CHKLZ (pronounced “Chuckles””) is a DJ/Production/Live Music Duo that was founded on the premise that "CHKLZ IS FOR EVERYONE!” Since their inception in 2021, the Doggies have been carefully curating their unique vibe called Groove Fiesta that has earned them accolades such as “Best Dance Artist” from Phoenix New Times in 2023. Their signature live shows are always full of Pawsitive Vibrations, and include the use of live percussion + drums, live FX, original visuals, and crowd Pawticipation that always get the Doggies grooving on the dance floor.
Based out of Phoenix, Arizona, USA, founding members DJ iLL Choppo and LeMarshawn Jean first grew close during their tenure as Neds touring the globe as Dread Ned (drums) and Zed Ned (synth) in the world famous heavy Nedal band, Okilly Dokilly. The band went on to share their music and live performance across 20 countries, highlighted in publications like Rolling Stone, and their music video “White Wine Spritzer” was featured during the end credits of a Simpsons episode. In between tours, the two burgeoning DJs would share ideas of what was soon to become CHKLZ. Soon after, a chance encounter with an abandoned dog occurred and would change their lives fur-ever. iLL Choppo took in a small, sickly, white dog and named her Charlie (aka Chuckles) who quickly became the muse and namesake of their band. This “who rescued who” story led to the formation of CHKLZ, embracing the unconditional love we humans receive from dogs, and ignited their motto CHKLZ IS FOR EVERYONE.
Since then, CHKLZ has quickly become a touring and production machine, already completing headlining tours in Mexico + the US, with support dates with Pineo & Loeb + RUMPUS across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The duo, now consisting of DJ iLL Choppo and his fiancée Rizla, has also been consitently notching festival dates all over North America since 2021 with multiple appearances at Friendzy Fest (Canada), Imagine One Love (Canada), Goldrush, Decadence, Phoenix Lights, Gem and Jam, June Jam, and many more. Their music has also been played at festivals like Shambhala, Envision Festival, Wicked Woods, and Future Forest just to name a few.
With over 50 shows booked to date all over the United States and Canada in 2024, The Pawsitive Vibrations North American Tour continues to share the message of love and musical inclusivity as the dynamic duo spread their infectious brand of Groove Fiesta around the globe. Be on the lookout for more music and tour dates to come from this power couple. Time to raise the woof. Paws Up Doggies!
