Deni Hines is without doubt considered one of Australia’s foremost entertainers.  From hit singles and albums, to lead roles in musicals & television, Deni has grown up in front of audiences from an enthusiastic young performer to a mature, sophisticated all round entertainer.

Deni’s career began when she was 15.  Many performers have quirky or interesting stories of how they were discovered.  Deni’s story is simple – she was “discovered” singing to the radio in a friend’s kitchen.  Encouraged to pursue singing as a career, she began touring as a backing vocalist for the who’s who of the Australian industry, including the likes of INXS & Kylie Minogue. 

It wasn’t until Deni began working with The Rockmelons that her true potential began to emerge.  As lead vocalist on a string of hit singles, Deni was touted as “the next big thing”.  The hits – “That Word (L.O.V.E), “It’s Not Over” and the hugely successful – “Aint No Sunshine” all became Top 10 smashes, with Deni becoming one of the most well known faces, and voices, in Australia. 

Fast forward a few years later and Deni released her debut album “Imagination”.  Signed to Mushroom Records, Deni spent 9 months recording for her debut release in the UK with writer/producer Ian Green.  The first single from the album, “Its Alright” smashed into the charts at #4, ensuring her first solo hit with a platinum award.  Further hit singles including “I Like the Way”& “Joy” solidified Deni as a solo star in her own right, and Deni deservedly received an ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Award for Best Australian Debut Performance.  The album went on to sell over 300,000 in Japan alone, while the UK release (re-titled to “Pay Attention”) result in yet more hit singles and saw her tour with Earth Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan and the Lighthouse Family.  In France, “Its Alright” topped the charts for 7 weeks, making Deni a massive star and sought after collaborator.  All told, Deni’s debut album clocked in sales over 2.5 million copies worldwide.  Not a bad start. 

Not content with just singing, Deni also appeared as Mary Magdalene in the hit musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” – making her the second only black woman in history to perform the role.  Displaying her versatility and desire to explore live musical theatre further, Deni also appeared in “Big River”, cementing her credibility on stage. 

Following her success in France, Deni was asked to work on the soundtrack and 2 songs for director Luc Beeson’s film “Taxi”, which achieved Gold Status in its home country.  Her music has also appeared in other films including the David Bowie film “Everyone Loves Sunshine”, and “Australia’s “The Wog Boy”; for which Deni recorded a cover of the classic Grace Jones track “Pull Up To the Bumper”, produced by The Black Eyed Peas.

 Turning her had to television presenting, Deni became the host for Channel V’s urban/R&B show “Soul Kitchen”.  As host for 2 years, Deni showed her quick wit and vivacious personality could excel in any medium, with a balance of both humour and unchallenged knowledge in the urban genres.

2001 saw the release of “Delicious Collection” – a best of album featuring new tracks and rarities.  Headed by the new single “Frenzy”, the album also included “What Makes You A Man”, one of the tracks written for Beeson’s “Taxi”.  The album served as a showcase from her early Rockmelons & debut solo years, ending with hints of her new direction. 

For most of 2004/2005, Deni has been writing tracks for her long awaited new album.  Featuring songs and collaborations with both Australian and international teams, the new album will showcase a new musical Deni – a sophisticated, urban soul inspired sound headed by an artist who has only gotten better with age and experience. 

Working with the likes of The Family Stand (Heather Headley, Tamia), Jarrad Rogers (Lauryn Hill, Brand New Heavies, Delta Goodrem, Christine Anu, Guy Sebastien) and the cream of the Australian scene, Deni has also proven she’s grown as a writer, co-writing many tracks on the album.

Titled “Water For Chocolate”, the new album is guaranteed to both surprise and delight both her fans and peers, with a new found confidence, direction and image.  With a mixture of oh-so-now grooves, heartfelt ballads and sassy beats, its time to finally introduce the real Deni to the world.  And trust us, you’re gonna love it.  The debut single “Water For Chocolate” is released 22^nd May followed by the album of the same title 17^th July 2006 

In February 2005, Deni was approached to audition for a lead role in the new musical extravaganza on Dusty Springfield.  The audition was a success and Deni accepted the role of Reno, a collective of characters involved in Dusty’s life.  The season starts in Melbourne January 7 2006 and runs nationally through to September 2006.  “I’m thrilled to be able to do another musical, its got to be close on 8 years since I’ve done one and whilst its really challenging, it’s a great endurance test, in addition to the brilliance of Dusty Springfield. 

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