Today we’d like to introduce you to Donté Fletcher.
Donté, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It took a lot to get to where I am today, and the journey started so long ago. I joined the concert band way back in 3rd grade in elementary school. For the first six years I didn’t really read sheet music, just played by ear, it was amazing being able to hear things and just play them back. So that took me down its own path in itself to try and get better. In 9th grade I moved to Atlanta GA and things started shifting. Major shoutout to my band teacher Mr. Lane. He forced me to get better over the course of the next few years, starting with learning to read music, changing to Trumpet, joining the Jazz band as well as the Marching band. We traveled a lot, one of my favorite band memories was when we played Mardi Gras in NO. By far one of the coolest experiences. By the time I was gearing up for graduation I had offers from five or six Universities to come and play trumpet. Although the passion was always burning, I had my mind set on something different at the time. I wanted to play basketball in College and at the time I still wanted to be a Doctor. What happened next was I declined all of the scholarships. So, a few days after I graduated High School, I got on 95 and started on my plan.
Long story short I fell right where I needed to. I started getting into beat making after I graduated high school. Once I got to the college where I played basketball at, I started to dig deeper in terms of music. I did my research and decided I’d rather go to school for Audio Engineering instead of music production, it just seemed to make sense. After winning a championship together me and my partner today eventually graduated and transferred to different schools. After obtaining an Associate’s Degree concentrating in production from Montgomery College, I moved on to Husson University in Bangor, Maine where I graduated with my Bachelors in Audio Engineering as well as winning two more championships back to back.
After graduating I moved back to Maryland where I interned at GTown Studios in DC. A few months later I moved to NYC where I interned at The Cutting Room Studio. There I learned from a variety of engineers with credits reaching from WuTang Clan to JayZ. Being in a great studio like that came with advantages for hands on work with top industry artists. I got a chance to work with Chance The Rapper, Lana Del Ray and many more. My next steps were moving back to MD where I worked at a few other studios, as well as a live sound production company. All that has brought me to my main goal of having my own studio. Growing up I was around a lot of music and the feeling I got and still get now is unexplainable. All I can say is the passion runs deep and if there’s music to be made I’d love to be there to help create!
Over the course of the last few years I have seen The Trap Factory Studio family grow immensely! From producing multiple songs premiered on 93.9 to clients such as Warner Bros. Records and working with talented artists like Alex Vaughn, Lul Big Brother, Nitty Scott, NeYo, Nappy Nappa, Innanet James, Beau Young Prince, along with many more. Multiple records that I’ve recorded have premiered on platforms like Elevator, The Source, Pitchfork as well as The Washington Post a couple times. It’s truly is an experience and I look forward to continue pursuing my passion!
Has it been a smooth road?
I feel like every situation comes with challenges and obstacles but if the goal is worthy then you just keep going until you reach what you need to. One of the biggest challenges is lack of funding. Not having the capital upfront to do what you know you need to. At the time my partner and I went to look for space for our studio I was still homeless. I could only afford one or the other, either a place to live or a studio that I could work in for myself. Easy decision, let’s get the studio!! The rest was history. Another big challenge I think at first was time management. When you’re building your business and it’s really out of the love for the craft and the music you can easily spread yourself thin trying to do everything. When I first opened up, I was still working full-time as an audio engineer of a live sound company. Some weeks working 60 & 70 hours and then turning around and putting the same amount into the studio. All in all, it’s definitely been a wild ride but I have no complaints and I’m definitely looking forward to the future.
We’d love to hear more about the business.
My business is The Trap Factory Studio, we’re a recording studio as well as a production house who works with many different artists on a lot of different projects over the years. I’m an audio engineer, producer, photographer, and videographer. I wear all of these hats at the studio with my clients. It’s also home to talented individuals such as Reggie Volume, DSNY, Chris Allen, Panama, YLB, all extremely talented producers and songwriters, and last but not least Bria Domonique who does creative direction for many of our clients as well!
I’m most proud to be viewed as a self-standing company and still covering ground. I didn’t go out and try to sell my soul or take any short cuts. I weathered the storms and kept faith that if it was meant to be then it would happen. So many years down the line, looking back and being able to say I was a part of this project and that project is such a good feeling. Another major thing about the company that I’m proud of is that outside of obviously making music etc., it’s a safe place for other creatives like me who can come and truly create art in the way they see fit and bounce ideas off of cool and talented individuals.
Something that I think sets us apart is our willingness to help bring your vision to life. When working with artists it’s not about what I want to do but more so what can we do to bring the vision you want to reality. I believe it truly shows in the work. Also, the love and vibe we have at the studio, we like to make sure it’s intimate and comfortable for everyone that comes through the doors. Another thing is we’re really passionate and good at what we do!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Atlanta, I grew up there. The people and food are amazing. The culture just feels good in Atlanta!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4331 Gallatin St
Suite 201B Hyattsville MD - Website: www.TheTrapFactory.co
- Phone: 2027902428
- Email: thetrapfactorymgmt@gmail.com
Image Credit:
@Olotphotography
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