About Us

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Learn more about each musician in the band. 

Ray Benites – Our Vocal Virtuoso

Say hello to Ray, our go-to guy for incredible vocals and a whole lot of musical experience! With a rich background in Rock, Country, Folk, R&B, Praise, and Pop, Ray brings decades of passion and skill to the TraceTones. He’s performed all around Texas and beyond, rocking out with nostalgia, original, Christian, and rock cover bands.

Ray’s heart lies in live performances and studio sessions, where he gets to play with family and friends. His love for music shines through in every note, and he’s all about making new friends and connecting with fans of all ages. Whether he’s on stage or in the studio, Ray’s enthusiasm and talent make every moment special.

James McAlister – Our Musical Maestro

Meet James, our resident music aficionado! With a music degree from UTA and years of teaching classical guitar at TCC and UTA, James has deep roots in the world of music. He’s not just a talented guitarist—he’s also a composer who’s written everything from symphonies to songs in Rock, Pop, Christian, and Country.

James has a rich history as a recording engineer, producer, and arranger, and he’s been jamming in bands since he was 14. To him, music isn’t just a career—it’s a lifelong journey. He believes in the power of music to express emotions and ideas, and he’s all about using those tunes to bring people together with a touch of love.

Meet Cory Settle, our multi-talented drummer, guitarist, and writer with a deep love for music that's been going strong for over 20 years. Hailing from a small West Texas town (Wreck 'Em Tech!), Cory kicked off his musical journey playing drums at his local church, and he’s been hooked ever since.

Cory’s all about sharing his love for music with friends and family, whether he's strumming on his guitar, singing a tune, or getting behind the drum kit. He’s played everything from rock and blues to punk, grunge, country, and classic rock, and he’s always up for the next musical adventure. Cory believes music has a special way of bringing people together and spreading joy, and he’s excited to keep the good vibes going.

Suzi's musical journey started at a young age when she began mastering classical piano from and "ordinarily extraordinary" music teacher. Suzi loved competing and regularly took part in events like the Houston Music Festival and Piano Guild. To this day, she still finds joy in playing classical pieces by Bach, Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, and Satie.

But Suzi’s musical taste is far from just classical. Over the years, she’s dived into pop, rock, country, and praise, playing with various bands and groups across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She expanded into keyboards at the mentorship of a music industry keyboardist. Whether it’s a small venue, a retreat, or a wedding, Suzi’s been there, sharing her love for music and making every performance special. Suzi truly believes that music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and brings people together.