Checkmate formed in London out of restlessness rather than intention. Different neighborhoods, different backgrounds, same impulse: to move, to react, to play music that refuses to stand still. Ska was never a costume for them, it was a language. Fast rhythms, sharp turns, humor used as defiance. They grew up surrounded by noise, contradictions, and crowded streets, and their sound reflects that constant motion.

Their music is playful but not careless, political without slogans, chaotic but precise. Each member brings a different energy, and none of them try to smooth those edges out.

Checkmate thrives on contrast: bright melodies against nervous tension, joy next to disruption. What comes out is loud, physical, and alive. Their releases are heard only on Filodyo and NOT FM, where movement matters more than polish and nothing is forced to sit quietly in the background.

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Meet Viktoria Klein - the voice that's spreading joy across the alternative music scene with her infectious killer hooks and luminous personality. With her hit track "Strong City Woman" tearing up playlists, she's quickly becoming an essential fixture in the world of independent music.

Viktoria's journey to alt-pop goddess was anything but ordinary. As the story goes, she used to croon to sheep in her grandma's Yorkshire farm, using a pitchfork as a microphone- the sheep sure as hell didn't mind the free gig! This unorthodox "tour" harnessed her melodious chops, and the rolling English countryside became the stage where she honed what is now touted as "cripplingly delightful" tunes.

Klein's music mourns none and pleases many. Her "happy" mode of operation disguises the edgy undertone of her sound, striking a perfect chord between sunny optimism and biting realism. Listening to her tunes, you'll feel like you've been let in on a secret club - the kind that serves tequila at breakfast and sees exposed brick as the height of interior design. Each strum, every beat feels like Viktoria is sharing a personal punch-line; you practically hear her ironic chuckle as you navigate her audial landscape.

It’s near impossible to walk away from a Viktoria Klein track without a spring in your step or, at the very least, a glazed look of contentment. The alternative scene may be awash with talent but no one quite offers the Viktoria Klein experience – a merry romanticism that leaves heartache outside the nightclub door, making sure your ears are filled with nothing but good times. Watch out world, there’s a new 'Strong City Woman' in town!

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Callum Hayes, known to many as the life of the party and to some as simply "that crazy guy with the decks," is a Swedish DJ and music producer. Crafting infectious beats and dance anthems is his forte, with his breakthrough track "Dancing The Pain Away" causing quite a stir in the local music scene.

Callum's journey into the world of music production began somewhat unexpectedly, in the adrenaline-fueled arena of advertising music. After one too many late nights tweaking jingles for brands too dull to mention, he decided to take his talents to the club scene instead. Hayes' wicked sense of humor is reflected in his artistic process; he often jokes about resigning from his ad gig with a dramatic flip of his work desk only to realize he was working from home – no audience, no theatrical exit.

Collaborating with various vocalists, Callum has brewed a wide range of flavors in the grand cauldron of his music. Be it power-packed EDM or chilled-out trance music, Hayes serves his listeners an exotic buffet of tunes. He has managed to carve out a niche within the competitive domain of independent artists, becoming a regular feature at local Swedish venues where he inevitably brings the house down.

In the spunky and tenacious spirit of indie artistry, Callum Hayes continues to dance his pain and ours away. His energetic personality and infectious tracks make every night feel like a weekend and with Hayes at the helm, the party rages on. Callum Hayes might not be a global name just yet, but those Swedish nights have never grooved harder.

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Hailing from the sultry soundscape of Miami, Ricky Daz is the coastal city's keeper of infectious dance beats & lively tunes. With his most notable track "Contando los Minutos (feat Rome K)", Daz's feel-good grooves have placed him firmly on the indie dance radar.

Born and bred under the sweat-soaked dancehalls and neon nights of Miami, Ricky embodies the very essence of the city - hot, vibrant, and indulgent. His music isn't just made for glittering nights out, but also for cool mornings where last night's adrenaline still hums in your veins. The boy's got rhythm in his blood, and Miami's heart in his tracks.

With "Contando los Minutos", Ricky has combined relatable tale-telling with hard-hitting choreography, creating an irresistible dance floor pull. Using a radiant tonal palette, Daz evokes the pulsating rhythms of his city, blending soulful Latin beats with a punchy EDM undercurrent. Each beat hits like the Florida sun - vibrant and full of life.

Our man Daz isn't just an artist; he's a soundtrack to a city that never sleeps - always moving, always dancing, and forever happy. With every new release, he continues to develop a pulsating landscape of indulgent dance music, turning fleeting moments into timeless melodies. Ricky Daz, remember the name, because he's writing the rhythm of Miami, one beat at a time.

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Hazel Vaughn: The pop belle with a twangy accent who managed to steal the hearts of the indie world. She’s the chirpy nightingale from Virginia, whose lyrics remind you of dog-eared diary pages, scribbled in the golden hues of bygone days.

Unlike your cookie-cutter pop stars, Hazel's got a voice that's as rich and comforting as Southern sweet tea. She waltzes between woeful tales of love and nostalgia seasoned with notes of jingle-jangle pop. Everything from her honey-soaked vocals to her homespun charisma wraps you in a joyful yearning, a testament to her unparalleled knack for audio storytelling.

By far, Vaughn's standout track "Memories" has cemented her place in listeners' hearts. It's a deceptively breezy jam, packed with her knack for tugging both heartstrings and guitar strings alike. Underneath the playful tempo, you can almost hear the nostalgia dripping out, invoking halcyon summer days and resurrecting ghosts of first loves.

