Why Make Music… Episode 073: “You Have to Follow the Money”

In Episode 073, DJ Warm Cookies aka Willa May takes a sharp, human, and humorous deep dive into the financial realities of the modern music industry. This week’s conversation breaks down how money actually moves through music—through masters, publishing, streaming, licensing, branding, catalogs, metadata, and ownership—and why independent creators can no longer afford to ignore the business side of their art.

This episode explores a central truth: making music is one thing, but building systems around your music is where long-term opportunity begins. Willa May talks about how artists make their first dollar, then grow by expanding into brand partnerships, touring, merchandise, production, catalog control, and media presence. ...