A Quick Chat with What So Not
Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your new EP I SAW A TRAP DJ AND IT CHANGED MY BIO CHEMISTRY?
It’s an ode to the era that they raised me, bloghaus, Tumblr, Indie sleaze. Sneaking into a festival in 2007, under age, as a drummer in rock band, hearing what electronic music was capable of for the first time, Justice, Soulwax, The Presets & Ajax; changed my very existence and the path of my life would take. It’s a beautiful cycle being inspired, aspiring to become something and then inspiring others.
What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?
I’m influenced by everything around me every day, the simplest things like birds in the trees, the smell of the ocean, the music in the street in a foreign country and the astronomical productions I hear all around the world at nightclubs & festivals. Great records come from great life experiences and every song I’ve ever written has simply been channeling a moment in time of great impact.
What’s the creative process like for you?
The creative process is functionally different every time, but always the same at the core. Channeling and experience. This may come to me in a dream that I wake up in Voice Memo, maybe tinkering with a synth I don’t understand, creating sounds I haven’t heard before, or a friend strumming a guitar with an interesting progression that implies a production, vocal or harmony.
If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be?
Australian music scene’s biggest problem is the crippling effect of over governance and the lack of freedoms and liberties that most other countries are given. We can’t even drink on the street in Australia, most beaches and picnic locations outlaw gatherings that involve any sort of alcohol. Taxes are so high on fundamental things required for nightlife and events, forcing extraordinary fees and extraordinary amounts of over policing at events and festivals. Harsh restrictions on sound ordinance, and the general lack of care for the arts and how important it is to every citizen. Australian musicians are so globally competitive, most of them get stuck at the source, with cultural communities being crippled before they kick off the ground.
What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?
My life would be a very different thing if I never dove headfirst into Music. I would probably be a very ordinary person with desk job, a mortgage, married with Kids, but even then, I hope I would’ve found an outlet, because I think everybody needs a creative outlet to be happy. All these other things or social expectations, but creativity is what fulfill us. It’s what we are here to do; build, imagine and bring to life.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with? Why?
I will happily collaborate with anyone that is passionate about what they’re doing. Big or small, legend or beginner. It’s all about getting in a space together, connecting, laughing and channeling something special.
What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?
My advice would know what you’re getting into. The passion has to outmatch the pain it’s going to cause you. It’s a lot of work for a long time before you might see a payoff. Make sure you build things around you along the way that can passively support you financially while you work out a way to showcase your most bold skills and talents. It’s never-ending journey that can take 20 years before you truly feel complete and even then you’ll be hopefully inspired to deliver more.
Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met?
I have met so many interesting people. Some of them you would’ve never heard of, have inspired and shaped who I’ve become not only as an artist, but a person. Sometimes the people that shape you outside of your music career are the ones that shape your career the most. The first people that come to mind through music though are; Oliver Tree, Daniel Johns and Steve Lukather.
Any plans for a tour on the cards?
I am touring constantly this year all through North America, Europe, and a couple shows back home in Australia. Keep an eye on socials, sign up to keep tabs so you dont get post algo FOMO. I can’t wait to see you all there.