Live Review: What So Not

As What So Not continues his stratospheric rise to both Australian and international fame, his national Forever tour could not have come at a better time. On the heels of the release of his Gemini EP, the man otherwise known as Emoh dropped into Max Watt’s (formerly known as The Hi-Fi) last night and schooled Sydneysiders on the true definition of a brilliant set, accompanied by stunningly trippy visuals and an epilepsy-inducing light show. 

A predictable, but nonetheless perfect way to start the night, What So Not spoke a quick intro before ripping into his collaboration with RL Grime, Tell Me. To keep the crowd pumping, he followed with a couple of well-loved bangers including Major Lazer’s Lean On, Kanye West’s Monster and Pass That Dutch by the inimitable Missy Elliot. 

What So Not’s ability to mix the familiar with lesser-known songs was in full force, as it didn’t matter if the crowd hadn’t heard what he was mixing — it just seemed to work. To slow the pace just a little though, Emoh let us know that he had “a surprise in the house tonight”. George Maple was brought out to rapturous applause and the two of them broke out a sing-along-worthy version of Gemini. As Maple left the stage, What So Not paused, threw a cheeky look out to the crowd and then with only the barest of hesitations, blared the bass line from Oh Boy by Diplo and GTA. It’s safe to say a few injuries were likely caused in the ensuing mosh. 

For the inevitable encore, Emoh brought out the fabulous George Maple once more for an impassioned rendition of her single, Talk Talk, before informing us that he was about to “turn it up”, as if his set hadn’t sufficiently set Max Watt’s alight. Playing 20 minutes overtime, What So Not smashed through Gold Rush’s Drop Low, brought KLP on stage for a surprise appearance, but the absolute highlight was the premiere of his new track, Oddity. A vaguely celestial but ultimately epic-sounding tune, if it’s anything to judge his future career by, What So Not is a talented producer, phenomenal DJ and engaging stage presence to keep an eye on.