Following his show at Coachella over the weekend, Australian DJ and producer What So Not continues to master the art of being creative and innovative in ways that never go out of style. He released his amazing Motions EP on his own in August of last year, featuring artists like IMANU, Lucy Lucy, and MNDR. He is now in the middle of his groundbreaking Motions North America tour. What So Not has already played in Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Their next stops will be in Idaho, Colorado, Texas, and Tennessee, before they go to Belgium for the Rampage music event.
What So Not has been around for 15 years this year. During his long and successful career, he’s learned how to create with intention by taking time to think and grow. This was clear after the release of his first album, All the Beautiful Things, in 2018. He took a break and came back with the deeply moving album Anomaly in 2022, which showed how he had grown and been inspired. His career reached unimaginable heights thanks to the record, which featured collaborations with MØ and Killer Mike and a spectacular live show with 3D visuals.
What So Not also knows how important it is to give back to his community. To help the struggling Australian music business, he went on a national tour last year called the Dance Revival Tour. The show brought together new artists and gave people a strong sense of community. What So Not’s latest record, Anomaly (Remixes), came out on April 18. It has official remixes from artists like Jon Casey, Busnshin, and Stace Cadet.
What So Not talks about memorable parts of his MOTIONS tour, stepping out of his comfort zone, and making music that connects with his fans on an emotional and musical level in our exclusive conversation.
Stream the Anomaly (Remixes) album, while reading the interview below:
Well, What So Not will have been around for 15 years in 2025. Congratulations on this big achievement! When you think back to the beginning of your work, what is one piece of advice you would give a young What So Not?
Hold on tight. If I tell you, you won’t believe me. Things will go well if you stay true to yourself. Get bitcoin.
For the first eight years of your work, you said on Instagram that you didn’t want to leave your comfort zone on stage, so you stuck to DJing. You’ve sung live on stage and played drums live since then. What finally got you to put your fear aside and take this risk?
Many of the songs I make aren’t really good for “djing.” It’s not about “drops” and is softer or more dramatic. I pushed myself to play that part because it needs to be done for the show to have the right effect. You will never be more than what you were if you don’t face your fears.
You are in the middle of your MOTIONS trip right now. What has been the best part of your show so far? What do you want your fans to remember most about MOTIONS?
The unexpected popularity of slower songs like “Tower in the words” has been a high point. It brings a warmth that is often given up in favor of “being loud” and using the tricks we all know to get people to react, but one of the best things about the job is being able to add gentle moments to the set. Maiah’s live performances of our unreleased tracks had a big effect as well. Of course, finding so many talented locals, putting them around my downtempo set, and then going B2B with them at the end of every show made it feel like a home town set. Quite a unique tour so far!
Besides your tour, you played at Coachella for the fourth time last weekend. In a few months, you’ll also be at Bonnaroo and Rampage. How do you get ready for these kinds of big shows? Do you have a process or routine? Or do you approach them the same way you would with smaller ones?
As part of the routine, I’m making new music, edits, ideas, and production that I think will be especially powerful for these events.
Let’s talk about how you come up with ideas. For example, how do you go about making music that makes people feel something and sounds good?
Do everything you can to live your best life: extreme sports, friends, outdoors, museums, nights out, and so on. Then, just write about how it made you feel. That easy 🙂
What So Not fans are very dedicated and loyal. How has your relationship with your fans affected your work so far?
I’m most thankful for the ride that everyone has joined. There is no genre or pace to “What So Not.” It’s just a “feeling,” and you all keep coming back for it.
What do you think about the way dance music is right now? Are there any trends that really get you excited?
There is so much great music out there now, and we have so many tools at our hands. Everything is also going faster, so this might be the most creative time ever. I think the problem right now is putting light on those core people who are doing things differently. I’m always trying to do that, but it’s hard to do with all the other stuff going on. We’re going through a change, and I’m sure the cream will rise again.
How has your sound changed in the last few months?
I think we’re in WSN2.0 now that this EP is over. I’m using sounds and feelings from when I first started, but now I have the skills and knowledge to do it in ways I never could have thought of before. Everything is going perfectly, and I feel like a kid again. The world and what it can do excite me, and the people around me encourage me.
