Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Pierce.
Hi Melanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into music began unexpectedly when Lashon Robinson, the current co-band owner, saw a Facebook video of me jamming with a friend who was playing the keys while I played my djembe. She saw something in me and invited me to audition for a Pink Floyd tribute band. That opportunity changed my life. In 2019, because of Lashon Robinson, I stepped onto a stage to perform for the very first time, and I have been singing ever since!
Since then, I have continued to grow as a singer, songwriter, now a tribute artist, and entrepreneur. As a Tina Turner and Aaliyah tribute artist, I take pride in honoring legendary artists while bringing my own energy and personality to the stage. Through my tribute shows and R&B project, I celebrate the music that has inspired generations.
My journey has taught me the importance of taking chances, believing in yourself, and recognizing the people who help open doors along the way. Beyond music, I am also an entrepreneur through Groovy Babes Thrift Shop along with Lashon Robinson, finding creative ways to build our business while supporting my musical dreams.
Today, I continue to grow, create new opportunities, and pursue my vision of reaching new audiences through music. My story is a reminder that sometimes one person believing in you and one unexpected opportunity can change the direction of your life. I am grateful for how far I have come, and I know my journey is just getting started!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been struggles along the way. As a co-band owner who is working to make music a career rather than just a hobby, finances can sometimes be challenging, especially with door-only shows where payment depends on attendance. Finding creative ways to market each show, connect with audiences, and communicate what makes us unique is an ongoing learning experience.
There’s also the challenge of coordinating everyone’s schedules, managing the many moving parts behind a production, and making sure everything runs smoothly and starts on time. Being a co-band owner involves so much more than performing. It takes planning, patience, organization, and a whole lot of dedication.
But despite the challenges, I’ve learned that the struggle is always worth it when you have the right people beside you. When you’re surrounded by a team that shares your passion, believes in the vision, and is willing to put in the work, it makes every obstacle easier to overcome. At the end of the day, seeing everything come together on stage and watching people enjoy what we’ve created makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a co-band owner, singer, and songwriter, and music is truly my passion. I’m involved in several bands, including a female-fronted rock and roll band, a Tina Turner tribute that performs in various markets, a 90s R&B tribute paying homage primarily to the late Aaliyah and Maxwell, and a versatile cover band specializing in casinos, weddings, and private events. I’m also looking to connect with a talent buyer who can help take my Tina Turner tribute to the next level through touring opportunities.
When I’m not performing with my own bands, you might find me singing with a casino house band or performing alongside local tribute acts honoring legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Pink Floyd. I’m also a songwriter, and I love creating music that people can connect with. My original songs are intentionally genderless, my artist name is Melanie Chardaye and my music allows anyone to relate to the lyrics and find their own meaning in the music. My music is available on most major streaming platforms.
What I’m most proud of is seeing all my bands grow, succeed, and continue to elevate. I get to work with incredible musicians and singers, and we’ve built relationships that feel more like family. We genuinely enjoy what we do, and that connection shines through in our performances.
What sets me apart is my versatility and my genuine love for all genres of music. I’m not interested in being boxed into one category or singing something simply to please a crowd. I love the music itself. One night, you might catch me singing R&B, the next night country, blues, or rock and roll. You never know which side of my musical personality you’ll see next, and that’s what makes this journey so exciting.
For me, music isn’t about fitting into a box. It’s about being authentic, continuing to grow, creating meaningful connections, and sharing the music I love with the world.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would love for readers to stream our music and discover what we have to offer! My original band, **Elevation Memphis**, has several original songs that we’re excited for listeners to hear.
I also have my own original music under the artist name **Melanie Chardaye**, where I get to showcase my songwriting and creativity. My first EP is on the way, starting with an R&B/Neo-Soul project. From there, I plan to explore and release EPs across many of the different genres I love.
I remember someone once telling me that I needed to pick a genre, but that’s something I refuse to do. Music is too diverse, beautiful, and expressive to put myself in one box. I love it all, and I want the freedom to create it all! My goal is to continue growing as an artist, exploring different sounds, and allowing my creativity to lead the way.
I would also love for readers to check out **Groovy Babes Thrift Shop**, a business created by me and my band’s co-owner Lashon Robinson to help raise funds for our band while making shopping more affordable for everyone. We offer a variety of new and preowned items, giving shoppers the opportunity to find great things at budget-friendly prices while supporting our musical journey.
Our vision goes beyond raising money for our own band. One day, we hope to grow Groovy Babes Thrift Shop enough to provide financial assistance to local artists and bands, helping them pursue their musical dreams. We understand that funding can be one of the biggest challenges for independent musicians, and we would love to become part of the solution by giving back to the local music community.
So, I encourage everyone to stream **Elevation Memphis**, follow my musical journey as **Melanie Chardaye**, and shop with **Groovy Babes Thrift Shop**. Every stream, purchase, and bit of support helps us continue creating, growing, and working toward a bigger vision for our music community. We’re building something that’s about more than music. It’s about creativity, opportunity, affordability, and helping artists thrive!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Groovybabesthriftshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmelaniechardaye/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MELANIEPIERCE23
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mkvPSUAz_kEnnacAxcwGNuSxdx6iGfvyc
- Other: https://www.memphistinaturnertribute.com
