If you haven’t heard of Drathoven yet, then you will now. The Houston native launched his career in Houston by working with some of Houston’s most talented artists.To say that Drathoven is a record producer is an understatement. He’s a songwriter who clearly has a passion for music and an incredible work ethic. Not only is he a music producer, having crafted songs for Shei Atkins, Yolanda Adams, Brian Angel, Tyrese and many others, but he also is a songwriter who has been a recording artist as well.

MB: How did you come up with the Drathoven?
DT: I combined my initials ‘Dra’ with part of the name of classical composer Beethoven. That’s how I came up with the name Drathoven.

MB: Do you listen to classical music?
DT: Yes. I do enjoy classical music. I listen to all genres of music. In fact I began studying classical music when I was about 9 or 10 years old.

MB: Have you always been musically inclined?
DT: Yes. I grew up in a household with my mother who was a music teacher. Music has always been in my house; it was a huge part of my life. I never took lessons from my mother, but I did get it in when she was not looking. [laughs]

MB: What other producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?
DT: I would say, Babyface, because of his songwriting ability and his musicianship. Then I would definitely have to say Teddy Riley, R. Kelly, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Davonte (of Jodeci) and Missy Elliott (just to name a few) – I am fan of the at old school R&B music.

MB: How did you get the chance to work with alot of the Houston rappers and R&B singer Brian Angel of Day 26?
DT: I was a producer and A&R at Paid In Full Entertainment, which was the home of Paul Wall and Chamillionaire at the time. During my time working there, I had the opportunity to work with the majority of Houston rappers. As for Brian Angel, we grew up together. He and I were in a singing group together named Jadore back in the day. Brian is a powerful singer, so it was really good having the chance to work with him again.

MB: Would you say, you received most of your experience working with the local talent here in Houston?
DT: Most definitely. As the piano player in the singing group, we would come together to write songs and I would come up with the music for the songs. There would be times when our manager would say “let’s get some new records” and she would hire a big name producer or whatever producer that was hot at the time. Then I’d sometime say to myself, “I want to be one of those guys that bring the project together.” When I realized that was what I wanted to do, I retired from the whole singing group thing and launched my production career.

MB: Do you prefer production over being on stage performing?
DT: Although I do love the stage, production is my passion.

MB: You have also worked with Yolanda Adams as well, can you describe, briefly how the two of you work together on her musical project?
DT: Her Executive A&R, Marcus Ecby, reached out to me. I actually sent her quite a few tracks and songs until I finally got that call. She chose three of my records for her album “Becoming”, including the song “Be Still”, which is her leading single. It’s been a really great experience and opportunity.

MB: Do you have a favorite musical project that you’ve worked on thus far?
DT: All of my projects are my favorites because they are apart of me. Paul Wall and Chamillionaire “Get Ya Mind Correct” and all of Shei Atkins albums were outstanding to have been apart of. But I guess I would have to say the Yolanda Adams single, “Be Still” is a memorable one. The song itself touched me because at that time I was grinding everyday relentlessly. The message of the song was like you can do all the grinding in the world but, even after that you will still need God and God’s favor.

MB: Is there an artist you want to work with that you have not yet had the opportunity to work with?
DT: There are so many artists I would love to work with, but R. Kelly and Missy Elliott are among my top picks.

MB: What can we expect from Drathoven in 2011?
DT: I have lot in store this year. I produced “Be Still” the single off of Yolanda Adams album “Becoming” which is in stores now. I have worked with Tyrese on his upcoming. album, “Open Invitation”; and Jacob Latimore’s album and a few other projects and soundtracks few other projects. I don’t want to give away to much information.

MB: Do you have advice for young people who want to become a music producer?
DT: I definitely think aspiring producers should find a mentor. Someone who is open to sharing their wealth of knowledge and wisdom. I think it is important to compare yourself to the person you look up to – not your cousin or your homeboys you hangout with everyday. Learn all you can and push yourself to be the best.

MB: If you were not producing music what would you be doing today?
DT: IF….and only IF…i wasn’t doing music I’d be a counselor primarily because I love helping people.

MB: On what social media platforms can we find you on?
DT: You can find me at: www.drathoven.com ; www.twitter.com/drathoven ; www.youtube.com/drathoven