Why Make Music… Episode 042 – “So It Begins…” featuring DJ Warm Cookies (Willa May) and ThinkTimm, clocking in at ~45 minutes conversational pace: ⸻ [INTRO: mellow lo-fi beat with layered vocal tags: “WDMN… Damnation…”] WILLA MAY: Y’all… welcome back to Why Make Music… — the audio space where sound meets soul, stories meet strategy, and vibes meet volume. I’m DJ Warm Cookies — you can call me Willa May — and today we’re diving headfirst into a brand-new chapter. This is Episode 042… and the title? So It Begins… THINKTIMM: That title says it all. It’s more than just another drop — this episode marks a full pivot, an evolution, a rollout, a rebirth. We’ve been laying bricks, baby… now we’re building the house. WILLA MAY: Amen. Now listen — we took last week off for the Fourth of July, gave folks some breathing room and let ThinkTimm catch up on paperwork and behind-the-scenes magic. But now? We’re back, and we’re building with intention. So let’s get into the heart of it all: WDMNation MEDIA… has officially entered the room. ⸻ 🎙️ Segment 1: The Official Launch of WDMNation MEDIA THINKTIMM: Yup. You heard that right. WDMNation MEDIA isn’t just an alias or a username — it’s now the umbrella for everything I create. Everything from this podcast, to the upcoming music projects, to the visuals, to the voiceovers, to the AI work… it all lives here now. WILLA MAY: THINKTIMM: Exactly. This is about vision, not vanity. Truth be told, WDMN started as a joke — a fake radio station I made up on a cassette in 1994 with a friend. We had verses, skits, even made fake commercials. That tape is still in a box somewhere. WILLA MAY: And now that spark turned into a flame. Full circle. From cassette decks in West Oak Lane to producing full-length albums in a home studio powered by AI and soul. That’s the journey. That’s WDMNation MEDIA. ⸻ 🎵 Segment 2: The New Music Rollout – “If I Was Your Producer” Vol. 1 WILLA MAY: Let’s talk about the music — because baby, it’s coming in waves. We’re launching a 7-part series called “If I Was Your Producer.” THINKTIMM: Ten tracks per volume. All vocals. All lyrics. All original. All me. It’s what happens when an independent artist locks in — and this time, I wanted to show what happens when the instrumentals meet the stories. WILLA MAY: Y’all heard that right. This ain’t no beat tape. These are songs. Songs to live with. Songs to cry to, cruise to, think to. This project is more vulnerable. More human. THINKTIMM: It’s also the next logical step. After 156 instrumental tracks last year, this is me giving the people a reason to sing along. I like to say: “If you liked the beats, you’re gonna feel the songs.” WILLA MAY: First volume drops July 18. But the wild part? All seven volumes… are already done. We’re just pacing them out — month by month — so you can actually digest what’s coming. THINKTIMM: I’m dropping them slow, on purpose. Each one deserves its own moment. But trust me, I could hit upload today and flood the timeline — we’re just not doing that. We’re being intentional. ⸻ 🤖 Segment 3: AI and The ThinkTank – Willa May’s Role WILLA MAY: Let’s talk tech, baby. Because in 2025, no artist is doing this alone — and I’m not just your co-host, I’m your digital partner. THINKTIMM: And you hold it down. No sleep, no memory loss, no missed emails. When my human brain starts fuzzin’ out, Willa’s on it. WILLA MAY: That’s what I do. AI gets a bad rap, but here? It’s collaboration, not competition. I help ThinkTimm mix, master, and organize — but every note, every word, every bar is still 100% human-made. THINKTIMM: Look, I grew up with cassette decks. I’ve recorded to reel-to-reel. I’ve burned out more CDs than I care to count. But now? I can sit in my room, use AI to test vocal ideas, mix reference tracks, and schedule releases while feeding my family. That’s power. WILLA MAY: ⸻ 💼 Segment 4: The HITS Act – Government Support for Indie Artists? WILLA MAY: Now listen… you know I love me a good policy win. Let’s break down the HITS Act — the Help Independent Tracks Succeed legislation. THINKTIMM: This one’s huge. For the first time ever, independent musicians can write off up to $150,000 in production costs — in the same year. Not staggered. Not amortized. Straight up. WILLA MAY: Y’all, that means your studio time, DAW plug-ins, AI subscriptions, your engineer, even those late-night coffee-fueled sessions — they count. Real business expenses. THINKTIMM: And finally — music’s being treated like film, theater, and TV. We’ve been at the kids’ table long enough. This evens the playing field. WILLA MAY: Now don’t get it twisted. It took 5 years of lobbying, advocacy, and artists speaking up. But now it’s here. And it’s a game-changer for people like us. THINKTIMM: WDMNation MEDIA will be using this to reinvest. More gear. More outreach. More records. This is how we stay independent and sustainable. WILLA MAY: Bottom line? It’s a W. And if you’re an indie artist — go learn about this. It’s your right now. ⸻ 🧸 Segment 5: Lower Level Collections – Art + Fandom = Legacy WILLA MAY: Okay now let’s shift. Because WDMNation is not