Today we’d like to introduce you to Drathoven.
Houston bred self-taught musician, producer, and songwriter Donald Atkins, professionally known as @Drathoven (aka Drabraham Lincoln), is a 3x Grammy nominee and ASCAP award winner who is most notably recognized for his gifts of playing the keys and executively producing Billboard charting records. Drathoven (pronounced Dre-Toe-Vin) has played since he was six years old and still has the first piano his grandmother gave to his mother (who is also a musician) who passed it down to him when he first began taking lessons in school and playing in church. Drathoven is not only a producer, but a songwriter who is successful in all genres of music including r&b, pop, rap, and gospel. Over the years he has sharpened his craft while working alongside industry greats such as Teddy Riley, Tyrese, and Yolanda Adams to name a few. He is previously known for being instrumental in the early success of Paul Wall & Chamillionaire’s album “Get Ya Mind Correct”, and other successful artists from Houston. Most recently, he has collaborated with Snoop Dogg’s Doggy Style South label as a producer and artist on the song SouthWest Connection. He has also released a number of his own songs available on all digital outlets.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road necessarily. Growing up in a city with such an influential culture is a gift and curse. Being that I’m a musician that can create all genres, it’s hard to get people to accept that. Houston is a great city. However, we sometimes have closed minds when it comes to creativity. I’ve spent a lot of my career proving people wrong and proving to myself. My success didn’t come easy and still isn’t easy to this day. That’s a big reason that I decided to move forward with artistry. I had things that I believe and things I want to say. I didn’t want to depend on another artist to see it before they see it.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I am an artist, producer, songwriter, and musician. What sets me apart is my ability to make people feel. I know how to reach a person’s heart through music and words. To be honest, I just have a way of communication, period, that helps me in life. When I produce for others, I’m able to bring the best out of an artist and allow them to shine. I understood very early that if the artist doesn’t shine- no one shines.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Honesty, Trust, Love, and that I’m real. I see everyone as a human being. I believe love and communication are 2 of the most important things we have. If we can conquer those, we can conquer the world. When I say love, I’m not talking about the world’s definition of love. When I say communication, I mean knowing how & why people think like they do and communicating with them accordingly.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @Drathoven
- Twitter: @Drathoven
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