Future Bass Post-Flume Evolution
#WhatSoNotNotAllBeautifulThings documents Australian producer Chris Emerson’s debut album Not All The Beautiful Things (March 2018), released after partner Flume left the What So Not project (2015).
Origins & Flume Split
What So Not launched 2011 as duo (Emerson + Flume). Breakthrough came via:
- “Jaguar” (2013): Future bass blueprint
- “High You Are” (Branchez remix, 2013): Festival anthem
- “Gemini” EP (2014): Last release before Flume’s departure
Flume left 2015 to focus on solo career (Skin, 2016), leaving Emerson as sole What So Not member.
Solo Rebuild & Album
Not All The Beautiful Things showcased Emerson’s evolution:
- “Be Ok Again” (feat. Daniel Johns): Alt-rock/electronic crossover
- “Better” (feat. LPX): Future bass anthem
- “Beautiful” (feat. Winona Oak): Melodic vocal dubstep
- “We Can Be Friends” (feat. Herizen): Experimental bass/R&B
- “Goh” (feat. KLP): Trap/future bass hybrid
Album featured diverse collaborators: Skrillex, Toto, San Holo, Rome in Silver, proving What So Not’s viability post-Flume.
Live Shows & Festival Evolution
Emerson’s solo What So Not performances incorporated:
- Live vocalists (rotating guest singers)
- Hybrid DJ/live production setup
- Visual storytelling (album concept narrative)
- Genre-fluid sets (trap, future bass, house, experimental)
Anomaly & Continued Innovation
Anomaly EP (2019) and singles like “Mr Regular” (with Skrillex, 2020) continued experimental approach, blending bass, trap, and electronic pop.
Cultural Impact
- Post-Flume success: Proved What So Not viable solo project
- Genre fusion: Blended trap, future bass, alt-rock, R&B
- Collaborations: Worked with Skrillex, Toto, Daniel Johns, Rome in Silver
- Festival staples: Coachella, EDC, Ultra, Listen Out (Australia)
- Independent longevity: Thrived without major label backing
Key Tracks
- “Jaguar” (2013)
- “High You Are” (Branchez remix, 2013)
- “Be Ok Again” (feat. Daniel Johns, 2018)
- “Better” (feat. LPX, 2018)
- “Mr Regular” (with Skrillex, 2020)