Music Makes You Think | Interviews with musicians

top of page

Music Makes You Think is for people who experience music a little more deeply than the average listener. All articles are written by Julie Simmons and most were previously featured in other publications.

FEATURED STORY

Photo of Eleanor Warhal Simmons sitting on the couch at her parents' home in Gary, Indiana. This photo was likely taken around 1967.

Photo of Eleanor Warhal Simmons sitting on the couch at her parents' home in Gary, Indiana. This photo was likely taken around 1967.

No Life is Too Small

Eleanor Warhsal, lived a quiet, private life but her influence was enormous as captured by her daughter, Julie.

7 days ago4 min read

Image of Josh Dun singing into a microphone. This is probably from the Clancy tour (2023) in which he sang backing vocals on "Leave the City"

Image of Josh Dun singing into a microphone. This is probably from the Clancy tour (2023) in which he sang backing vocals on "Leave the City"

Interview with Josh Dun: How twenty one pilots’ Drummer Found His Voice

Josh talks about challenging himself to do more interviews to singing to becoming a dad.

Sep 267 min read

In this photo from the artists, Brae is standing behind Joey. Brae is wearing a NY Yankees baseball hat and Joey is wearing a pink beanie hat. This image is most likely from when they were 22 years old (or younger).

In this photo from the artists, Brae is standing behind Joey. Brae is wearing a NY Yankees baseball hat and Joey is wearing a pink beanie hat. This image is most likely from when they were 22 years old (or younger).

Interview with Joey Valence & Brae: How They're Succeeding Without the Music Industry

How old are Joey Valence and Brae? What we should be asking is how they're selling out shows across the globe without being managed by a record label.

Oct 20, 20223 min read

When Chicago Was the Largest Drum Manufacturer in the World

When Chicago Was the Largest Drum Manufacturer in the World

When Chicago Was the Largest Drum Manufacturer in the World

When Chicago was the largest drum manufacturer in the world (1920s - 1960s)

Jul 5, 201812 min read

ABOUT
JULIE SIMMONS

Julie Simmons music journalist

Julie Simmons is an American music journalist and creator of Music Makes You Think.

SUBSCRIBE

MMYT Fall 2025 Playlist

senseless optimism_edited.jpg

1. "lost my mind (in yours)" -- Senseless Optimism

2. "Moneygrabber" -- Fitz and the Tantrums

3. "Eat My Heart" -- Sunday Cruise

4. "Limp Wrist" -- Bev Rage and the Drinks

5. "Clearer" -- Wand

6. "Mercury" -- Automatic

7. "braindead!" -- YUNGBLUD

8. "HYPERYOUTH" -- Joey Valence & Brae

9. "BUST DOWN" -- Joey Valence & Brae feat. TiaCorine

10. "That's How I'm Feeling" -- Jack White

11. "That Boy Ain't Right" -- Moody

12. "As Alive As You Need Me To Be" -- Nine Inch Nails

13. "GLOOMTOWN BRATS" -- I DON'T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

14. "One Sore Eye" -- Scarhaven

15. "Stay In Your Lane" -- Courtney Barnett

16. "Belly Up" -- Return to Dust

17. "Rio" -- Low Cut Connie

18. "Poor Aileen" -- Superheaven

19. "Downstairs" -- twenty one pilots

20. "IT'S YOU" -- Senseless Optimism

21. "Send / Receive" -- Wand

22. "It's Almost Like You're Here" -- Yndling

23. "BIRDS" -- Turnstile

24. "Choke" -- I DON'T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

25. "GIVE IT TO ME" -- Joey Valence & Brae

26. "West Coast Love Affair" -- Unrest

27. "The Story of Us" -- Haim

28. "Sve Yrself" -- Impulsive Hearts

29. "Center Mass" -- Twenty One Pilots

30. "Nothing to Me" -- Senseless Optimism

Contact

Never Miss a New Post.

bottom of page