I’ve known Tad since he was a “tadpole”, first recording music in his dorm-room. Who would’ve guessed that he would be a full fledged artist, going all the way from our college-town to LA to make his dreams reality. This is Icarus Tendency, writing about the most influential person in my music career. “Sauce Man Tad” was the first person to record me, and to make me feel comfortable enough in the booth to express myself. He’s a relentless force of positive energy. When I was going through some of the most difficult periods of my life, he was grinding and setting an example for all of us involved with music at UIUC. He proved to me that I could make a living in music, with only grit. His progression from dorm room to apartment to his mobile RV studio was all his creation. Tad had a goal, and set about to pursue it. Unlike most of us, he never quit. He made his own money for it, he built great relationships with people and we all see his bright future continuing. It’s said that “A man is the sum of the people around him” - Tad must have surrounded himself with focused, goal oriented people. Tad is a testament to “never give up”, “keep going”, and “just fucking do it”. If you enjoy his music, know that all he wants from you is to set sail on your dream. Build yourself the boat, go after it, and when you hit the “promised land”, we’ll be there for waiting for you. -Icarus Tendency