Let’s talk influences…
Welcome back to another episode of “Why Make Music…” In this seventh installment, entitled “Let’s Talk Influences,” I’m excited to share a more personal side of my musical journey. Under the moniker ThinkTimm, I’ve always been a basement creator, surrounded by the rich tapestry of sound woven by my family and community. Growing up in the 80s, I found myself immersed in music, inspired by family members who performed in local bands. From an early age, I dreamt of stardom, letting my imagination run wild while I made noise and explored my passion for music.
Reflecting on my earliest memories, I can’t help but think of my family members who shaped my musical upbringing. My uncle, a gifted vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, played the trombone in bands like the Saboteurs and Cannabis, right out of Nicetown, North Philly. Then there was my stepfather, another multi-talented musician whose weapon of choice was the stunning Gibson bass “The Ripper “. Our home was a treasure trove of musical equipment, from a full drum set, Hohner organ to a Les Paul guitar and powerful Sunn speaker cabinets. Growing up, my brother and I had the privilege of being around some of the best musicians in Philadelphia, creating a musical environment that was both inspiring and influential.
As I delved into my personal interests in music, I found inspiration in the variety shows of the time, like “Soild Gold,” "Soul Train," "American Bandstand," , "The Captain and Tennille” and “Hee Haw” . These shows introduced me to the idea that music could be a performance art, where the images and sounds intertwined to create lasting impressions. I would later discover how powerful movie soundtracks could be, with John Williams’ iconic themes from films like "Superman" and "Star Wars" becoming ingrained in my memory. I can still remember the day I returned home from seeing "Star Wars" with my father and found my mother playing Earth, Wind & Fire’s “That’s the Way of the World.” That moment solidified the connection between music and memory for me, shaping my desire to create.
Fast forward to a few summers later, I met one of my best friends, who was several years older and played the trumpet in his school marching band. He introduced me to the John Williams Superman album, which I played on repeat at high volumes, much to the amusement—or possibly annoyance—of my neighbors. Through him, I discovered a wealth of music, from Kiss to The Commodores. Elvis Presley to Quincy Jones-produced albums with George Duke and Jeffery Osborne to Phoebe Snow to The Beatles, who captured my imagination with their melodic and lyrical genius. I was eager to dive into their extensive catalog, and it was during this time that I began to explore the depths of music available to me, from funky experience of layers grooves of George Clinton’s Parliament Funkadelics and Sly and The Family Stone, The Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin to Hendrix to the soulful driving sounds of James Brown.
In my household, the radio was a constant presence, with WDAS FM 105.3 on your FM dial being our go-to station. The late 70s and early 80s brought a wave of diverse sounds, from the disco hits of Donna Summer and The Bee Gee’s to the pop anthems of Rick Springfield and Debbie Gibson once a discover other stations on the dial. But it was the emergence of hip-hop that truly altered the musical landscape. With tracks like "Planet Rock" by the Soul Sonic Force and "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang, I witnessed a new era of creativity where anyone could be a rapper or a DJ, breaking free from traditional musical structures.
Each of these experiences played a crucial role in shaping my identity as a musician. From the soft melodies of Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Minnie Rippleton and Tina Marie and Rick James to the vibrant rhythms of Motown, Switch and their siblings with Debarge, the music that surrounded me created a foundation upon which I would build my own artistry. Even the jazz musicians who collaborated with R&B legends contributed to the rich musical landscape that inspired me.
Among the most transformative moments was when my mother had to have bought Prince’s “Soft and Wet”. I say this because the 45 that I currently still have in my possession has bears her name in black ink. It was a song that sparked my curiosity and ignited a passion for digging deeper into an artist's work, learning that this was his first single. This moment marked a turning point in my musical journey, guiding me toward a path of discovery and creativity. One line in the liner notes and the back of every Prince album “Produced, arranged, composed and performed by”, birthed a mentally and schooled me. Prince’s music removed all trepidations from my mind and I was free from day one.
In this episode, we explored the myriad influences that have shaped my desire to create music. Each memory, each encounter, has left an indelible mark on my artistic journey. As I continue to embrace my passion for music, I’m grateful for the people, experiences, and sounds that have guided me along the way. It’s a testament to the power of music and the connections it creates, reminding us all why we make music in the first place. Thank you for joining me on this introspective journey, and I look forward to sharing more stories in future episodes.
