While his music typically gets people moving, it’s intriguing that What So Not is more drawn to the unseen choreography guiding our everyday lives. This concept inspired his latest EP, Motions, which he describes as an effort to give sound to the emotions, textures, and other sentient experiences that shape our collective reality. As you listen, you might sense the intensity of a stranger’s stare or the electrifying pull of a silent connection.

For What So Not, also known as Chris Emerson, this EP is a deep dive into the essence of existence, where he creates sonic representations of the raw data that makes up our world. It serves as a reminder that we are all transmitters in the vast cosmic web of life. Through his electronic music, Emerson explores the idea that every action and thought sends out waves, each with its own impact. Motions is the mesmerizing soundtrack to this unspoken dance. Take “Tower In The Woods” as an example—a remarkable track where What So Not’s slow, deliberate production merges with MNDR’s eerie vocals, sinking into your soul like the chill of winter.

The heavy kickdrums crunch through the mix like footsteps in fresh snow, as the duo delves into the depths of isolation, painting a picture of solitude so vivid you can almost see your breath in the cold air. Another standout is “Realise,” a collaboration with French electronic music expert Habstrakt. Their high-energy drum & bass rhythms create a stark contrast to the noir-pop vocals of Maiah Manser, whose voice conveys both closeness and expansiveness. “I can see the sun right in your eyes / Glitter like a million fireflies” is a powerful image, beautifully balancing warmth and distance.

According to Emerson, this contrast was intentional—his goal was to craft beats that not only hit hard but also evoke deeper emotions. This is a body of work that demands your full attention—not just as a listener, but as an engaged participant.