Our Virginia story-weaver embodies what it means to be a pop artist with depth, warmth, and a pinch of sweet Southern charm. Where Hazel Vaughn goes, an addictive serenade of happy nostalgia follows–humming reminders of memories we thought we'd lost, but dance upon hearing her tunes. The tales continue to spiral through song. Let's all lend an ear, shall we?

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Elias Carter is an alternative pop singer-songwriter known for his cinematic soundscapes and introspective lyrics. Born in Amsterdam and raised between London and New York, his music blends urban melancholy with dreamy, atmospheric production. Drawing inspiration from late-night cityscapes and fleeting moments of connection, Elias crafts songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.

His breakout single, "Nowhere Else to Be," captures the essence of restless nights and timeless emotions, blending smooth vocals with hypnotic synths and a nostalgic pulse. With a voice that resonates like a late-night confession, Elias Carter is quickly becoming a rising name in the modern alt-pop scene.

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Sofia Cruzado is a captivating Latin pop artist whose powerful voice and magnetic stage presence draw listeners in from the very first note. With a style reminiscent of modern Latin icons, she blends infectious rhythms with heartfelt storytelling, creating songs that ignite both emotion and movement.

Her debut single, Feel The Fire, captures her fiery spirit and undeniable charisma. Available exclusively on Filodyo and NOT FM, the track marks the beginning of a promising career that’s set to light up the Latin music scene. Sofia Cruzado doesn’t just perform—she commands attention, leaving an unforgettable impression on everyone who hears her.

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Melly Rich, born to a Lebanese family in Amsterdam, grew up surrounded by two worlds: the culinary brilliance of her father, Chef Khaled Rich, and the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. Her father is the head chef of La Maison des Délices, one of France’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, known for its fusion of French and Middle Eastern flavors. Despite her father's fame in the culinary world, Melly's passion led her down a different path.

Though her family assumed she would follow in her father’s footsteps, Melly was captivated by music from a young age. With her father’s full support, she began singing, though her formal education took her into the world of architecture at the University of Amsterdam.

Balancing her studies with her love for music, Melly began to develop a unique sound, blending her Middle Eastern roots with the vibrant energy of Western pop. Her breakthrough single, "Damn, I Wish I Were in Istanbul", captures this fusion perfectly. The song carries hints of oud and traditional Arabic rhythms, interwoven with modern pop beats, creating a bridge between two worlds. It’s not just a catchy tune—it’s a love letter to her cultural identity, filled with nostalgia for the warmth and chaos of the Middle East, while reflecting her cosmopolitan life in Europe.

The song quickly gained attention, especially for its atmospheric vibes that pull listeners into a dreamlike vision of Istanbul, with its bustling bazaars and shimmering Bosphorus views.

Melly's ability to infuse her music with Middle Eastern influences sets her apart in the global music scene, and though she’s still juggling her architectural studies, there’s no doubt that music is where her heart truly lies. With the world now watching, Melly Rich is on her way to becoming an international sensation, blending cultures and genres like her father blends flavors at his famous restaurant.

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Get your dancing shoes on and your party hats ready–here comes Party Starters, Canada's dynamite DJ duo primed to kick-start your weekend. Sending electronic pulses through the Maple Leaf country's veins, these two lads have nailed the happy-go-round ride of the dance genre.

The duo, known for their contagious beats, hail from the frosty yet fiery streets of Toronto. Putting the 'art' in 'party', they're no strangers to the late-night club scene, often seen spinning grooves till the break of dawn like caffeine-fuelled squirrels on a workout wheel. And while these gents are the core of the group, they also collaborate with several vocalists, adding that sprinkle of pizzazz on top. One such partnership gifted the world with their touted masterstroke, "Last Chance"—a euphoric anthem that would make even the gloomiest Gus tap his foot.

With "Last Chance," and its soul-stirring female vocals, Party Starters remind us that every party, every moment is a 'last chance' to let loose and celebrate life. And they aren't about to let us forget it. Their music is a shot of happiness delivered straight to your eager eardrums, wrapped in a rhythm too intoxicating to resist. So, next time you're looking for a good time, remember, Party Starters is always ready to hit 'play' on your fun.

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Aris Veyton is an electronic music producer whose sound blends modern club energy with subtle emotional depth. Rooted in electronic and dance-driven structures, his productions balance clean rhythms, textured synth layers and restrained melodic elements.

Rather than chasing trends, Aris focuses on atmosphere and flow. His tracks are designed to work both on the dancefloor and in personal listening environments, creating a sense of continuity rather than sudden impact. Minimal arrangements, controlled dynamics and carefully crafted sound design are central to his approach.

Working primarily in the studio, Aris Veyton treats music as a long-form experience rather than a single moment. His style reflects a contemporary electronic mindset: precise, understated and immersive. Each release is a step in an evolving sonic identity that prioritizes mood, space and consistency.

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Aris Veyton is an electronic music producer whose sound blends modern club energy with subtle emotional depth. Rooted in electronic and dance-driven structures, his productions balance clean rhythms, textured synth layers and restrained melodic elements.

Rather than chasing trends, Aris focuses on atmosphere and flow. His tracks are designed to work both on the dancefloor and in personal listening environments, creating a sense of continuity rather than sudden impact. Minimal arrangements, controlled dynamics and carefully crafted sound design are central to his approach.

Working primarily in the studio, Aris Veyton treats music as a long-form experience rather than a single moment. His style reflects a contemporary electronic mindset: precise, understated and immersive. Each release is a step in an evolving sonic identity that prioritizes mood, space and consistency.

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