Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Henri Benard & Renee Fourie of Scottsdale

We recently had the chance to connect with Henri Benard & Renee Fourie and have shared our conversation below.

Henri & Renee, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Our mornings are sacred. We like to start early — coffee in hand, journaling about what we want in our lives. There are no limits when we write; it’s a stream of consciousness where dreams flow freely and we reconnect with what we’re truly working toward. It’s our daily reset and creative spark — a ritual that keeps us grateful and goal-driven before the day begins.

After that, we walk our dog, stretch, and talk through the day — what’s ahead, what we’re building, what’s next. Those walks are like our mobile meetings — full of creativity, laughter, and planning. It’s where so many CHKLZ ideas are born.

Because we’re entrepreneurs and work entirely for ourselves, there’s no one telling us when to start. We just know that if we don’t, no one else will do it for us. That sense of ownership and drive comes from our families.

Together, that shared foundation of love, discipline, and creativity fuels the long days that follow — rehearsing, performing, streaming, producing, and dreaming up new ways to connect with people through our art. It’s not just a morning routine — it’s a mindset that keeps CHKLZ alive and evolving every day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We’re CHKLZ (pronounced “Chuckles”) — a husband-and-wife performance art electronic duo from Phoenix, Arizona redefining what dance music can be. Combining live drums, synths, vocals, and a burst of visual chaos, we call our sound Drum Kaos — a genre-bending blend of glitchy electronic energy, funk grooves, and raw, emotional performance.

Our story began on the road. Before CHKLZ, we toured three continents as part of the viral metal band Okilly Dokilly — the world’s first and only Ned Flanders–themed group. After thousands of miles, countless shows, and a deep love for music and each other, we decided to start something entirely our own. CHKLZ was born out of that fire — an independent, DIY project fueled by creativity, connection, and joy.

CHKLZ is more than a band — it’s a movement built on love, art, and community. From our Pawsitive Vibrations and Going the Distance tours to our colorful, dog-themed brand and festival collaborations, we’ve made it our mission to bring people together through rhythm and humor. We take pride in our DIY spirit — from self-producing our music and visuals to handling our own tour logistics, merch, and creative direction — proving that with enough heart (and a few paws), anything is possible.

Now, we’re expanding into live streaming, merging music, comedy, and performance art into immersive online shows that reach fans around the world. Whether on stage, on screen, or at a community fundraiser, we’re here to remind everyone that love, rhythm, and laughter are universal languages.

CHKLZ isn’t just a band — it’s a bond. A celebration of sound, story, and shared energy that continues to evolve with every beat. 🐾💥

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Henri: “My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me. They were always working, providing, and planning smartly. My mom came from a small royal town in Brazil, and watching her build a life through discipline and faith inspired me to do the same. From chores to yardwork, they taught me that nothing happens without effort — a lesson that drives me even now.”

Renée: “My parents were also incredibly consistent and hardworking, and that foundation shaped my approach to everything I do. I was lucky to grow up around strong, positive leaders — especially female mentors — who taught me the power of grace, professionalism, and persistence.”

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There hasn’t been just one time we’ve almost given up — there have been several. When you pour your heart and soul into your art, working tirelessly day and night, and it feels like no one cares, it can be crushing. As artists and entrepreneurs, we give everything we’ve got — to every song, show, and tour — and sometimes that energy just isn’t reflected back. Empty rooms, low ticket sales, lack of attention… those moments hurt. They make you question your worth, your abilities, even your purpose.

It’s easy to fall into comparison, especially when you see your peers succeeding. You’re happy for them, but it’s hard not to feel that ache — that why not me? moment. FOMO is real, and it can be incredibly discouraging if you let it take root.

But this industry demands resilience. You have to have thick skin, a wild imagination, and just enough healthy delusion to keep believing in yourself when no one else does. You’ll get criticism, you’ll get trolls, you’ll have nights that don’t go your way — but you’ve got to keep listening through the noise, finding your rhythm, grounding yourself, and moving forward.

Because the truth is, the only real failure in art is stopping. There’s no shame in walking away, but for us, the music always pulls us back. It’s who we are.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
One hundred percent Doggies!

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
We’re trying our best and working as hard as we possibly can — like our lives depend on it. You only get one shot at this life, and chasing your dreams — no matter how delusional it might seem at times — is worth everything. It takes courage to dig deep when things get uncertain, but that’s where the real growth happens.

We’ll never regret giving our all for what we believe in. We’d rather get rich or die trying than take the safe road that leads nowhere. Because even through the chaos, the doubt, and the grind, we know this is the path we were meant to walk. Our hustle is our heartbeat — and every beat brings us closer to the dream.

Image Credits
Image One: Cory Davis, Yellowbox Films

Image Two: Madison Taylor