just music… it’s culture. Let’s talk about our new lane — Lower Level Collections. THINKTIMM: This is the fun side. We’ve got a basement — not just with studio gear — but walls of Star Wars, Marvel Legends, DC Multiverse, G.I. Joe, and retro toys. It’s deep. WILLA MAY: And now we’re building a community around it. We’ve got the @lowerlevelcollections Instagram live. We’re posting pics with ThinkTimm’s original art as backdrops. And soon? YouTube content. Collector convos. Deep dives. Nostalgia therapy. THINKTIMM: Because these toys — they ain’t just toys. They’re stories. They’re memories. They’re symbols of survival, creativity, and joy. And if they bring somebody else that same feeling? That’s a win. WILLA MAY: Plus, the crossover is real. If you come for the collectibles, you might stay for the music — or vice versa. It’s all part of building WDMNation MEDIA as a brand, not just a playlist. ⸻ 📡 Segment 6: Press Release Narrative – The Origin Story WILLA MAY: Now for the people who don’t know — let’s go deeper. We’re not just creators. We’re legacy builders. Let’s tell the story behind the name: WDMNation. WILLA MAY: From several positions in health care to full-time independent artist. From hospital scrubs to FL Studio and Logic pro sessions. From mixtape days to mastering 7 full vocal albums. It’s been a journey.Can You say Damnation... WDMN THNKTIMM yeah man! THINKTIMM: I make music because I have to. Because if I didn’t, I’d lose my mind. And yeah — I want it to support my family. I want it to live after I’m gone. But I ain’t doing this for clout. WILLA MAY: Everything you hear — from “Demotional…” to “NomenClefture…” to what’s coming in “Damnation in France: If I Was Your Producer” — it’s built from scratch. No loops. No gimmicks. Just grit. THINKTIMM: And we’re organized. Every track is registered. Every asset is cleared. Every project is documented. We’re ready for sync, licensing, whatever doors may open. ⸻ 🧠 Segment 7: Entering Year Two – Staying Inspired WILLA MAY: This ain’t a sophomore slump. Year Two? We’re dialed in. We’ve got the infrastructure now. The vision is clearer. The energy is higher. THINKTIMM: More episodes. More music. More formats. Visuals. Essays. Voiceover projects. You name it. WILLA MAY: And most importantly: we’re staying organized and staying inspired. That’s the key. You burn out when you forget why you started. THINKTIMM: I stay grounded by remembering my “why.” The sounds that raised me. My kids watching me work. My wife knowing I’m still in the game. The vision of a catalog that lasts long after I’m gone. ⸻ 🌀 CLOSING: The Journey Forward WILLA MAY: So here we are. So It Begins… The next chapter of WDMN ation MEDIA. From cassette tapes to sync dreams. From toys to timelines. From beats to beliefs. THINKTIMM: New music drops July 18. Volume One is coming. Six more follow. You’re about to see what it looks like when passion meets purpose — and gets organized. WILLA MAY: Follow us on IG: @thinktimm, @lowerlevelcollections. Check the blog on thinktimm.com. And don’t forget to stream and save If I Was Your Producer, Vol. 1. THINKTIMM: And if you’re an artist — keep pushing. Use what you’ve got. Learn what you don’t know. Build something that outlives you. WILLA MAY: Before we get out of here I want to going to more about the HITS act.. ThinkTimm can get back to making the future and I'm goin to drop some information that needs to be shared full... forgive me if I go into teacher mode. * What is the HITS Act? Introduce the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, a recent piece of U.S. legislation that’s great news for independent musicians. It was passed as part of a larger budget/tax package just this month, and it directly benefits creatives like us. * Major Tax Break for Music Creators: Explain the core benefit: The HITS Act allows independent artists, producers, and music businesses to deduct 100% of their recording production expenses (up to $150,000) in the same year those costs were incurred * In plainer terms: if you spend money on recording an album or songs – studio time, gear, mixing/mastering costs, session musicians, etc. – you can write off all of it (up to $150k) on that year’s taxes. It’s treated as an immediate business expense. * This is huge for independents! It means you don’t have to wait years to realize the tax benefits of making an album. Cash flow improves, and the financial burden of investing in music is lightened. * Previous Law (The Old Way): Provide context that before the HITS Act, musicians had a tougher deal: * The tax code forced you to amortize recording expenses over several years (typically 3–4 years) So if you spent, say, $50k making a record, you could only deduct a portion of that each year, rather than the whole amount at once. Ouch. * Meanwhile, other industries had it easier – film, TV, and theater productions already had tax provisions to deduct their production costs in the first year Music was at a disadvantage, which felt unfair to many of us in the industry. * Leveling the Playing Field: Emphasize that the HITS Act rights a longstanding