Founded in 1979 by David Was and Don Was, this Detroit-based collective pioneered a distinctive fusion of electronic production, funk, and pop that bridged underground and mainstream audiences. Known for their innovative use of synthesizers and sampling alongside live instrumentation, Was (Not Was) crafted a sound that was both experimental and accessible, drawing collaborators from diverse musical backgrounds to create richly layered productions.
The group achieved peak commercial success in the late 1980s with their infectious dance-pop anthem "Walk the Dinosaur" (1988), which became a global hit and remains a staple of electronic music playlists. Beyond this signature track, their catalog showcases a restless creative approach to production and arrangement, blending electronic elements with soul, funk, and pop sensibilities. After an extended hiatus beginning in the mid-1990s, Was (Not Was) has continued to record and perform intermittently, maintaining their reputation as innovative producers who helped shape the intersection of electronic music and popular culture.
