CHKLZ has a story that few others can compete with. CHKLZ’s journey through the music industry has been marked by independence and impressive geographic reach, performing across the USA, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and Costa Rica without an agent. A booking at Friendzy Fest 2023 in Alberta, Canada was a huge moment for them. Initially set to play an early slot, they were rescheduled to a prime nighttime slot, which just to happen to greatly expanded their exposure and resulted in more festival and headline show bookings.
Awarded the title of Best Dance Artist of 2023 by Phoenix New Times, CHKLZ is the electronic duo of DJ iLL Choppo and LeMarshawn Jean. Their story began in an extraordinary fashion with the rescue of a small, white dog named Charlie. Found under a truck at the bustling intersection of 16th St and I-10 in downtown Phoenix, Charlie, who soon became known as “Chuckles,” inspired the duo’s name and their ethos of inclusivity and joy in music.
The unique spelling of CHKLZ, conceived by LeMarshawn Jean, does more than stand out on the busy digital ecosystem; it reflects the duo’s aura – a fresh approach to blending traditional live instrumentation with electronic elements. DJ iLL Choppo brings over two decades of drumming experience to the table, enriching their music with complex rhythms and live effects, which ensure that each performance is refreshingly unique and full of spontaneous energy.
As CHKLZ continues to produce and perform, they carry forward the spirit of Chuckles, using their platform to unite people through the communal power of music. Their narrative is not just about their origins or their achievements but also about the impact of their sound and the unity it fosters among diverse audiences.