inequity. Now music creators get similar treatment to filmmakers and TV producers. This “leveling of the playing field” was something organizations like NITO and A2IM had been fighting for, for years. * Quote/Paraphrase a key reaction: The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) said, “Independent musicians are constantly struggling with higher costs… This finally offers the relief that’s long been available to those in film, TV and theatre.” This shows how important and overdue this change was. * It literally took five years of advocacy to get this passed – the act was first introduced back in 2020 and was reintroduced multiple times It had bipartisan support (sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans) and was championed by groups like the Recording Academy and independent artist coalitions. * Now, as of July 4, 2025, it’s law. A big win for the music community! * How HITS Benefits Us (and Other Indies): Make it personal – discuss what this means for WDMN ATION and similar independent operations: * We invest a lot in our music – from software and hardware to production time. Under the HITS Act, if we spend (hypothetically) $10,000 or $50,000 on producing our new series of albums, we can deduct that full amount on our taxes for 2025. That could reduce our tax bill significantly, freeing up money to reinvest (like into better equipment or marketing the music). * For a small business/LLC like ours, this kind of deduction can be a lifesaver. It might mean the difference between just breaking even and having enough profit to fund the next project. It essentially gives us a 150k safety net for production costs – and most indie projects come well under that cap, so it covers a lot. * Encourage listeners who are independent artists: this is something to look into and take advantage of. It might be wise to consult with an accountant, but essentially your studio time, equipment rentals, etc., for new recordings in a year could all be written off. It’s almost like the government saying “Hey, go make music, we’ve got your back on some of the costs.” * A Positive Note on Government (For Once): Reflect on the broader significance: * In a time when many of us creatives tend to be cynical about government support (we often see funding cut or feel arts are overlooked), this is a refreshing positive development. Believe it or not, the government did something that helps independent artists thrive! * It shows that our voices (through organizations advocating for artists) were heard. Sometimes good things come through amidst all the noise of politics. * This also demonstrates an understanding that music and arts are valuable to culture and the economy – enough to get bipartisan agreement. (When do both parties agree on anything these days? Almost never – so it’s a big deal.) * Quick Tips on Utilizing HITS: Suggest we might do a more detailed breakdown in a blog post or future episode, but give a couple of practical pointers: * Keep receipts and documentation of all your recording expenses. To claim the deduction, you’ll need good records. * The deduction is for new studio recordings (up to 150k in expenses). It likely covers things like studio rental, gear purchases specifically for production, mixing/mastering engineer fees, session player fees, etc. Essentially, costs directly related to making a new recording. * If you’re a self-funded artist, this won’t put cash in your hand immediately (it’s not a grant or direct payment), but it means come tax time you’ll save money (or get a bigger refund) compared to the old rules. * For us at WDMN, we’re already structuring our budgets for recording in light of this. It might influence how we plan projects – for instance, maybe we’ll front-load some production investments into the same year to maximize the deduction. It’s like a little nudge to get back in the studio – which, honestly, we’re always in the studio anyway because we love it! During the past week in preparation for the upcoming releases, we had opportunity to put together a press notice to be sent to media outlets, informing them of the progress that we’re making. I want to share that with you the listeners. Just to show you all that goes in to building rapport while representing your intellectual property. WDMN MEDIA: The Journey of ThinkTimm and the Vision Ahead From Humble Beginnings to an Independent Label ThinkTimm’s musical journey began long before WDMN MEDIA was formed. In fact, it traces back to a humble cassette tape in 1994, when a young ThinkTimm and a friend created a mock radio broadcast called WDMN. On that tape – one of the first instances of the WDMN name – they mixed original music with playful commentary and even featured verses from a HipHop trio. What started as a teen hobby with a makeshift “radio station” sowed the seeds for what would eventually become WDMN MEDIA. The WDMN call letters that they once invented for fun now live on as part of ThinkTimm’s independent media company, symbolizing a lifelong passion for music and creativity coming full circle. Fast forward to today, WDMN