My Grandma, Evelyn Wandell is the first musical influence I'd like to mention. She was was a big band singer who toured the U.S. with her band in the 40's. She taught herself to play the piano brilliantly when she was only 13yrs. old, had a voice that rivaled Ella Fitzgerald, and was a gifted songwriter. Please take a second to listen to her wonderful music...
My dad, Gary Oden, (her son), also played a huge role in my decision to pursue a career as a recording artist. He instilled in me a deep love for music, and encouraged me to explore its different genres, especially jazz and blues. I am extremely grateful to have been blessed with a father who not only encouraged my aspirations towards singing, but also helped foster them in the first place. I'm also influenced by Christina Aguilera, Jodi Benson, Crystal Lewis, Julie Andrews, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Rhonstadt, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Jackson, Maroon 5, Paramore, Nicole Nordeman, Katy Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, Edina Menzel, Susan Egan, Rascal Flatts, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, and many more...
Sounds Like
I have been told I sound like many different voices over the years! Ranging from Crystal Lewis, to Feifel the Mouse from An American Tale! (I blame my 3rd grade talent show for that one: I sang "Somewhere Out There"...) Most recently I've been compared to the classic Disney Princesses, especially Ariel. I'd like to think my voice is uniquely my own. What do YOU think?
Singing before breathing.
Traci Hines, born Traci Janette Oden in sunny Newport Beach, California, realized her love for singing as soon as she began to speak: at just 1 year old. She knew she was made for the stage at age 4 and lived to perform for whoever would listen, often reciting entire movies or musicals verbatim!
Her first performance was at a school talent show when she was a kindergartner at Maranatha Christian Academy. She was a regular participant in the annual show from then on, and was cast in several plays throughout her elementary years. She began vocal training at age 11, and has continued through various coaches, workshops and classes to this day. In her last year of elementary school Traci attended a vocal audition at her home church, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. Unbeknownst to her, Traci was overheard by Pastor Chuck Smith, the head pastor of Calvary Chapel, and he called her that very week and asked her to sing at their upcoming Christmas Eve Service. That performance led to many others throughout her childhood and teenage years, giving her both the confidence and experience she needed to make the decision to seriously pursue a career as a performer, even though she knew from age 5 that was what she wanted to do more than anything in the world.
Traci focused on music as much as possible throughout high school and college. She continued to participate in musical theater, sang with Mesa Blue, a local blues band from Orange County, (who's lead singer and guitarist happened to be her father), and discovered a newfound love for songwriting.
Traci is now working to save the money to record her upcoming 5 song EP. It will be the debut of her own original music. Once the funds have been raised and the CD is recorded, it will be released for sale on itunes.
Until then, Traci is seeking out every musical opportunity available. She sings anywhere and everywhere she can-the venues range from the famous Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, (where she sang as a finalist in Anime Expo's AX Idol 2008 competition), to local karaoke contests, to the American Idol auditions in Pasadena (2002), San Diego (2007) and San Francisco (2008-where she made it to the third round of casting), at children's birthday parties, special events and charity fundraisers where she sings as and portrays her favorite Fairytale Princesses! (Feel free to visit www.ifyoucandreamparties.com for more information). and of course, in her humble living room where she records most of her videos for YouTube.
Her voice has been touted as both angelic and soulful, and while Traci is still somewhat unsure which style to commit to, as she grew up singing contemporary, gospel, blues, pop, jazz and musical theater, she knows without a doubt her heart's desire is to touch people through her music.
Links:
www.myspace.com/TraciJHines (this page)
www.youtube.com/TraciJHines (cover channel)
www.youtube.com/TraciHines (tutorials, vlogs, and soon to come original music)
www.Twitter.com/TraciHines (yes I'm on Twitter!)
www.Facebook.com/TraciJHines (Good ol' Fbook)
TraciHinesMakeup.blogspot.com (makeup and hairstyling)
Im doing well Traci, I am so glad theres no school tomorrow and on Friday, Im going to Disneyland!!!! =D I am so thankful for you too sweetie pie. <3 ~Lorena~
oh really yeah im cant wait cause i would really like to put it on my page... i like it like that with guitar i sounds really good,,,, well keep in touch ... keep doin wat you doin cause wat you doin is amazing!!!
thanxs for the add,, omg i love how you sing and how you are very creative... and is there any way you can put the song stay with you on myspace.. i just love that song!!
Aww you're welcome Traci hehe I'm glad you liked it I’ll work on some more for you when I get the chance your face it too pretty it’s so much fun to use lol I'm sorry you weren't feeling well and thank you so much it's what my new layout is going to look like I'm so excited lol awesomesauce love that word hehe, I'm doing great by the grace of God I hope you are too beautiful lady and Happy Thanksgiving!
Hey girlie I know you're not feeling well so I thought I would make you something because I know someday we'll be "...Part of that world..." lol anyway write me when you can I miss you girlie God bless!
First, I want you to know that you are amazing. If I dont get this back, I understand, but I have a little adventure for you. Once you read this message you should send it to 15 people that you really care about, including the person that sent it to you. If you recieve at least 7 back, then you are much loved. Nobody knows what they have until they lose it. Tonight, right at 12:00am, your true love is going to realize how much they do not want to live without you! Then something is going to happen to you between 1:00 and 2:00am. Tomorrow be ready for the greatest excitement of your life. Please don't break this chain! Send this to 15 people in 15 minutes
Hey there! =D Sorry for a late reply, just haven't been feeling well. & I've totally been meaning to comment ya, but I'm just forgetful.
Anyhoo, how are you? The photoshoot was such a blast and it was so awesome to meet you! Hopefully I'll bump into you next year, if you plan to attend again :P. Got some revisions planned for my Vanessa.
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