He goes by the name of Drathoven! He’s a pianist by nature, playing since the age of six. He once sat in the A&R seat, and as a staff producer of Paid-In Full Entertainment. He’s also shared commentary with Chief Executive, Madd Hatta (Houston’s #1 radio personality for R&B/Hip-Hop on 97.9 The Box). A producer as well as a songwriter who is successful in all genres of music including R&B, Pop, Rap and Gospel. Drathoven landed Yolanda Adams hit single “Be Still”, and Tyrese’s single “Nothing On You” (from the album Open Invitation), Jacob Latimore’s single “Headphones,” and Khalil’s single “Goodie Goodie” featuring Big Sean. I guess you can consider him Houston’s best kept secret but, I have a feeling that this talented producer/songwriter won’t be a secret for long. Learn more about Drathoven in this interview!
Parlé: Hi Drathoven! Thank you so much for doing this interview! Can you please explain the inspiration behind your name?
Drathoven: First let me say thank you for the opportunity. The inspiration behind my name came from the late great composer Ludwig van (Beethoven), which I was introduced to at 9 years old. I found out that we had a lot in common. Although I’m a musician I never wanted to learn the piano because I wanted to play music made by others, but rather to be able to compose my own music. I took my initials and combined it with his last name and came up with DRAthoven.
Parlé: At what age were you when you knew you wanted to be a producer?
Drathoven: I knew I wanted to be a producer at 16 years old. I recall being in a singing group and my manager would hook us up with producers & writers.This one time in particular she hooked us up with this one producer &
writer that I thought was super dope, and that day I remember telling myself, “I wanted to be the producer that people call.”
Parlé: I know there’s no specific blueprint one takes to get in the music industry. But what steps did you take? How did you become so respected?
Drathoven: Really I just networked a lot. I surrounded myself around what I wanted to become, I basically took myself to school. Each opportunity is an opportunity for another opportunity. I always made sure I stayed humble and teachable, and treated people how I wanted to be treated. Doing this helped me form great relationships which ultimately created more opportunities.
Parlé: Can you tell me some of the artists you’ve worked with?
Drathoven: I’ve worked with quite a few artist including major & independent. Although I strive to get the opportunity to work with the best in the industry, I’ve learned through experience to treat new artist & indie artist I work with just like I treat a major artist because they just may be the”next superstar.”
Parlé: Of all the artists you’ve worked with; who was the most exciting and the easiest to work with?
Drathoven: That’s hard to say because most of my sessions are exciting. I try to make sure that when I’m in the studio with an artist that its not just a session but an experience. We laugh, have fun, talk, etc. I try to make it very comfortable. When the vibes are wonderful you set the atmosphere for great music to be made.
Parlé: I heard some of your work so I know that you’re passionate about your career because of the outcome of the record. You’re very talented! What do you have to say to people who think being a music producer is easy?
Drathoven: Thank you. I wouldn’t say its “easy” especially if your passionate about what you do. I will say if you love what you do, then you will enjoy the hard work. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a producer. A producer should be the first one in the studio & the last one to leave, and even after the session is over the producer is still working to make sure the record comes out right. The producer has to understand that the artist is trusting them with their career, and also understand that trust is earned.
Parlé: What would you say to someone who really wants to be a music producer but is having a hard time getting placements and being recognized for all the hard work?
Drathoven: Just keep working hard, and learn from their mistakes. Try to evaluate and figure out why they aren’t getting placements/being recognized. Try to find a mentor & keep learning. Although we create music because we love it, it’s still a business. You have to learn your business. I’ve been blessed to be able to do what I love full time. I’ve gotten paid just as much for “smaller projects” as bigger ones because I knew my business. If I ever got approached with something I didn’t know I ask someone I trust. S/O to my big homie Simon “Crazy C” Cullins for UN-selfishly teaching me what he knows. People should definitely find a mentor or someone who knows more than them and LISTEN. It will make you a lot of money & save you from a lot of problems.
Parlé: What would you be doing if you weren’t a music producer?
Drathoven: I would be an actor, or maybe a counselor. I just like dealing with people. I like to affect people lives in some sort of way. I think both of those professions allow you to touch people.
Parlé: Let’s play a round of “Getting to Know” Drathoven. What is your favorite food?
Drathoven: I don’t have one favorite food. I love to eat good food. I’m a cold chef too. They call me Chef BoyImCold (laughs).
Parlé: What is your favorite thing to do when you want to have fun?
Drathoven: Bowling, Karaoke, or maybe a house party (they are always more turnt up than the club). I like hanging out with close friends and family partying, laughing, and just acting silly.
Parlé: Are you a reader? If so, what type of books do you like to read?
Drathoven: Any self-help book. I like studying the behavior/actions of people. I really enjoy books that could help me become a better me. Of course I read the bible too (not as much as I should though. Laughs) but getting better everyday.
Parlé: What is one of your most embarrassing moments?
Drathoven: I remember playing the piano at an event, and my mind going blank right in the middle of the song. I was looking at the keyboard as if it were a foreign object. I tried to remember but the piano looked like a bunch of black and white things. It was so embarrassing that I was acting as if the keyboard just stopped working. Laughs.
Parlé: What else can we expect from Drathoven? And how can you be reached? Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website, etc.
Drathoven: I have a lot of major & independent projects I’m working on right now. I’m also doing some movie scoring, as well as jingle advertising. Also look out for my new company “Dumb Nerd University Ent.” I always keep everyone in the loop about what I’m doing via social networks.
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook: @Drathoven
Website: https://www.drathoven.com/