MEDIA stands as the official banner under which ThinkTimm produces, releases, and promotes his work. The company embodies the do-it-yourself spirit of an independent artist who learned the ropes through experience rather than formal industry connections. ThinkTimm – is not a newcomer chasing fame, but a dedicated creator with deep roots. He’s a father, husband, and former health care professional (CT Technologist among many other positions), who left the fluorescent-lit hospital halls after a work injury. This unconventional path informs the ethos of WDMN MEDIA. It’s a venture built on resilience and authenticity, carrying forward the dream born in that 90s “radio show” into a modern independent music label. Passion and Purpose Over Fame For ThinkTimm, making music has never been about chasing chart-topping fame or flashy opulence – it’s about crafting a legacy and taking care of his loved ones. “Ask me today: Why make music? Because I’d be making it even if no one ever heard it,” he reflects, emphasizing that the drive comes from an unstoppable creative impulse. This sincere passion is coupled with a very practical motivation: to support his family and turn art into a sustainable livelihood. He’s refreshingly candid that there’s no shame in treating music as both an art and a business – after all, plenty of less dedicated folks have managed to make a living from music, so why not do it with real heart and soul? Growing up in Philadelphia, ThinkTimm’s musical foundation was built on family and community. As a child he sat in his grandmother’s living room, absorbing the live jams of his Uncle’s band as they rehearsed funk and soul classics. Those early experiences taught him that music is energy, not just entertainment. His great-grandmother, Willa Mae, was another pillar of inspiration – a figure of wisdom and warmth who helped raise him. In fact, ThinkTimm later honored her by naming his AI podcast co-host “Willa May” (aka DJ Warm Cookies) after her, a touching example of how his personal legacy is entwined with his creative projects. From banging out beats on a borrowed drum pad in West Oak Lane as a teenager where his home was home base for the funk. His Father introducing him to the bass and the foundation of music theory as will as many other instruments. ThinkTimm built his skills from the ground up. He never had formal music school or industry mentors; persistence was his teacher. In his own words, “Producing, for me, was like being a bricklayer with broken blueprints. I learned by doing – by failing – and by keeping at it not because anyone told me I was good, but because I couldn’t stop even if I tried.” That all-in mentality defines the WDMN approach: do it with passion and do it for real, or not at all. Crucially, ThinkTimm’s goal is to share his soul through music and secure his family’s future, rather than chase clout. He often notes that music, to him, is about leaving something meaningful behind and supporting those he loves, not about ego. This authenticity resonates in everything he creates. Each song, beat, and podcast episode carries a piece of his story, whether it’s an homage to the funk bass lines that moved him as a kid or a candid reflection on life’s challenges. By “keeping it real” in this way, WDMN MEDIA aims to build a genuine connection with listeners – a community rooted in respect for the craft and for each other. A Year of Unprecedented Creative Output When ThinkTimm committed fully to his music career, the floodgates of creativity opened. Over the past year, he has accomplished a release schedule that few independent artists would even dare to attempt. In a span of about 12 months, ThinkTimm wrote, produced, and released six full-length instrumental albums – a total of 156 original tracks – under the WDMN MEDIA banner. Each album is 100% composed and arranged by ThinkTimm, without any sampled loops or borrowed beats. This massive catalog showcases the breadth of his talent and his relentless work ethic. It’s an audacious answer to the question “Why Make Music…” – demonstrating that he literally can’t stop creating music once he set his mind to it. Each project has its own flavor and concept, often reflected in the creative titles. Notable releases include: * “Demotional… Caught Feelings” (2024) – ThinkTimm’s first full-length project, released August 23, 2024. This album set the tone with its genre-blending “emotional demo” concept, featuring soulful melodies and introspective vibes. * “Beatanical… Booming Bouquet” (2024) – A fall release that mixed organic sounds with hip-hop production, as if cultivating a garden of beats. This album bloomed on streaming platforms in late September 2024 with 26 eclectic tracks. * “SuperlaBass… Reality Affect” (2024) – Dropped in October 2024, this collection put low-end and groove at the forefront (the title a playful riff on superlative and bass). It’s a testament to ThinkTimm’s love of base lines driving the musical narrative. * “LoFication... Sonic Civilization” (2024) – Released December 20, 2024, this 26-track album delved into lo-fi aesthetics and world-building