We recently connected with Drathoven and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Drathoven, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Although there have been quite a few meaningful projects for me. The most meaningful would be my project that I’m currently working on titled “Feel Trip”. It’s the most meaningful because not only is it some of my best work, it’s also allowing me to tell my stories. I’m able to be very transparent and creative while inspiring people at the same time. This project will be a journey. Look out for it!
Drathoven, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a producer/songwriter who has had the opportunity to work with a lot of great talent. My love for music began with being introduced to the piano by my mom (who’s a musician) at a very young age. Growing up in church gave me foundation and allows me to develop as a musician. As I grew older I started to like any & everything music. I was a member of a r&b group named J’adore as a teenager. The group was dope because it gave the opportunity to get experience on road etc. Once I figured out that I liked the process of creating music for the group more than being in the group I turned my focus to producing and songwriting. As a new producer I was down to work with any and everyone. Being a producer in Houston there were more opportunities for rap than r&b. I met my bro & mentor Simon “Crazy C” Cullins and he not only helped me with my craft. He taught me the business and he open his studio doors so that I can have a place to work. I also met my bro Errol “Poppi” McCalla thru mutual friends who thought I was dope and gave me opportunities as he was on the rise. I feel like those two helped me find & become who I am creatively. Since then I’ve worked with so many artist in all genres including some favs (Tyrese, Yolanda Adams, Teddy Riley & more). Now I’m a 3x Grammy Nominated & Ascap Award Winning producer/songwriter. I’m a partner of Its4AM/4 All Music Group, a founder of All Hats No Boxes, motivational speaker, and mentor. Im currently working on a new project called “Feel Trip”. My mission is to provide opportunities and inspire the future creatives.
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
What drives me is knowing that someone out there needs me to be 100% me. I must fulfill my purpose so that I can inspire and touch the ones I’m meant to touch. I believe what leaves the heart reaches the heart and that is what motivates me to come from my heart even when it’s hard. Originality is the key. However, these days it’s hard because the world makes fitting in more rewarding. Life is like a classroom. It’s full of people who don’t know the answers. We are all in class so that we can learn and move forward. Most people in class are scared to look stupid or be laughed at. Therefore they “act” smart. You’ll be surprised at how life works when you’re brave & transparent enough to raise your hand. So many people in the world right now needs this music and vibrations so I’m going to give it to them.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
There are so many lol. I guess I can tell a funny one. One time I was called in the clutch to engineer a session for an artist. I was asked if I knew this certain software. I said yes (but I didn’t lol). They said they would send me the location to the house later. I asked who the artist was and they said 🙊. I wanted to say nevermind I don’t know the software good enough for that artist, but I was like “I’m not missing THIS opportunity. My peers were encouraging me to do the session because they thought I could do it (keep in mind they aren’t engineers lol). We’ll.. I said I’d do the session. I took the entire day on youtube and online learning to prepare. I didn’t have time to learn like I needed in my opinion so I hit my bro Crazy C and had him on stand by as tech support 🤣. Long story short I went to the session and did my thing better than I even thought. I even fixed a problem they were having with their equipment. They had no idea and thought I was awesome. I learned to take the limits off of myself. Sometimes we are prepared but we have to believe in ourselves. Work hard and trust your gift!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/drathoven
- Twitter: @Drathoven