Thaddeus Ketchum’s journey into music began early, sparked by freestyling sessions with his older cousins during childhood. What started as fun gradually grew into something deeper — a calling. Those early moments lit a creative spark that would lead him to take music seriously, eventually recording his first song in 2017.

Some of his earliest musical influences include lyrical giants like J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., and Kendrick Lamar — artists known for introspective, story-driven music. Their authenticity and storytelling pushed Thaddeus to dive deeper into his own truth through music.

He realized he wanted to pursue music seriously back in middle school, when he first began writing. What started as scattered bars became a consistent outlet. Over time, songwriting evolved into a lifeline — a personal journal disguised as verse.

A Name That Reflects the Man

Thaddeus didn’t always go by his full name. He started out with the stage name “TJ,” but eventually decided to go with Thaddeus Ketchum — a move rooted in honesty. “I want my music to reflect my real life,” he says. “More honest and more authentic.” It’s a name that grounds his art in truth, and sets the tone for everything he releases.

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🎵 Creative Process: Timeless Over Trendy

Thaddeus draws heavy inspiration from older music — records from the 1960s and ’70s in particular. He believes in making music that lasts. “It’s 2025 and I’m still listening to music from the ’60s and ’70s,” he says. “That’s the kind of timeless feeling I want my music to have.”

His creative process is rooted in simplicity and emotion. Most songs begin as raw ideas jotted down in a notebook — thoughts sparked by everyday experiences, emotions, or moments of solitude. Whether he’s sitting in a park or writing on break at work, Thaddeus is always writing. Some verses aren’t meant to be full songs at first — they’re just honest reflections of what he’s going through in that moment.

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🎧 Latest Project: It’s All Lov3

Thaddeus Ketchum’s latest project, It’s All Lov3, is a deeply personal look into his life during one of his darkest seasons. The project speaks on struggles with relationships, eviction, probation, and feelings of isolation — all while navigating personal growth.

The opening track, “Dreams” (featuring Trapaholics), challenges the listener to ask: How much are you willing to bet on yourself? It’s about chasing your dreams no matter the cost.

One of the standout songs, “No Lov3,” is a raw, emotional expression of betrayal, heartbreak, and hard lessons. The track reflects on the pain of lost love, but also on the realization that envy often comes from those closest to you — not strangers. For Thaddeus, this song means the most: “It’s my life on one track. I can look back and appreciate that time because it made me who I am today.”

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💭 Challenges, Growth & the Future

The hardest part of creating It’s All Lov3 wasn’t writing or even recording — it was letting it go. Thaddeus admits he often records songs and leaves them in the vault, uncertain of how they’ll be received in an era where clout often matters more than content. “Everything feels watered down,” he says. “It’s not about the music anymore, it’s about who’s more popular. But I want to change that narrative.”

And he’s doing just that — one honest, vulnerable, and powerful song at a time.

Thaddeus Ketchum isn’t chasing trends. He’s chasing truth — and that’s exactly what sets him apart.