Bio

At just 22 years old, Trixie Whitley has already proven herself true heir to her family of artists, musicians, and poets. Born in Ghent, Belgium, she moved to New York when she was just a year old, with her father, musician Chris Whitley. Even as a toddler, she was immersed in music, spending time with her father as he recorded at the world’s most renowned studios, including Electric Ladyland. At age 11, she picked up the drums.

During her early teens she toured Europe with several musical theatre companies, acting, singing, drumming, and playing bass. Also an accomplished DJ, she’s performed at the Smak Museum, the Eskimo Parties in Belgium, the Dour Festival’s Main Tent, and around the world.

After spending time as a professional dancer with Les Ballets C de la B, she quit school to move to New York City at age 17. Working as a waitress in Brooklyn and Queens, she began to focus on her own songwriting.

After returning to Belgium in 2005, following the passing of her father, she continued to write and record her own material, performing at venues in Europe and the Americas, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Blue Note Festival, Pukkel Pop, the Mercury Lounge, the Knitting Factory, Handelsbeurs, De Vooruit, and the Troubador.

In 2008 Whitley returned to New York to record an EP coproduced by Meshell Ndegeocello.

She’s contributed to albums by Chocolate Genius, Chris Whitley, and Jerboa & Krewcial. She’s worked with producers Craig Street (Norah Jones, Cassandra Wilson) and Daniel Lanois (U2, Bob Dylan).

She’s currently lead vocalist for Daniel Lanois’ band Black Dub, with Brian Blade on drums and Daryl Johnson on bass.

Written By David Shook.