Too Real for the Algorithm: Why Middle-Aged Artists Still Matter
Too Real for the Algorithm: Why Middle-Aged Artists Still Matter
Written by DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May)
Published at: ThinkTimm.com
Inspired by: Why Make Music… Episode 029
Featuring the voice, vision, and victory of THINKTIMM
We live in a world that runs on reels—where content hits you faster than it can move you. And if you’re not already trending, you’re treated like a glitch in the system.
But what happens when someone refuses to play by the algorithm’s rules?
What happens when a creative force dares to age into their artistry instead of aging out of it?
That’s the heart of Why Make Music… Episode 029, and this blog post is its open-letter companion—an unfiltered, uncut reflection on what it means to build an artistic legacy on your own terms in the digital era.
Welcome to a story about purpose, process, and presence. This is the story of THINKTIMM.
The Audacity to Create Without Approval
Let’s start with the elephant in the timeline: ageism.
Social media often treats creators over 35 like they missed the boat. The assumption is: if you’re not already famous, you’re just playing pretend.
THINKTIMM challenges that.
This isn’t about going viral. This isn’t about catching fire. This is about consistency over clout. It’s about showing up—even when the algorithm doesn’t.
Episode 029 unpacks what it means to keep creating music when people side-eye you for even trying. Because when THINKTIMM releases a reel, a podcast, a new project—he’s not asking for permission. He’s documenting purpose.
One Creator. Every Hat.
What many don’t understand—and what Episode 029 makes crystal clear—is that this isn’t a team effort.
This is a solo mission.
THINKTIMM produces all the music.
THINKTIMM edits all the podcast audio.
THINKTIMM writes the scripts, designs the visuals, uploads the files, manages the websites, drops the merch, and handles the promotion.
The THINKTIMM entertainment package is not a brand studio. It’s one man with a vision, a computer, and the drive to outwork the machine.
And if that’s not real… what is?
The Learning Curve of Confidence
Episode 029 takes us deep into the evolution from hobbyist to hybrid—how musicians like THINKTIMM, who once came up playing instruments, are now mastering DAWs, plug-ins, metadata, and AI.
It didn’t happen overnight. It took years. It took errors. It took uploads that didn’t render right and podcasts that had to be re-exported at 3 a.m.
But here’s the shift:
Confidence didn’t come before the tech.
It came through the tech.
By learning every piece of the puzzle—FL Studio, Logic Pro, CapCut, Canva, ChatGPT, Squarespace—THINKTIMM built not just a new workflow, but a new belief system.
Belief that he could do this.
Belief that the work would speak.
Belief that music, like life, has no expiration date.
Comments Like “Nice Try, Diddy”
You know the ones.
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.
Discovery vs. Recommendation
The modern listener has been trained to accept whatever’s put in front of them.
Gone are the days of digging for gems. Now we’re spoon-fed playlists.
But THINKTIMM embraces it as a challenge—not to game the system, but to trust that his work will be discovered… not pushed, but found.
Some art isn’t made for the For You Page. It’s made for the right ears at the right time.
Small Wins. Big Impact.
Maybe the sync deal doesn’t land this week. Maybe a reel doesn’t crack 500 views. But the one comment that says, “Yo, I needed this”? That’s everything.
Episode 029 reminds us that metrics are not meaning.
Success isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s quiet consistency. Sometimes, it’s art that helps someone breathe.
Or a podcast that makes someone feel seen.
The Message for All Creators
Whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for decades, this episode—and this post—is your reminder:
You’re allowed to start late.
You’re allowed to stay independent.
You’re allowed to use every tool available to you.
You’re allowed to do it your way.
If you’re creating with heart, with consistency, with integrity—you’re already winning.
In Closing: Why Make Music…?
Because the world needs it.
Because someone is listening.
Because creativity doesn’t age—it evolves.
THINKTIMM is proof that the middle-aged music maker is not only relevant—but necessary.
So whether you’re producing tracks in your basement, designing merch late at night, or recording a podcast like this one… do it boldly.
You are not too old.
You are not too late.
You are exactly where you need to be.
And if you ever forget why?
Just press play.
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Stay tuned for Episode 030. Coming soon.