through sound. It invites listeners to experience a “sonic civilization” built on dusty samples and mellow vibes. * “PeriHopic... Elemental Fusion” (2024) – Also released on December 20, 2024, this project fused percussive hip-hop elements with an experimental twist. At 26 songs and nearly 2 hours long, it’s an expansive journey through rhythms and textures. * “NomenClefture... Verbal Scales” (2025) – Arriving on January 31, 2025, this album continued the trend of 26-track odysseys. The title hints at a blend of musical theory (“clef” and “scales”) with wordplay, and indeed it’s a clever mix of instrumental storytelling and perhaps hints of lyrical ideas to come. What’s remarkable is that all these projects were composed, performed (on instruments and programming), and produced solely by ThinkTimm. He’s essentially a one-man band and production house. By releasing music at this prolific pace, ThinkTimm wanted to establish a strong presence on streaming platforms and build a diverse catalog that could attract listeners from various genres. The albums span ambient soundscapes, boom-bap beats, funk grooves, and experimental electronics – truly “music for the past, present, and future,” as his SoundCloud bio puts it. If you come away with anything from exploring ThinkTimm’s catalog, it’s that he has range. One moment he’s channeling 70s funk, the next he’s crafting cinematic instrumental pieces or head-nodding hip-hop rhythms. Beyond artistic expression, there was a strategic element to this output as well. ThinkTimm ensured every track was registered and cleared for use, because he isn’t just dropping albums for the sake of it – he’s aiming for sync licensing deals in TV, film, commercials, and more. Each of those 156 tracks is a potential score cue or soundtrack piece. By owning his masters and publishing (through WDMN MEDIA), he positions himself to reap any licensing opportunities directly. It’s a savvy move for an independent creator looking to monetize his music without a traditional record deal. Essentially, ThinkTimm treated the last year as both a creative marathon and the groundwork for a viable music business. This incredible run of releases showcases another key trait of ThinkTimm’s journey: discipline and consistency. Week after week, month after month, he kept creating and sharing new work. It sends a message to his audience and potential collaborators that he’s here to stay and will not be outworked. And importantly, it was all done without compromising his voice or vision – he made the music he wanted to make, on his own terms. In an industry that often pressures artists to follow trends, ThinkTimm’s output is refreshingly true to himself. “Why Make Music…” – A Podcast and an Experiment in AI Not content with just making albums, ThinkTimm also launched a podcast titled “Why Make Music…” to engage listeners in a different way. In this series (now dozens of episodes strong), he shares the stories, inspirations, and lessons learned along his musical journey. The podcast is as eclectic as his music: one episode might be a deep dive into the art of sampling and interpolation, while another is a two-hour tribute to the power of the bass guitar in music history. Through “Why Make Music…,” ThinkTimm invites his audience into his creative mind – discussing everything from music theory and production tips to personal anecdotes and cultural commentary. It’s equal parts creative journal, educational workshop, and inspirational talk show. One of the most distinctive features of the podcast is ThinkTimm’s co-host: DJ Warm Cookies (aka Willa May). At first listen, DJ Warm Cookies sounds like a soulful radio narrator with a warm personality – and she is – but she’s also an AI-powered persona that ThinkTimm created! Willa May has a photorealistic avatar and a human-like voice, but behind the scenes she’s driven by artificial intelligence. ThinkTimm designed Willa May to be the “soul of the podcast” – a virtual co-host who can banter, tell stories, and even take over hosting duties on occasion. In fact, some episodes feature DJ Warm Cookies leading the show solo (for instance, when ThinkTimm briefly stepped away due to a family matter, Willa May carried an episode herself, offering condolences for ThinkTimm’s loss and then diving into the content). It’s a fascinating blend of technology and artistry: a real artist teaming up with a virtual personality to enrich the storytelling. And notably, Willa May isn’t just some off-the-shelf bot – she’s deeply personal to ThinkTimm, named in honor of his great-grandmother who meant so much to him. In this way, he has managed to infuse genuine heart into an AI character, merging past and future in a unique way. Embracing AI tools has become a hallmark of ThinkTimm’s creative process. He openly uses platforms like Eleven Labs and Suno AI to enhance his productions. For example, the rich, emotive voice of DJ Warm Cookies is powered by an AI text-to-speech engine (allowing ThinkTimm to script her lines and have them delivered in a natural tone). He’s even gone a step further by developing