1. Where are you from?
Houston, Texas. Born and raised.
2. At what age did you determine that you would do music professionally?
3. At what age did you begin taking it seriously?
I've always taken my music serious because it's what I love. But in the year 2000 I started to make money from what I love, so I took it a little more serious. I not only had to push to get better, but I had to learn the business side of the music business.
4. I saw you on YouTube playing the piano at 12. Were you classically trained?
Yes I am! I picked up the piano from my mother who also is a musician. But I further took lessons when I was 10 years old at a Performing Arts Magnet School. And I've been learning every since.
5. What does music do for you mentally?
Music is my gift. It's who I am. So I have no choice but to be me. If I wasn't making music, I'd feel a void. Music is my form of expression.
6. At what age did you begin composing music?
I began composing music at a very young age. I've always had a great ear. I'd listen to a song on the radio and play it. But there was nothing like making up my own music. We had a piano in the house in the house growing up, so I was always on there coming up with music.
7. Who was the first big name you did production for?
I would have to say in 2001. When I had the chance to go to LA to work with Dream (Female Pop Group signed to Bad Boy Records). It was an amazing process. We (Errol "E Poppi" McCalla, Tami Latrell, and myself) did a song on the spot. We mailed it off, and the very next day we we're in LA recording with the girls. And when I got back to Houston the next day I was in the studio with Paul Wall & Chamillionaire working on "Get Your Mind Correct."
8. I understand that Shei Atkins is your wife, do you write and compose her music?
Yes I do. Not only is she my wife, (but) she's the first artist on Drathoven Music Group. I'm not only involved in the music aspect, but the business aspect as well. You can expect major things from Shei Atkins this year.
9. When does the line between producer and husband sometimes get blurred?
Lol. Funny you should ask. It was a major challenge at first. Being that your working with someone who knows you very well, you have to watch how you say/do things. I've been told we need our own reality show, lol. But even when we disagree or whatever, it never gets out of hand. We respect and learn from each other. She has what I call an "Honest Ear"...it's either hot or cold, lol. Not to mention her harmonies and arrangements are bananas. She also loves and respects me as a producer. She's told me, "Even if I weren't married to you, I'd still want you to be my producer." Working together is no problem at all (and) she's actually (one of) my favorite people to work with in the studio.
10. Whats next for Drathoven?
Drathoven Music Group is what's next and now for me. I'm still producing, writing, and arranging. I'm not so much focusing on making hits in the studio no more. I'm now more interested in making connections so that the hits can be heard. I've been hiding in the studio long enough. I'm excited because I've found my lane, so now the pedal is to the metal.
11. If people want to keep up with you what sites are you on?
You can check me out on myspace.com/drathoven and youtube.com/drathoven. As a matter of fact you can google me if you really want to get at me. I'm not hard to find.