What So Not

What So Not

What So Not is the stage name of Australian electronic music producer Chris Emerson, originally formed as a duo with Emoh Instead. The project emerged from the Australian electronic music scene and gained international prominence through festival appearances, collaborative singles, and a debut album that bridged bass music and melodic production. What So Not has collaborated with a range of producers, vocalists, and labels across North America, Europe, and Australia.

History

What So Not began as a collaboration between Chris Emerson and Emoh Instead in 2010, both active in the Brisbane electronic community alongside contemporaries such as Flume, Chet Faker, and Satin Jackets. Early releases on labels like Owsla and Future Classic and EPs with artists including Skrillex, Joyryde, and RL Grime brought attention from outlets such as Triple J and Pitchfork. After tour cycles across North America and Europe and collaborations with figures like Alison Wonderland and producers tied to Dim Mak Records, Emoh Instead departed in 2015; Chris Emerson continued What So Not as a solo project, signing the name forward while maintaining ties to the Australian Recording Industry Association. Subsequent singles and the debut album involved collaborations with artists such as Tove Lo, San Holo, Danny L Harle, and vocalists affiliated with Foreign Family Collective.

Musical style and influences

The sound draws on future bass, trap music, house music, and experimental electronic music trends associated with labels like Owsla, Mad Decent, and Ninja Tune. Influences cited across interviews and press include producers and acts such as Burial, James Blake, Flying Lotus, Skrillex, and Australian peers Flume and Chet Faker, as well as broader club and indie traditions represented by Four Tet and Jamie xx. Production techniques combine sound design common to sound synthesis innovators, sampling practices used by artists like The Avalanches, and pop songwriting approaches associated with collaborators such as Tove Lo and Chance the Rapper.

Discography

What So Not's recorded output spans studio albums, compilation appearances, EPs, and singles released on labels including Owsla, Future Classic, and Foreign Family Collective. Notable releases feature collaborations with prominent figures in electronic dance music and pop: - Singles with artists like Skrillex, RL Grime, Tove Lo, and San Holo. - Debut studio album featuring guests from scenes tied to Future Classic and international labels, with production credits including members of A-Trak's network and remixers from Deadmau5 and Diplo circles. - EPs and remixes appearing on compilations alongside tracks by Flume, Chet Faker, Major Lazer, and Disclosure. The catalog also includes official remixes of songs by international acts such as Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, and Lorde, and contributions to festival compilations from Coachella-adjacent sampler releases.

Live performances and tours

What So Not has performed at major festivals and venues across Australia, North America, and Europe. High-profile appearances include sets at Coachella, Glastonbury Festival, Lollapalooza, Ultra Music Festival, and Tomorrowland, often sharing bills with artists like Skrillex, Flume, Diplo, and Porter Robinson. Touring history includes headline club runs in cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, London, and Berlin, as well as collaborative live shows with vocalists and producers tied to Foreign Family Collective and guest appearances alongside acts from labels like Owsla and Dim Mak Records. The live setup has ranged from DJ sets to hybrid live performances incorporating live percussion and guest vocalists, reflecting trends in contemporary electronic music presentation.

Awards and recognition

What So Not's work has been recognized by industry bodies and media outlets, earning nominations and wins from organizations such as the ARIA Music Awards and coverage in publications including Billboard, Rolling Stone, and NME. Tracks have charted on national charts in Australia and made year-end lists from broadcasters like Triple J and magazines such as Pitchfork and Mixmag. The project has received support from peers including Skrillex, Flume, and Four Tet, and has been included in curated festival lineups and label showcases that have bolstered its international profile.

Category:Australian electronic musicians Category:Electronic music groups