What So Not started as a project between record producer Emoh Instead and Flume. On 13 November 2011, What So Not released their debut EP, 7 Dollar Bill. During this time, they had released several remixes of artists such as Peking Duk, Tom Piper, and Major Lazer,. In early 2013, they embarked on the Massive Universe Tour, in several venues across Australia. In 28 May 2013, they released their second EP, The Quack, featuring a collaboration with Action Bronson on label OWSLA.
The duo released the song, "Jaguar" on 6 December 2013.
On 24 June 2014, What So Not and RL Grime released their single, "Tell Me", with Chris Martins from Spin describing the track as "of both melodic might and percussive ferocity".
On 20 February 2015, Flume announced that he has departed from the What So Not project, citing creative differences. In a post written on Facebook, What So Not stated that "over the last while, Emoh and I have been moving in different directions creatively, we haven't made any music together in quite a while", and thanked Flume for his time and effort put into the project.
"Gemini" which features George Maple, the first track from the Gemini EP, debuted on 9 May 2015. The track was named on Triple J Hottest 100 later that year and peaked at number 52 on the Australian Singles Chart. The lead and title track features Sydney-based singer George Maple.
Gemini was released as a free download on 18 December 2015, which featured collaborations with artists Dillon Francis, Tunji Ige and KLP (musician). The EP was downloaded over 800,000 times, charted globally on iTunes Electronic EP chart and was named to various year-end "best of" lists.
In November 2015, What So Not, Baauer and George Maple co-produced a track for Australian rapper Tkay Maidza, titled "Ghost". The song was premiered on Triple J.
On 9 September 2016, What So Not released the 6-track Divide & Conquer EP, which includes previously released track "Lone".
In October 2016, What So Not, George Maple and Djemba Djemba co-produced a track on Australian rapper Tkay Maidza's debut album, titled "Afterglow".
On 3 November 2016, RL Grime released the single "Waiting" in collaboration with What So Not and Skrillex which was in production since 2013. The track's release was teased through a promotional video which parodied chat-line advertisements and featured footage of 1980-era-influenced vixens with a phone number flashing across the screen, where by calling the number listeners can hear the song in full.
A collaboration between What So Not and New York artist LPX, "Better", was released on 8 September 2017; and was debuted on Australian Radio Station Triple J 7 September 2017. "I had a few productions I’d been working on in this sonic field but struggled to find a vocalist with the right attitude and tone to fit. Lizzy and I clicked instantly on this trajectory & began jamming on the tune," stated What So Not about the track's production. He released "Be Ok Again" which featured Australian musician Daniel Johns on 28 November 2017. The track was produced after Johns noticed What So Not working with Slumberjack as he walked by the studio, which prompted him to invite What So Not to work together at his Newscastle studio.
On 31 January 2018, What So Not announced the arrival of his debut album titled Not All the Beautiful Things which was released on 9 March 2018. The album featured collaborations with artists Skrillex, Slumberjack, San Holo, and American rock band Toto. Together with the announcement, he released lead album single "Stuck In Orbit" which was co-produced with Jono Ma from Australian psychedelic dance band Jagwar Ma. What So Not released third album single titled "Beautiful" on 27 February 2018 and announced a national Australia tour for his "Beautiful Things' World Tour" where he visited cities Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in June 2018.
What So Not's first single of 2019, "We Can Be Friends" featuring American singer Herizen, was released on 22 January 2019. He previously met the singer at a songwriting workshop in Nicaragua, while citing American record producer and rapper J Dilla as the track's main inspiration.
Montreal
What So Not Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will I know is it gonna last, is it gonna grow?
Would you tell me if I'm going too fast or going too slow?
Would you tell me what you wanna know?
Ooh, baby can you handle this?
Ooh, baby can you handle this?
Oooh, how will you play along,
Ooh baby can you handle this?
Handle this?
Would you tell me, would you tell me, would you tell me, what you wanna know? (want to know, babe)
Would you tell me, would you tell me, would you tell me, where you wanna go? (you want to go, babe)
Would you tell me, would you tell me, would you tell me, what you wanna know?
Would you tell me, would you tell me, you've just got to do this
Oooh handle
Oooh handle
Ooh, baby can you handle this?
Ooh, baby can you handle this? Oooh
Oooh, how will you play along
If i ask for this?
Ooh baby can you handle this
Handle this
Ooh, how will you play along, can you handle this?
Ooh, how will you play along, ooh baby can you handle this?
Would you tell me, would you tell me, would you tell me, what you want to know? (you want to know, babe)
You've just got to do this
Oooh handle
Oooh handle
Would you tell me if I'm going too fast, or going too slow?
Would you tell me, would you tell me, would you tell me, where you want to go?
Would you tell me, would you tell me, would you tell me, what you want to know? (you want to know)
Would you tell me, would you tell me, would you tell me, where you want to go?
The lyrics to "Montreal" by What So Not express a desire for communication and clarity in a romantic relationship. The singer is asking their partner to give them guidance, specifically to let them know if they are moving too quickly or too slowly in the relationship, or if it will be a lasting and growing one. The repeated use of "handle this" implies that the singer may be asking the other person to take on some type of challenge or responsibility, and they want to ensure that their partner is capable of handling it. The last lines continue to emphasize the importance of communication and understanding each other's desires and needs.
Overall, the song seems to be about seeking reassurance and validation in a new or uncertain relationship, while also being willing to communicate openly and honestly with the other person.
Line by Line Meaning
Would you tell me if I'm going too fast or going too slow?
Asking for guidance on how fast or slow to move in the relationship.
Will I know is it gonna last, is it gonna grow?
Worried about the future of the relationship and if it will last or progress.
Would you tell me what you wanna know?
Wondering what the other person wants to know or needs to hear.
Ooh, baby can you handle this?
Asking if the other person can handle the intensity of the relationship.
Ooo, how will you play along, If I ask for this?
Wondering how the other person will react or participate in certain situations.
Would you tell me, would you tell me, would you tell me, where you wanna go?
Asking for direction on where the relationship should go or what the other person wants.
Would you tell me, you've just got to do this?
Urging the other person to communicate openly and honestly.
Ooh handle
Expressing confidence in handling the challenges of the relationship.
Writer(s): Kimbra Johnson, Chris Emerson
Contributed by Claire G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Hinternet
This track is perfection.
@lepythagore3288
The vocals slay so damn hard
@xviolaa
Kimbra's a vocal goddess
@a.robinson2779
Yessss Kimbra's voice is pure gold ❤❤❤
@mydearaurora
try listen to two way street I think she's great :D
@a.robinson2779
+Ortum Lynx listen to Settle Down, As You Are, Two Way Street, (any of her own songs really) and you'd know she's definitely holding back vocally in this song
@xviolaa
Aminah Robinson Her live performances of As You Are are fucking incredible
@xviolaa
Saw Kimbra and caught my attention immediately
@a.robinson2779
Same! Huge fan of her
@Nardaprada
you already know~!