A conversation w/ CHKLTE
My relationship with electronic music started when I was around 14. Friends at school put me on to a Danny Howells Global Underground mix and the Deep Dish Moscow mix, and I became obsessed. Back home, I’d sneak into the local club using my older brother’s ID just to see the local DJs—Solrok (Robert Roman of Ubiyu), Klepto & DJ Art—every Wednesday. Promoters Maria and Ricky would let me into events even though I was underage, and whenever I could, I’d sneak away with friends to Monterrey to see artists I couldn’t catch in Texas. Those early moments shaped everything for me.

If someone hears my sound for the first time, I’d say the goal is to transmit energy and emotion based on the room, time, and atmosphere. Every set is different, but I always try to give people the most energy possible and make them dance, feel, and connect with the music I’m feeling in that moment.

Traveling to Europe starting around 2016 opened my ears even more. Hearing how different crowds and scenes interpret electronic music made me appreciate how producers around the world bring their own flavor and influences. Those differences inspire me constantly and make me love this music even more.

When preparing for a set, I’m a mix of deep digger and spontaneous selector. I love playing tracks that I know most people don’t have—music sent to me by friends, unreleased stuff, or things I find digging through Discogs and record stores when I travel. As much as I play older cuts, I also support the new music people send me. As a producer myself, I know how special it feels when someone plays your track out.

A moment that genuinely shifted my perspective was Fumiya Tanaka at Art Basel 2022 for UN_MUTE. I’ve been a huge fan for years, but that set in particular felt like he understood exactly what many of us were going through musically. It hit straight to the heart. Since then, I’ve had the chance to share the decks with him a few times, which made that moment even more meaningful.

This mix was recorded in Detroit the weekend after a gig—basically after partying and playing for about 12 close friends. It definitely carries some groovers and the mood of that night.

What excites me about today’s underground movement is that it’s constantly evolving. We can’t stop that, but we can guide it—by educating the newer generation and staying connected to the realness and the roots that made us fall in love with this scene. Collaboration, openness, and community are 
what keep underground culture alive.

Outside the booth and studio, my inspiration comes from my family and friends. They keep me grounded and motivated every single day.

As for what’s next: I have several releases coming up on both digital and vinyl. I can’t reveal everything yet, but if you follow me on social media you’ll see the announcements as they come. Event-wise, I’ll be busy in the US toward the end of the year, then heading to Australia and New Zealand early next year to enjoy the summer down under.

There are too many influences to name these days—so many producers and DJs I admire deeply. Some of the main ones include FURZ, SNAD, Garrett David, Shonky, Dyed Soundorom, Jane Fitz, Raresh, Saenz, Samuel Deep, Tristan da Cunha, O.BEE, tINI, and James Zabiela, just to name a few.

Mr. Untz Cast Ep. 1 w/ CHKLTE

A true lover of sound, I interpret the rhythms and vibes of good music through movement, dancing to the beats that make my soul come alive. Expect mixes that bring energy, emotion, and the freedom to let go.

EU & ROW
Rado | Demand Artists
rado@demandartists.com
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CHKLTE
(Solid Grooves/We R The Aliens)

As gifted on the decks as he is in the studio, CHKLTE approaches music with a delicateness that defies his towering stature. With vibrant, seductive blooms and deep, syrupy booms, his subtleties climb into the ear like tendrils. Jonathan began sneaking into South Texas clubs at the age of 15 to DJ after countless hours of digging through online archives.

In 2012, he became a resident of Austin TX and quickly became a regular guest DJ across the state. CHKLTE is now a resident DJ behind the infamous Blacktone agency & party series that sparked out of Austin Texas, which regularly hosts the likes of Dyed Soundorom, Nicolas Lutz, Francesco Del Garda, tINI, Raresh, Praslea , Lamache and Robin Ordell.

The move from Jonathan to CHKLTE spurred a series of releases on labels such as OGE, We R The Aliens, Personality Disorder, Vatos Locos, Solid Grooves Raw, Moonfruit, Floorpiece Digital, Melotherapy and Honne Music to name a few. He has also launched 2 labels in recent years, a vinyl format label; CHOKO, and ChokoDIGI - a digital label exclusively through bandcamp, where you can find personal edits & originals.

CHKLTE is now based between Ibiza & the US and can often be found controlling the dance floors of Fabric London, Hi Ibiza, DC-10 Ibiza, Sunwaves Festival in Romania, Epizode & UNUM festivals in Albania, ADE in Amsterdam, Club der Visionaere, as well as Mexico, Canada, London, Czech Republic & Bulgaria. He can be often found on lineups alongside Ricardo Villalobos, Raresh, Dyed Soundorom, Gescu, The Martinez Brothers, Voigtmann, Nu Zau, tINI, Herodot, Priku, Afriqua & many more.