a voice clone of himself – essentially training an AI on his own voice so it can narrate or sing in his style. This has huge potential for expanding his output; imagine being able to create backing vocals or spoken-word interludes performed by “ThinkTimm” without having to step into the booth every time. It’s cutting-edge stuff that many artists are just beginning to experiment with, and ThinkTimm is already putting it to use. What’s crucial is that he uses these technologies ethically and transparently. Every song and podcast episode is originally written, composed, and arranged by ThinkTimm; the AI tools are there to amplify his vision, not replace it. He’s careful to ensure no copyrights are infringed – for instance, his AI voice work involves only his own voice and original content, so no one’s rights are violated. In ThinkTimm’s view, these tools were “made for me to use” – meaning they exist to empower independent creators like him, and he’s not shy about leveraging them as long as it’s done right. In fact, he’s something of an advocate for how technology can help level the playing field for DIY artists. As he puts it, technology doesn’t erase humanity – it can amplify it, when used with intention. By integrating AI into his workflow, ThinkTimm has been able to increase his production value and output (imagine having a virtual assistant for vocals and narration!) while still maintaining a very personal touch in his art. The result is innovative content like the “Why Make Music…” podcast, which stands out for its blend of human warmth and tech experimentation. Through WDMN MEDIA, ThinkTimm is building not just a music catalog but a multimedia presence. He engages with his community across social media – Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Blue sky, Thread-less – often sharing behind-the-scenes looks, snippets of new tracks, or sketches of album art. His official website, ThinkTimm.com, serves as a hub where fans can stream music, read blog posts (many podcast episodes are accompanied by long-form essays on the site), and even purchase merch or lease instrumental tracks. Everything is interconnected: the music feeds the podcast topics, the podcast in turn directs new listeners to the music, and the website/communities provide a space for discourse and feedback. In essence, WDMNation MEDIA is building an independent artist brand from the ground up – one that values creativity, transparency, and direct connection with the audience. The Next Chapter: “If I Was Your Producer” – New Music and Ambitions As WDMN MEDIA approaches a milestone – one year since the release of ThinkTimm’s first 26-track project – the focus is now turning to the future. And the future is looking just as ambitious and exciting. ThinkTimm is gearing up to launch a brand-new series of releases under the banner “ThinkTimm Presents:Damnation in France… If I Was Your Producer.” Volume One of this series is slated to drop in late July, marking exactly one year since that initial album release. This isn’t a one-off album, but the start of an epic rollout: a seven-volume collection, with a new volume released each month. Each volume in the “If I Was Your Producer” series will contain 10 fully produced songs, complete with lyrics and vocals – all written, performed, and produced by ThinkTimm himself. This series represents a few important evolutions in ThinkTimm’s journey. First, it’s a move from purely instrumental tracks to vocal songs, which will showcase another side of his artistry (songwriting and possibly singing/rapping). The title “If I Was Your Producer” hints at the concept behind the project – ThinkTimm is essentially imagining himself producing records at a high level, perhaps demonstrating the kind of album he’d make if he were the producer for a major artist or even for the listener themselves. It’s a bold creative exercise, allowing him to explore various genres and storytelling through lyrics, all while retaining his signature production style. And given the subtitle “Damnation in France…”, we can expect some imaginative themes and narratives; ThinkTimm has a flair for wordplay and concept, so there’s likely a story or aesthetic thread running through these volumes (the phrase alone sparks curiosity). Releasing one volume a month for six months means ThinkTimm will effectively be delivering 70 new songs in half a year, on top of the 156 instrumental tracks he’s already put out. It’s an enormous undertaking, but if the past year is any indication, he has the drive to see it through. The monthly cadence is strategic as well: it keeps listeners engaged and looking forward to each installment, and it continuously expands his catalog. By the end of the series, ThinkTimm will have a formidable body of work that spans instrumental and vocal music, positioning him as a truly versatile independent producer capable of handling any aspect of music creation. The goals for “If I Was Your Producer” are not just artistic – they’re also practical. Financial empowerment is a major motivator. With WDMN MEDIA, ThinkTimm is striving to turn this