Hi!
WHO
You might know her from her youtube videos, or maybe you’ve seen her fairytale portrayals or character performances…you might remember her as a contestant on AX Idol 2008, or stumbled across her original music online…and she just might be your friend on facebook, and maybe you’ve even heard her voice on radio, tv or in a video game…but most of you probably won’t know her at all, though she sure hopes someday you will!
Traci Hines is a singer, songwriter, actress, voice actress, model and princess performer in So Cal. She’s known for her musical covers online, likeness to Disney characters, most often Ariel, and her upbeat, bubbly personality. She credits YouTube for most of her success to date, and lives by 2 motto’s:
1. Romans 8:28, “And we know all things work together for good, to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.”
and
2. “Someday I’ll be Part of Your World!” -Ariel, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
MUSIC
It’s Traci’s biggest passion, and her heart’s desire is to touch people through her music.
Traci began singing as soon as she could speak, and grew up singing gospel music in church, blues with her dad’s band, Disney and musical theater in local theater and drama class, and her fav pop and top 40’s hits everywhere in between. She began vocal training at 11 years old. She always loved to write, but seriously began writing her own songs in 2003.
Known for the emotional quality to her voice, Traci’s singing has been described as angelic, heartfelt and even soulful. Traci loves a song with a message, and grew up gravitating towards ballads and love songs when performing and writing. Her most recent original uploaded to youtube, “Stay With You,” is a duet inspired by the Twilight phenomenon. Regardless of her follower’s feelings toward the books or movies themselves, the song has had an overwhelmingly positive response. Traci is currently in the process of recording it for release. The official single will soon be available on iTunes and Amazon mp3!
Traci is also an active voice-over artist, and has been heard on radio, television and in video games. Traci began VO work when she was 12 years old on a Saturday morning radio program singing and narrating children’s stories! Funnily enough, not much has changed. Traci’s voice, though versatile, lends itself especially well to songs and spots geared towards young audiences. Recent credits include a children’s jewelry-maker commercial for Orbeez on Nickelodeon, and some upcoming video games and television spots.
JPOP/JROCK & ASIAN POP CULTURE
Being a fan of anime, manga, and asian pop culture in general, Traci began attending anime conventions in 2005. Cosplay became a big passion, as well as discovering new artists in the Japanese pop & rock genres. In 2008, she decided to try out for Anime Expo’s singing contest, AX Idol…..and attempted singing in Japanese for the first time. She was chosen to be one of the 5 singing finalists, and performed Yuna Ito’s Endless Story on the famous Nokia Theater stage. The entire audience wowed her with their support as she sang to a sea of thousands of waving cell phones. Traci didn’t win the contest, but was named Runner Up that year, and was awarded the grand prize along with the contest winner. Now Traci holds concerts and performs her favorite Jpop and Jrock covers as well as her originals at anime and fandom conventions throughout the year.
Traci is also a part of the AnimeTV cast, a show dedicated to spreading the fandom of anime and asian pop culture, sponsored by Bang Zoom! Entertainment, an award-winning production studio known for it’s anime dubbing and releases.
YOUTUBE
The YouTube journey began a few years ago, when Traci’s dad saw some local artists featured in the paper after gaining some YouTube success. He was quick to suggest she try it out for herself, and although Traci felt, “a little awkward” about making covers in her living room, she figured she might as well give it a go. With a new apple laptop (a generous gift from her parents), she set out to “make a fool of herself” and see if it wouldn’t help her along in her journey to becoming a recording artist.
www.YouTube.com/TraciJHines (covers)
www.YouTube.com/TraciHines (originals/vlogs/tutorials)
CHARACTERS
Traci is now known on YouTube for her Disney and character covers (some even in costume!) and her pop covers by artists/bands like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Paramore. Most of her followers credit Traci as being virtually the first YouTuber to create quality covers for children, performing in costume as Disney and fairytale characters. She has since gone on to work for local, high end entertainment companies as singing fairytale characters for events, birthday parties and galas.
MODELING
Traci began modeling professionally in 2009 for www.HotTopic.com and in 2010 for www.CollectifUSA.com, The Atomic Boutique and Vans shoes. Traci has also carved a unique niche for herself in the ‘merfolk’ community as a mermaid model, modeling her own designs, as well as original designs by some of her favorite designers. Traci became the Sirenia Mermaid for firefly-path.net in 2010 and the Locketship Mermaid in 2011. Traci also became the FAE Magazine cover girl this fall (2011) in a photo modeling one of her own original mermaid designs.
SIREN’S GROTTO ON ETSY
Traci began posting her original, mermaid-inspired accessories and couture wig designs for sale on Etsy in February 2011. Now she keeps busy with commissions and orders for her unique, one of a kind products available only at her shop, the ‘Siren’s Grotto.’ Traci originated the ‘Encrusted Starfish Hair Clip’ and is slowly taking over the mermaid-loving world, one sparkly sea star at a time! You can swim on over to the Grotto anytime to see what she’s been creating lately! www.etsy.com/shop/sirensgrotto Don’t be surprised if the shop looks a little bare-her items usually sell the same day she posts them up for sale! New items are added weekly, and she also works on a commission basis, so feel free to message her directly there to inquire about an order made just for you!
WHAT’S NEXT
Traci released her debut single, “Fantasy” on October 13th 2010. Traci on Fantasy: “It’s different than anything anyone’s heard from me up till now, and I can’t wait to get everyone’s reaction! I’m more excited about this song than anything else I’ve done previously. It’s the brand new me that’s been itching to get out for years…I hope it will be the kind of song everyone has a blast listening to and singing along with!”
Her next single, “Stay With You,” is in production now!
Soon you’ll be able to stay up to date on www.TraciHines.com (website still under construction)
[Taken from Traci Hines’ facebook page]
