ThinkTimm delivers a signature rant that’s part motivation, part manifesto. “Do you want a million forgettable streams—or 50 real fans who ride for you for life?” We answer that and more.

Shoutouts:

• https://www.thinktimm.com" target="_blank">www.thinktimm.com – The hub for everything ThinkTimm
• Follow on Instagram: @thinktimm">https://instagram.com/thinktimm">@thinktimm | @djwarmcookies">https://instagram.com/djwarmcookies">@djwarmcookies | @whymakemusic
• ">https://instagram.com/whymakemusic">@whymakemusic

• Also on: BlueSky (@thinktimm.bsky.social), Facebook, SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

Support Independent Media: College radio matters. Tune in to WXPN, WKDU, WHIP, and WRTI. Donate. Engage. Discover something new.

Listen. Share. Repeat. And always ask yourself: Why Make Music…?

#ThinkTimm #WhyMakeMusic #DJWarmCookies #CollegeRadio #WXPN #WKDU #WHIPRadio #WRTI #IndieArtist #SyncLicensing #StreamingVsRadio #PodcastForMusicians