Preview: What So Not at 9:30 Club
Photo courtesy of We Got This Covered.
In the wake of the electronic music battle between beats, bass and striking vocals lies a thin-line that perfectly encapsulates all three. A feat that is surely difficult to master but, one that Australian Producer Chris Emerson, more commonly known as What So Not, has long mastered. Embarking on his journey as a solo project after Flume’s departure from the duo, What So Not has been relentless, releasing heavy hitters and crowd favorites spanning multiple subgenres and exploring the many open spaces electronic music has to offer.
In 2015, What So No released the “Gemini EP” with features and support from George Maple, Dillon Francis, Tunji Ige and KLP. Earning hundreds of thousands of downloads and charting globally, What So Not began pioneering the way for the newly highlighted sub genre of wonky and experimental trap. His unique sound traveled around the world, inspiring and creating brain-melting collaborations with other genre-defining artists like Skrillex, Baauer, and RL Grime.
Emerson announced his debut album on January 31, 2018, entitled “Not All The Beautiful Things” and ambitiously released it less than two months later on March 9. Featuring artist collaborations with music legends such as Skrillex, San Holo and even the world renowned rock band, Toto, the album explores the intricacies of balancing instrumental, vocal and digital techniques. However, he still follows the same artistic thread that binds the album’s story together and stays true to the identifiably authentic style that he continues to perfect.
After the release of his third album single, “Beautiful” feat. Winona Oak, Emerson announced the Australian leg of his World Tour, titled Beautiful Things: World Tour. He traveled over to the U.S. just shortly after finishing up an international tour run, where he’s graced massive festivals like Lollapalooza and Life Is Beautiful, as well as coveted venues like the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Now, Emerson will descend upon the district on October 12 at the 9:30 Club. Bringing with him an ever-promising array of lights, lasers and bass, What So Not will guide yet another sensorially surreal experience for his audience. I, for one, am truly excited to see what direction Emerson chooses to explore for his tour as his album lays out a multitude of the opportunities. If this same curiosity has struck a chord with you as well, then I suggest you buy tickets for tomorrow night before this not-to-miss show sells out.