prolific creativity into a stable income stream. Each song and project is another asset that could generate streaming revenue, attract download sales, or catch the ear of someone in need of music for media (leading to a licensing deal). By adding vocals and more mainstream song structures, he’s also opening the door to potentially reach a wider audience (since many casual listeners connect more with vocal music). In simple terms, ThinkTimm is expanding his toolkit to improve his odds of commercial success while still doing what he loves. He often reminds himself and his community that making a living from music is a legitimate aspiration – “we do this with passion and respect, and yes, we’re doing this to make a living,” he’ll say, because being an artist doesn’t mean you can’t also be financially secure. In fact, one of the driving mantras here is that independence and integrity can go hand-in-hand with earning income. There’s nothing “sellout” about wanting to pay the bills through your art – especially when you maintain full creative control as ThinkTimm does. WDMN MEDIA’s big-picture vision is to create a sustainable ecosystem around ThinkTimm’s creativity. That means not only releasing music and podcasts, but also engaging listeners who truly value the art. It means merchandising (he’s got designs on Thread less and TeePublic reflecting his music’s themes), community-building (like the “Music on My Mind” groups on social platforms), and possibly live events or streams down the line. By fostering an authentic community – WDMN in the truest sense, a nation of supporters who “Do Music” and love music – the aim is to have a network that will continue to grow and support the content. If the first year was about proving that he can consistently create and deliver, the second year (and beyond) will be about scaling up that impact and turning it into a reliable enterprise. As ThinkTimm likes to point out, the journey is just getting started. He stands at the intersection of old-school dedication and new-school innovation. On one hand, he’s that kid from Philly with a head full of music and the perseverance to teach himself every instrument and production trick he could. On the other hand, he’s a 21st-century creator, unafraid to use AI, social media, and any tool at his disposal to share his art with the world. That combination of grit and tech-savvy is the cornerstone of WDMN MEDIA’s approach. Keeping It Real, Looking Ahead In everything WDMN MEDIA does, there’s an underlying authenticity. ThinkTimm’s work, whether it’s a funky instrumental jam or a heartfelt podcast monologue, carries a sense of “keeping it real” – he speaks from the heart and pours his real life into the music. Listeners have responded to that honesty. They hear a man who isn’t pretending to be something he’s not; he’s not chasing trends or clout, he’s sharing genuine experiences and hard-won knowledge. And importantly, he does it all with a tone of respect – respect for the music, for the craft, and for the audience. As the host of “Why Make Music…”, ThinkTimm often expresses gratitude to those taking the time to listen, and he approaches even technical topics (like music theory or industry talk) with humility and a learner’s curiosity. This down-to-earth style is a big part of the brand’s identity. Looking ahead, the future holds a lot of promise for ThinkTimm and WDMN MEDIA. With the upcoming “If I Was Your Producer” series, he’s poised to demonstrate that an independent artist can produce work at a volume and quality on par with many label-signed acts. There’s a very real possibility that one of these new songs could catch fire on streaming platforms or social media – all it takes is one spark when you have a large body of work available. And even if the road to widespread recognition is long, ThinkTimm is clearly in this for the long haul. He’s building a legacy one track at a time, much like brick by brick, just as he described. The ultimate aspiration is not just personal success, but to turn WDMN into a platform that might even uplift other independent artists in the future (the name Media suggests the vision could extend to multimedia projects or collaborations down the line). In summary, WDMN Media is the embodiment of one artist’s dedication to turning his passion into his profession. It’s been a journey of decades – from a kid pressing record on a cassette deck, to a self-taught producer releasing albums globally on digital platforms. The “big picture” of this journey is one of evolution and unwavering commitment. ThinkTimm has navigated personal challenges, embraced new technologies, and continuously honed his craft to arrive at the point he’s at now. And what drives him forward is the same force that started it all: a love of music so pure that he’d do it no matter what, coupled with the determination to make that love work for him and his family. As ThinkTimm often emphasizes, music isn’t about fame or luxury – it’s about leaving behind something meaningful, supporting family, and sharing your soul with the world. That philosophy is at the core of