Photo Credit: What So Not team/MP3 Labs
What So Not: A New Chapter in Electronic Music
Artists often pivot their creative direction throughout their careers, and 2026 sees What So Not, one of Australia’s genre-defining electronic music producers and DJs, embarking on a significant artistic shift. This year, he debuted his latest project titled I SAW A TRAP DJ, AND IT CHANGED MY BIO CHEMISTRY, accompanied by intimate shows across the U.S., notably at venues like Substance in Las Vegas.
“For a long time, I found myself running away from a sound I helped create,” What So Not stated. “In my journey to always do the ‘next’ thing, I think I neglected my thing. This project comes from finally reconnecting with that energy – not to recreate the past, but to understand why it resonated so deeply in the first place.”
With a focus on the legacy of early trap music and the electronic culture of the internet era, these shows have immersed audiences, including myself, in a euphoric blend of nostalgia and celebration.
Da Project – An Exploration of Sound
Photo Credit: What So Not team/MP3 Labs
What So Not’s newest endeavor is more than just a nostalgic trip; it is a love letter filled with personal reflection. The project delves into the trap and bass music era that significantly shaped global dance culture during the 2010s. By celebrating the art of real-life connection, the tour marks a resurgence of a cherished moment in electronic music history.
In a press release about the project, he explained, “I feel like I’m finally writing the music everybody wants from me – but on my own terms, at my own pace, with all the tools I’ve gathered while chasing ‘what’s next.’”
The Perfect Timing
The resurgence of 2010s nostalgia, early internet influences, and a community-first approach has revitalized music culture, allowing this tour to emphasize an intimate engagement with electronic music’s roots. Inspired by early SoundCloud collaborations and the explosion of a sound that What So Not was instrumental in creating, the project harmonizes old and new through diverse rhythmic influences amalgamated with his artistic experimentation in drum & bass and cinematic songwriting.
“Doubt, evolution, inspiration, or lack thereof, it’s a journey for many of us as artists. There’s a layer of sadness to that, also so much beauty and growth,” What So Not candidly expressed in an Instagram post. “But here I am…2026, amplified, hungry, inspired.”
The announcement coincided with a complete social media reset, unveiling a new creative direction and a limited-capacity U.S. tour featuring stops at select festivals, including DAS ENERGI in Salt Lake City and Breakaway Music Festival in North Carolina. The tour also showcases intimate performances in several cities, including Los Angeles, Denver, and San Francisco.
What So Not Takes Las Vegas Higher
Substance, owned by RVLTN Events, has become Las Vegas’s leading underground electronic dance music venue. With a raw warehouse vibe, it features concrete floors and immersive visual art, a 200,000-watt L-Acoustics sound system, and a striking 100-foot 4K LED wall. Located on the second floor of the Neonopolis entertainment complex in Downtown Las Vegas, it accommodates around 1,200 attendees, making it a perfect venue for What So Not’s latest project.
The Friday night show attracted guests from various corners of the American West Coast, and the energy was palpable as What So Not connected with the crowd through his music. He played tracks from his 2013 breakout album, High You Are, blending them with songs from his new EPs, including Candy Flipping. The performance encapsulated the project’s intent, fostering deeper audience engagement.
The night also featured a heartfelt tribute to DJ and artist Oliver Tree, where attendees joined in a celebration of his impact on the music scene, further enhancing the emotional atmosphere of the show. What So Not ended the night by showcasing memorable collaborations, futuristic drops, and the soundscapes that first established his identity in the electronic music landscape.
Da Music Speaks for Itself
This summer, What So Not, whose real name is Emoh Instead, released the third single from Candy Flipping, featuring Alina Pash, Jack Blom, and NERVE. The track serves as a nuanced exploration of the dance of human ego and transformation, reflecting on euphoria and identity amidst conflicting emotions. It subtly hints at the altered states of consciousness that accompany certain experiences.
Feelings are central to this latest album, with EPs such as EVEREST and MONA LISA navigating through themes of healing and self-destruction. This emotional depth distinguishes What So Not’s current soundscape from his previous works, marking a fresh era in his career.
Emerging from the SoundCloud-era trap movement, What So Not’s catalog features collaborations with high-profile artists including Skrillex, RL Grime, Oliver Tree, Killer Mike, Toto, and Daniel Johns. He has consistently evolved and left his mark on the dance music scene through impactful singles like ‘Gemini’ and ‘Jaguar.’ His live performances combine cinematic visuals and live instrumentation to create immersive emotional narratives.
I SAW A TRAP DJ, AND IT CHANGED MY BIOCHEMISTRY invites audiences on a transformative journey, with What So Not leading the way as he captivates listeners with a blend of cultural richness and his artistic evolution.
Experience It Live
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to catch What So Not live! Tickets and dates for upcoming shows can be found here.
