10 Questions with ... Traci Hite

1. How did your career trajectory bring you to your current role at Curb-Word?

It all started with an internship at Sony Music-Nashville in their Radio Promotions department. I worked with the Arista, RCA and BNA/Columbia teams, and helped coordinate events for Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler and many more. I remember listening to Sony Promo team members, Lauren Thomas, and David Friedman talk to their radio friends on the phones and thought, “This is what I want to do; become a radio promoter.”

When I finished my internship, there were no jobs available in Nashville. I prayed and asked God to put me where He needed me. I ended up in Christian Radio at WayFM-Alabama. I had listened to Christian Radio in the past, but I didn’t think it was my genre. I decided to learn the radio side of the industry. I remember I was at a show we hosted for Aaron Shust and looking around at everyone worshipping. This was the turning point for me to continue the path in Christian Music. I had always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and in that very moment, God showed me that He had given me that gift in Christian music. I got to see Him change lives every single day and it was amazing.

I ended up moving to Dallas and working at KCBI. While I was there, I heard about a job opening at Capitol Christian. That job brought me back to Nashville and from there, I was able to meet more people on the label side of the music industry. and found out about this job at Curb-Word. Five years after my internship, my dream of becoming a radio promoter came true. It wasn’t what I expected it would look like when I did that internship at Sony, it’s even better.

2. At what point did you realize you had a passion for the music industry? Had you pursued any other line of work before then?

I knew I wanted to work in the music industry at six years old. Instead of bringing the newest toy to school for show-and-tell, I would bring the latest Reba album and would make my classmates listen to me sing my favorite tunes. The passion for music ran deep. I knew I was meant to work in this industry. I pursued no other career. Music is where my heart is the happiest. I never thought for a minute that I wanted to pursue any other career.

3. Who were some of the most instrumental people involved in helping you get to where you are in the industry?

There are so many that I have met along the way that has helped me get to where I am today. Starting with Lesly Simon. She has been an inspiration to me and a cheerleader throughout my career. I wouldn’t be where I am without Lesly’s words of encouragement and inspiration.

Marcie Gladwell who I worked with at WAY-FM was another inspiration. She always encouraged me in my early radio days to never stop dreaming and making goals. That advice has continued to stick with me throughout my career.

Joel Burke is another instrumental person. He was my boss at KCBI and cheered me on when I decided to move back to Nashville. He continues to mentor me. Jamie Rodgers also comes to mind. She was the one who helped me get back to Nashville and back on track to the career path that I always wanted. I am forever grateful for her and her guidance while I worked with her at Capitol Christian.

Of course, Grant Hubbard. He taught me what I know about radio promotion in CCM. The respect he has in this industry runs deep and I am honored to have worked for him. Last but not least, the one who took a chance on a girl with a dream, Jeri Cooper. In little over two years, Jeri has taught me the ends and outs of radio promotion. Because of her guidance, I have grown into the promoter I am today.

4. What music did you grow up listening to? Was CCM part of your upbringing at all?

I grew up listening to all kinds of genres; Classic rock, Country, and Oldies. I had my parents radio dial set to WZZK/Birmingham most of the time. Country music was always my favorite growing up. I grew up in a Southern Baptist Church, so gospel hymns were a big part of my life. CCM wasn’t a huge part of upbringing until my middle school years. I sang in church and my favorite CCM artists to sing were Amy Grant, Rachel Lampa, and Avalon.

5. What have you resolved might be the most often-misunderstood part of radio promotion (and the promoters themselves)?

I think the biggest misunderstanding is how glamorous and easy our job is. It does have it’s glamorous moments, and it is a lot of fun. But it’s also a lot hard work and early-morning flights.

6. You’ve done many promo trips at this point. What are some of the most memorable?

It’s hard for me to choose just a few. But if I must, one of my favorites was at a CMB Summit performance with for KING & COUNTRY at the top of the Willis Tower in Chicago. They were introducing “God Only Knows’ to radio for the very first time. They sang it acoustically as the sun set behind them. It was breathtaking. Another one of my more recent promo trips was with Natalie Grant at KTIS/Minneapolis. She sang at the Mall of America. Thousands of people joined her in singing “How Great Thou Art”. It was so special to see people worshipping in a public place. It was a rare and beautiful moment. There has been countless moments and hundreds of amazing conversations with my radio friends on the road. These types of memorable moments make me love my job even more.

7. What are a few career highlights so far? What made them so special?

My very first number one at Curb-Word was very memorable. It was Francesca Battistelli’s ‘Messiah’ it went #1 in four weeks. At the time, that hadn’t happen in the Christian format several years. I remember how hard my teammates and I worked that song. When I got the word that the song was #1, I remember crying tears of joy. Another highlight was seeing We Are Messengers win New Song of The Year for ‘Maybe It’s OK’ at the KLOVE Fan awards. It was a special moment. I remember when Darren brought the song into one of our promo meetings and we listened to it for the first time. I knew that it was special at that moment. It was amazing to see that millions of people felt the exact same way. Of course, this year, working with for KING & COUNTRY and having three singles hit #1 off a single album has been a highlight. Seeing them perform at the CMAs was a dream come true.

8. Who would you say is one of the most underrated artists in the Christian music realm? Why him/her/them?

I think the most underrated artist is Blanca. Blanca has made waves in CCM for many years. Over the years, she has been branded as more of a hotter-sounding artist, but she is bigger than just her success on the Hot Chart. Blanca’s heart is amazing. She has a story to tell for all Christian radio stations. She is not only reaching our Christian markets, but the Spanish radio markets as well. Blanca’s voice is undeniable and her creative style of sharing her life’s story through her music is relatable for everyone.

9. As far as you can tell right now, what are some of the radio single campaigns you’re most thrilled about releasing to the masses in 2020?

There are several! Anyone who knows me, will tell you that I get excited easily about our releases.

We Are Messengers’ ‘Love’ is impacting on Valentine's Day. If that isn’t exciting enough, we are sending out a promo item that will be talked about for years to come. Also, Natalie Grant’s new single will be out later this month. This is the first project of Natalie’s with a brand-new team. It’s been so great these past few months to work with her and learn her heart behind this single. It’s so good! I can’t wait to share.

10. When you’re not in the office or on the road for work, what are you doing with your time the most?

I split my down time between running, spin class, spending time with family and friends, or just hanging out and watching Netflix. My down time usually depends on the day and how tired I am after work and travel.