Progress Is Always Nice

Written By ThinkTimm

Hitting episode 50 of Why Make Music feels like a real milestone. Halfway to 100 episodes isn’t just a number — it’s a marker of consistency, growth, and progress. And that’s exactly the theme of this episode: taking stock of where things are, where they’ve been, and where they’re headed.

This one’s a little different. Willa May takes the mic solo from start to finish — no co-hosts, just a straight-up reflection on music, business, and culture. The result? A relaxed but packed listen that shows just how far the Why Make Music project has come.

New Music: Volume 3 Drops September 22

The headline news is the release of If I Was Your Producer – Volume 3, hitting all streaming platforms on Friday, September 22, 2025. It’s a ten-track set that ranges from anthemic to deeply personal. Titles include:

  • Alive

  • Confusion People

  • For the Family

  • Honest Hustle Smile

  • Let Me See Your Hands

  • My Town

  • Popstar

  • Saturday

  • Soulmate

  • Treadmill (Don’t Call Me Crazy)

Each song has its own flavor, from high-energy jams to more reflective cuts. Volumes 1 and 2 are already out and building traction, and this new chapter shows just how far the series has come.

And here’s the kicker: the team is already deep into Volume 15. That’s not a typo. Fifteen. The creative flow hasn’t slowed down, and the music is sounding sharper than ever.

Behind the Scenes: The Sync Licensing Guide

Not all progress happens in the studio. Sometimes it’s about the business side too. This year, we finished a 120-page e-book on sync licensing — essentially, everything an indie artist needs to know to get music cleared for TV, film, or ad placements.

It covers registering songs with PROs, tagging files with metadata, handling clearances, and pitching to music supervisors. But after finishing it, we realized: plenty of similar guides already exist, and many are free. So instead of trying to sell ours, we’ll release it as a free resource on ThinkTimm.com or the WDMN Media site.

Business Momentum

Another area of progress: business. Getting IP and catalogs organized has made a massive difference. On top of that, a new (confidential) collaboration with an industry pro means the music is finally being pitched directly to reputable supervisors. Nothing’s guaranteed in sync, but the vibe is positive — and for the first time, it feels like placements are within reach.

A Night with Tate McRae

Progress isn’t just about us. Sometimes it’s about seeing others level up, too. Case in point: Tate McRae’s sold-out showat the newly renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philly.

The production was massive — lights, visuals, choreography — and Tate’s energy matched it all. She may not be filling stadiums like Taylor Swift or Billie Eilish yet, but she’s clearly carving out her own lane. The opener was Zara Larsson, which says everything about the scale of this tour.

The kids in the family left buzzing, and honestly, so did we.

From Viral Teen to Arena Star

Tate’s journey is wild. From dancing on So You Think You Can Dance: Next Gen at 13, to going viral on YouTube with One Day, to signing with RCA at 16. She blew up with You Broke Me First in 2020, which spent 38 weeks on the Hot 100, and hasn’t slowed down since.

Fast forward to 2025: she’s now got a #1 U.S. album (So Close to What), multiple Juno Awards, and two MTV VMA wins under her belt. The Philly show felt like watching an artist who’s just getting started on the big stage.

VMAs 2025: Highlights

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were a reminder of how much the industry evolves every year. LL Cool J hosted, Mariah Carey finally picked up the long-overdue Video Vanguard Award, and Ariana Grande won Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead.

Other standout moments:

  • Lady Gaga winning Artist of the Year (and dashing out to perform at Madison Square Garden the same night).

  • Sabrina Carpenter taking Best Album for Short n’ Sweet.

  • Breakout wins for newcomers like KATSEYE (Push Performance) and Alex Warren (Best New Artist).

  • And of course, Tate McRae adding two Moon Person trophies to her shelf.

Performances from Gaga, Ariana, Mariah, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Ricky Martin, and more made it one of the stronger shows in recent years.

Taylor Swift’s Easter Eggs

It wouldn’t be pop culture in 2025 without Taylor Swift leaving fans chasing clues. Between color schemes, numerology with her favorite number 13, and cryptic social posts, Swifties are convinced something’s about to drop.

Theories point to either Reputation (Taylor’s Version) (which she likely needs to release by fall 2025 for legal reasons) or yet another new project hot on the heels of The Life of a Showgirl. With Taylor, the guessing game is part of the fun.

Disney+ Updates: Marvel & Star Wars

Disney+ is stacked right now:

  • Marvel: Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World are both streaming, Eyes of Wakanda hit this summer, Marvel Zombies arrives Sept. 24, and Wonder Man is due in December.

  • Star Wars: The Acolyte (2024) and Skeleton Crew (late 2024/early 2025) are now fully available, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy just dropped, and Visions Vol. 3 lands Oct. 29.

It’s a golden era for streaming fans.

Lower Level Creations: Collectibles & Printing

On the collectibles side, the HasLab Republic Gunship met its goal — though we sat this one out since we already own an earlier version. Recent additions to the shelves include:

  • Black Series Night Trooper (Ahsoka)

  • Barriss Offee

  • Merrin (Jedi: Fallen Order)

  • Marvel Legends Thunderbolts lineup (Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, and more)

And after a quick repair, the 3D printer is back in action — meaning custom props and stands are on the way.

Wrapping It Up

Episode 50 isn’t just about celebrating a number. It’s about acknowledging the small wins, steady progress, and moments of growth that keep everything moving. From new music and industry collaborations to family concerts and toy hauls, it’s all part of the same creative journey.

Want to follow along? Find us here:

  • IG: @ThinkTimm, @WDMNMedia, @WhyMakeMusic, @DJWarmCookies, @LowerLevelCollections

  • Merch: TeePublic + Threadless

  • Music: Bandcamp + all major streaming platforms

  • Patreon: open, waiting for its first members

Here’s to the next 50. Because, as the episode title says, progress is always nice.

ThinkTimm

ThinkTimm, known in the music world as a self-taught music producer whose enigmatic presence and captivating soundscapes have garnered a quiet yet devoted following. ThinkTimm’s journey into music was not driven by a pursuit of fame, but by an intrinsic need to create and share a sonic visions. Crafting tracks that blend ambient textures with intricate rhythms, music serves as a gateway to otherworldly emotions and uncharted territories of the mind.

From the confines of a home studio, ThinkTimm, weaves melodies that speak volumes without uttering a single word. Compositions have a way of resonating deeply with listeners, evoking a spectrum of emotions that range from haunting nostalgia to serene tranquility. Each piece is a testament to dedication, honed through countless hours of experimentation and an unwavering passion for the craft.

ThinkTimm’s aspirations are humble yet profound. The dreams are not of opulence, but of a life where the family can thrive, supported by the legacy of musical creations. For ThinkTimm’s

compensation is a means to an end—a way to continue answering the question, Why Make Music…, while ensuring those that are cherished are well cared for. Music, a reflection of the soul, is a gift to the world, a timeless legacy that will endure long after the final note has faded.

In a world where the spotlight often overshadows authenticity, ThinkTimm stands as a beacon of genuine artistry. The work is a reminder that true passion transcends the superficial, leaving an indelible mark on all who encounter it.

https://www.thinktimm.com
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