BIO

Tracy Hightop is a New York City–born guitarist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist forged in the East Village underground of the early ’90s. A drummer first, a guitarist by instinct, she built her sound in the city’s punk, hardcore, garage, and blues scenes before taking it worldwide.

She first made her mark as drummer for The Wives, a CBGB-era punk band managed by Hilly Kristal, playing the legendary CBGB during the ’90s downtown resurgence. From there, she moved through New York’s rawest corners of rock: co-lead guitar in Helldorado, guitar for New Hope for the Plasmatics with the blessing of Plasmatics legendary guitarist Richie Stotts, and drums for the art-punk project Transisters featuring Chloe Dzubilo, Gyda Gash and Kathy Rey.

From 2000 to 2002, Hightop toured internationally as bassist for the Grammy-nominated hard rock band Nashville Pussy, performing across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

She is best known as a founding guitarist and songwriter for Jane Lee Hooker, the New York blues-rock powerhouse recognized for its dual-guitar attack and explosive live shows. The band released three records—No B! (2015), Spiritus (2017), and Rollin (2020)—all produced by Matt Chiaravalle and appeared on Germany’s legendary TV concert series Rockpalast.

As a solo artist, Hightop brings the same grit and urgency to her own material. Her debut solo record, Sacred Bleeding Hearts, produced by Matt Chiaravalle, introduces a more personal edge to her sound. The first single, “Drive You Home,” blends swaggering rock and roll with blues phrasing and the rhythmic punch of someone who learned music from behind a drum kit.

Hightop’s style is defined by high-gain guitar tones, blues-rooted phrasing, and the physical intensity of a lifelong rhythm player. Whether on guitar, bass, or drums, her playing is direct, unapologetic, and built for the stage.