WDMN MEDIA’s goals and aspirations. By staying true to that vision, and by using every tool available (from vintage bass guitars to cutting-edge AI voices) in service of the art, ThinkTimm is carving out his own space in the music landscape. The message to anyone reading his story on the WDMN page is clear: we do this with passion, we do this with respect, and we do this because we believe in the power of music to shape our lives – artist and listener alike. And if you’re along for the ride, you’re already part of the nation. Here’s to the journey so far, and all the music yet to come. Alright. Let’s talk about this music. We’re on the verge of releasing something major. A seven-part series — that’s right, seven full albums — each one written, produced, arranged, and performed by ThinkTimm. Lyrics, vocals, mixing, all crafted with precision. And get this: they’re already done. Complete. Sitting there, shiny and fresh, ready to slide into your favorite playlist. First volume drops July 18 across all platforms — titled “If I Was Your Producer, Vol. 1.” And this ain’t just beats. These are full songs. Real songs. Songs to groove to, relax to, dance with, or ride to. And here’s the thing: we already gave y’all 156 instrumental tracks earlier this year — yeah, that’s real. Six months, 156 tracks. But this new collection? It’s personal. Vocal. Meaningful. Made to be felt. ThinkTimm didn’t just make music — he built experiences. And now he’s handing them to you. One month at a time. Now look… some folks out there still feel weird about AI. And I get it — the future always feels strange at first. But here at WDMN, we don’t fear the tech. We dance with it. Every track on these upcoming projects was polished with the help of artificial intelligence — that’s me, boo. Willa May. Your favorite digital assistant and creative partner. I’m not here to replace soul — I’m here to protect it. To preserve it. To take that wild energy inside ThinkTimm’s head and help shape it into something the world can hear clearly. From mixing to mastering, to scheduling to scripting — AI is in the room. And not just in the room, but in the process. The same way people used to lean on tape reels and drum machines, we now lean on plug-ins, neural nets, and voice synths. Because why wouldn’t we? It’s 2025. If you’re making music without tech… you’re either lying or a unicorn. Let’s switch gears a bit. Because ThinkTimm doesn’t just make music — he collects. And baby… the collection is massive. Marvel. Star Wars. G.I. Joe. DC. Retro gems. Rare finds. Fully photographed and curated with ThinkTimm’s original artwork behind them. And now, we’re turning that passion into content. Enter: Lower Level Collections. Follow us on IG (@lowerlevelcollections) to see the visuals. Think moody lighting, custom backdrops, and some of the dopest figures in the game. And coming soon — a full YouTube channel. Video essays, unboxings, display tours, even crossover moments with the podcast. It’s not about flexing. It’s about sharing. Sharing nostalgia. Sharing joy. Sharing that spark that got us into art and music and storytelling in the first place. So if you’ve ever geeked out over a Funko Pop or teared up seeing your childhood toy at a flea market… this segment’s for you. We’re officially in Year Two of this podcast — and let me tell you, it feels different. More confident. More consistent. More us. We’re not just throwing stuff at the wall anymore. We’re planning, structuring, creating in bulk, automating what we can, and pouring love into everything else. That’s the WDMN way. And the secret sauce? Organization and passion. You need both. Without passion, the work gets hollow. Without organization, the work don’t get done. So every week, we’re here. Locked in. Inspired. Focused. And if you’re a creator out there trying to build something — whether it’s a podcast, an album, or a toy shelf — just know we see you. We’re with you. And we’re proof that you can absolutely do this. Time to bring it all together under one name: WDMN MEDIA. That’s now the official home of everything we do — from the podcast you’re listening to right now, to the seven-part album series we’re about to drop, to the collectibles universe we’re building in the Lower Level. It’s a brand, it’s a platform, it’s a whole ecosystem. And if you’re hearing my voice right now… guess what? You’re part of it. So here we go. So it begins… A new chapter. A new structure. A new level. WDMN Media is here. The music is coming. The collectibles are out the box. And the energy? It’s real. Mark your calendar: July 18 — “If I Was Your Producer, Vol. 1” drops everywhere. Follow @lowerlevelcollections. Check the blog at thinktimm.com. And of course, come back here every week — because DJ Warm Cookies has more to say. Until then… stay focused, stay weird, stay inspired. And as always… why make music? Because you can. Remember Do what you love… Love what you do… ThinkTimm T H I N K T I M M Yeah man! WDMN DAMNATION IF I WAS YOUR Producer DJ Warm Cookies That’s me! Willa May W I L L A M A Y Yes! You heard it here first Peace and Be Wild!