What So Not: Bridging Bass Music's Past and Future with Authenticity
We Need To Talk About What So Not
The bass music world can feel a bit like a revolving door at times. Trends come and go faster than you can queue a mix, but every so often, an artist emerges that truly leaves their mark on the landscape. Enter What So Not, a name synonymous with the groundbreaking waves of the 2010s trap and bass movement, yet still clearly tethered to its roots in more than just nostalgia.
The early days of What So Not were marked by a unique synergy. Originally a duo with the Australian trailblazer Flume, What So Not emerged with a style that was less about fitting into a specific genre box and more about bending the auditory rules that defined them. This act wasn't just riding the trap wave; they were at its crest, helping shape the undulating sounds that resonated in club subwoofers around the globe.
Going Back to Move Forward
In a scene where many artists feel the need to reinvent themselves with every release, it's refreshing to see What So Not take a different path. With his latest project, he's not just retreading old ground—he's circling back to his roots and reimagining them for the present-day landscape.
This isn't about playing it safe or banking on past successes. It’s a strategic reset that taps into past glories while looking toward the future. By revisiting the sounds that defined his early career, What So Not creates a bridge between the explosive 2010s bass era and today's more mature soundscapes.
The Energy of Exploration
There's a particular track that encapsulates this philosophy—and it's appropriately titled “I SAW A TRAP DJ AND IT CHANGED MY BIOCHEMISTRY.” This number isn't just a nod to the transformative power of bass; it channels the raw energy from those early days, when the bass scene was awash with experimentation.
Emotive sound design that clings to the listener’s senses.
Bass lines that aren't just felt—they're lived.
An unmistakable aura that blurs the lines between perception and reality.
These elements are hallmarks of What So Not's sound, perfected through years of crafting tunes that do more than move the body—they move the spirit.
A Scene's Evolution in Tandem with an Artist's Journey
What's fascinating about What So Not is how his career mirrors the wider journey of bass music itself. Just as the global bass scene has splintered into myriad sub-genres—each with its own unique flavour profile—What So Not’s sound has evolved, diversified, and matured.
This isn't a mere act of keeping up with the trends; it's a testament to his understanding that music is an endless conversation between past and future. While What So Not's current releases like “Wanted”—a collaboration with the likes of The Upbeats and Stace Cadet—seem to tread familiar territory, they audibly demonstrate how depth of craft breathes new life into tried-and-tested templates.
The Balance Between Authenticity and Innovation
What sets What So Not apart in the bass melee isn't an unattainable mystery. It's his grasp of authenticity—one honed through years in both the underground and above-ground ecosystems of the scene. Whether it was packing out festival slots or pushing boundaries in studio sessions, he's kept true to an ethos that embraces both the raucous and refined elements of bass music.
Consistent quality: Never caving to the pressures of fleeting chart success.
Iterative approach: Returning to roots to serve creative innovation.
A respect for history: While not losing sight of what needs changing.
This ability to blend past and future without diluting the essence is rare. It's why What So Not continues to resonate with those who prize sincerity over spectacle.
Concluding Thoughts Without The Conclusion
What So Not is more than a nostalgic love letter to an era gone by. He's a living testament to the fact that when you’re rooted in authenticity, there’s no reason not to dig deeper while aiming higher. His work is a reminder to us all: know where you're coming from, and let that guide where you dare to go next.
Your boy, Jonny Luvs Jungle
Source: https://ukf.com/read/we-need-to-talk-about-what-so-not/
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