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

Episode 035: All About That Bass

Welcome back to Why Make Music…—the podcast where groove meets storytelling. This week, we dive deep (and we mean DEEP) into the low end with our longest, most groove-packed episode yet: All About That Bass.

Hosted by ThinkTimm and narrated alongside DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May), this two-hour tribute explores the evolution, emotion, and innovation behind the electric bass guitar. From the pioneers who made it slap to the genre-defiers still pushing it forward, this is a journey through funk, fusion, rock, soul, pop, jazz, and everything in between.

We highlight legends like James Jamerson, Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius, Verdine White, Marcus Miller, and John Paul Jones—alongside modern innovators like Thundercat, MonoNeon, Esperanza Spalding, Nik West, and Jamareo Artis. We shine a much-needed spotlight on female bassists and include personal stories, like ThinkTimm’s unforgettable night with Meshell Ndegeocello in Philly.

It’s a groove-heavy, gear-geeky, heart-hitting love letter to bass guitarists everywhere.

Shout outs to:

All our listeners, supporters, and groove lovers

All bass players, from pocket-holders to fretless poets

WDMNation for staying tuned in

And of course, T H I N K T I M M—stream all his music on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube

Follow us:

@ThinkTimm">https://www.instagram.com/thinktimm\">@ThinkTimm | @WhyMakeMusic">https://www.instagram.com/whymakemusic\">@WhyMakeMusic

YouTube">https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkTimm-if-nothing-else\">YouTube | www.ThinkTimm.com

This one’s a little longer than usual… because, baby, the bass deserves it.

Keep it low. Keep it locked. And remember… it’s all about that bass.

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