Why Make Music...
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.
Hello, Welcome to Episode 028 of “Why Make Music.” I’m your host, DJ Warm Cookies, and today we’re embarking on an exciting journey into the complex yet captivating realm of sampling and interpolation within the music industry. These techniques are akin to a secret ingredient that infuses life and vibrancy into our beloved tracks, and I’m eager to unravel this fascinating subject for you! So, grab those headphones, find a comfy spot, and let’s dive into how these artistic methods not only craft songs but also shape entire genres and cultural landscapes.
What Constitutes a Sample?
To begin with, let’s clarify what we mean by a sample in the context of music. Essentially, a sample refers to a segment of a sound recording that is repurposed and utilized in a new musical composition. This could be anything from an infectious drum beat, a memorable vocal snippet, or even a catchy melodic riff extracted from an existing song. The phenomenon of sampling gained significant traction during the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly within the realms of hip-hop and electronic music, but it has since permeated a wide array of musical genres.





Do or Do Not… There Is No Try
Embracing Yoda’s Wisdom in Creativity: DJ Warm Cookies uses Yoda’s advice as a springboard to talk about mindset. The message to creatives is clear: don’t half-step your passion. If you say you’ll “try” to make music, you might give yourself an out — but if you decide you will make music, you’re far more likely to get it done. Willa May illustrates how this all-in attitude has helped ThinkTimm push through barriers and complete project after project. It’s a call to be fearless and decisive in creating art, much like a Jedi committing fully to the Force. The takeaway: approach your creative goals with commitment, not hesitation.

Campus Frequency: Why College Radio Still Matters in a Streaming World
College radio is one of the last places in the music world where human taste still dictates the soundtrack. And if you’re an independent artist wondering how to be heard, really heard—not just played—college radio may be more vital now than it’s ever been.
This week on Why Make Music…, DJ Warm Cookies takes the wheel, steering us into the sometimes forgotten world of college radio. What we find is not only rich in history but bursting with relevance for modern musicians—especially those of us walking the independent path.

A Love Letter to the Low End
From the very first vibration of a low E string to the cosmic thump of a Moog synth bass, one thing is clear: music doesn't move without the bass. In Episode 035 of the Why Make Music… podcast, host ThinkTimm and the ever-soulful DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May) take listeners on a two-hour journey through the history, legacy, and undeniable power of the electric bass guitar.
This episode isn’t just content—it’s a celebration. A groove-soaked, emotionally resonant, technically informed deep-dive that stretches across genres, decades, genders, and frequencies. It’s the longest episode we’ve ever produced, and we don’t apologize for a second of it. Why? Because the bass deserves the time. The bass has always deserved more time.

Legends still sherd
The guitar isn’t just an instrument—it’s a portal. A sound machine. A weapon. A way of life. And in Episode 034 of Why Make Music…, we don’t just discuss the legends who’ve played it—we live through them.
DJ Warm Cookies, our ever-soulful narrator and host, opens this episode with the kind of spoken word sermon that pulls you in by the collar. She asks: Have you ever heard the poetry of a six-string? Have you ever watched someone bend time with a single note? And she doesn’t ask quietly—she declares it.


Allow me to reintroduce myself…
There comes a moment in every creator’s journey where you pause—not because you’re lost, but because you’ve finally realized how far you’ve come. And not just how far—but how deep. Episode 030 of Why Make Music… (dot dot dot) is that moment for me. A breath. A reset. A reintroduction—not just for the new listeners but for myself.

Too Real for the Algorithm: Why Middle-Aged Artists Still Matter
The dismissive shots. The keyboard sarcasm. The idea that if you’re over 40 and still making music, you must be clout-chasing or delusional.
But that’s projection, not perspective.
The ones who say “Nice try, Diddy” are often too afraid to try themselves.
THINKTIMM isn’t here for their approval.
He’s here to connect.
He’s here to grow.
He’s here to share what he’s been creating for decades.
And the irony? The people mocking AI are the ones most addicted to AI-fed content.

The Art of Sampling and Interpolation: From Vinyl to AI
In the tapestry of modern music, sampling and interpolation have woven threads connecting past melodies to present rhythms. These techniques have not only bridged generational gaps but have also been instrumental in the evolution of genres like hip-hop, R&B, and pop. This comprehensive exploration delves into the origins, legal landscapes, cultural impacts, and future trajectories of sampling and interpolation in music production.

The Creative mind…
Scientific research has demonstrated notable differences in brain structure and function between individuals who create music—such as composers and producers—and those who do not. These differences are attributed to the extensive training and practice involved in musical creation, leading to neuroplastic changes in the brain.



He Made the New Jack Swing…
Throughout his extensive and illustrious career, Riley has showcased an unwavering commitment to innovation and reinvention. He has steadfastly refused to rest on the laurels of his initial success with new jack swing, instead opting to continuously evolve and adapt to the changing musical landscape. His subsequent work with artists across a myriad of genres underscores his remarkable adaptability and openness to embracing new sounds and trends, which is vital for sustained success in an ever-changing industry

Me, myself Versus I…
ThinkTimm opens the episode by inviting listeners to reflect on the question, “Why Make Music…” This inquiry is not merely rhetorical; it serves as a catalyst for a deeper exploration into the very essence of creativity. For ThinkTimm, music is not a choice but a necessity, shaped by a lifetime of exposure to musical environments

Why & what is Sync Licensing…
For many outside the music industry, the concept of Sync Licensing might seem complex or niche. However, understanding it is crucial for musicians looking to leverage their work in various media. Essentially, Sync Licensing allows artists to have their music featured in a variety of contexts, which can significantly broaden their audience base and increase their visibility