Big Auntie Energy

I have been an auntie longer than I have been a recording artist, and that energy has shaped every part of my life. As the oldest of seven siblings, I grew up nurturing, guiding, and sometimes bossing, whether people asked for it or not. That instinct to uplift, mentor, and support is simply part of who I am. And yes, I crack myself up because sometimes the advice, and even the random forehead kisses, show up uninvited. That is just what aunties do (though I am learning to ask first, because consent matters).

I remember the moment I realized I naturally lean into this. No matter where I am, whether with family, on stage, or in community spaces, I show up with that same auntie vibe. I am the one checking in, cheering people on, and keeping it real. Once I stopped downplaying it and fully embraced it, I understood that this energy is one of my greatest strengths, both in life and in my artistry.

Gen X Soul for the Grown Folks

My music is especially for the Gen X aunties and uncles, the ones who have lived, loved, made mistakes, and kept going. We are the generation that grew up on cassette tapes, Saturday morning cartoons, and the golden age of R&B and hip hop. Our playlists stretched wide, from Prince and Chaka Khan to Whitney Houston and Madonna, from Mary J. Blige to Tribe Called Quest, from Journey to blue-eyed soul artists like George Michael and Hall & Oates. That mix shaped the way we experience music. We want groove, we want storytelling, and we want honesty.

That vibe runs straight through my artistry. My sound blends Progressive R&B, soul, and adult contemporary grooves, but underneath it all is that Gen X spirit that knows how to keep it real while still having fun. My songs speak to love, self-discovery, and joy, the themes that carry us through this stage of life. In my live shows, you will hear the slick sophistication of jazz, the grit of hip hop, and the warmth of classic soul all living side by side. The set might make you want to dance, laugh, reflect, or even cry a little, like it is the soundtrack of your life.

I am not trying to be the new kid on the block. I am showing up with wisdom, perspective, and joy. That is what Big Auntie Energy looks like in music form: soulful, seasoned, and still ready to cut up at the family cookout.

A Cabaret Act with Stories

On stage, I am a cabaret act that leads with auntie energy. That means it is soulful, funny, and intimate all at once. I have always loved cabaret acts because they blur the line between performance and conversation, letting the music, the storytelling, and the humor live side by side. Artists like Bette Midler showed me how powerful that format can be, where a song can turn into a story, a joke, or even a moment of real-life advice.

I also picked up a lot from performing with drag queens over the years. I worked with amazing performers who helped me tap into connecting with an audience in deeper ways. Their fearless stage presence, quick wit, and ability to hold a room with both comedy and vulnerability shaped the way I approach live shows. Drag taught me that performance is about more than just the notes. It is about creating an atmosphere where people feel entertained, seen, and included.

I am the auntie who smells like bourbon and Egyptian musk, the one with no kids but plenty of stories most of which are not safe for the kids’ table. On stage, that shows up as music mixed with side-eye, a little sass, and a lot of truth-telling. My shows are equal parts jam session and family reunion: there is laughter, a few confessions, and always a reminder that life is better when we keep it real. I want people to leave feeling like they just spent the evening with their favorite auntie or cousin, full, happy, and maybe knowing a little more than they should.

Passing It On

Big Auntie Energy is also about the next generation. I believe in mentoring, uplifting, and opening doors for younger artists. I know how important it is to see someone ahead of you who is still creating, still thriving, and still staying true. I want younger artists to know that I am rooting for them, and I want audiences to see how powerful it is when we all bring our authentic selves to the stage.

At the same time, I also listen to what younger artists can teach me. As an auntie with over 45 nibblings (I've stopped counting), I know how valuable intergenerational learning can be. There is wisdom in both directions, and I love being in spaces where I can share my experiences while also soaking up the fresh ideas, sounds, and perspectives that younger voices bring. That exchange keeps the art alive and evolving.

Why Auntie Energy Matters

In a world that often celebrates youth and speed, Big Auntie Energy slows things down and reminds us of what matters. It is about care, honesty, laughter, and keeping it real. For me, it is not just a personal identity. It is a creative lens. It shapes the way I write songs, the way I connect with audiences, and the way I show up in community.

So when you come to a Charmagne Tripp show or press play on my music, know this: you are stepping into Big Auntie Energy. It is soulful, wise, nurturing, and a whole lot of fun.