One of the most exciting breakout artists of 2026
Dutch artist and producer ZEP has released his single “FIGURE IT OUT,” out now via PULSE Records alongside an official video, seen here. The song is the third in his current run of home-run singles, following “NOBODY,” which has surpassed 6.5 million streams, and “DON’T BREAK,” a song that blew up on social media, especially in the breakdancing world. Recent highlights also include ZEP’s live performance of “DON’T BREAK” on 66GREENE and his appearance in Apple’s global Creator Studio campaign, further building on his reputation for bold, genre-blurring production.
Speaking on the song, ZEP says: “We used to have it all figured out, now it’s just noise, distance, and trying to make sense of something that doesn’t feel right anymore… It’s that feeling of speeding through life with someone you’re tied to, knowing you’re drifting off-course but not knowing how to stop. This song is about being stuck in something that’s supposed to feel like love or family, but doesn’t anymore. It’s that pressure to stay, to figure it out, even when it’s slowly breaking you.” We feel you, ZEP!
Anchored by his signature bass playing, “FIGURE IT OUT” is a tense, fast-paced track that channels the spirit of early alt-rock. Directed by ZEP and Hannah Devries, the accompanying video follows ZEP cruising through town in a monster truck, bringing to mind the larger-than-life energy of a classic Die Antwoord visual while still feeling fully his own.
Raised around live music as the son of Vankatoen frontman Bazz Barnasconi, ZEP developed his love for music early, beginning with drums before studying at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Drawing from skate, fashion, hip-hop, and electronic culture, he has built momentum that doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon.
Follow Zep on IG at @whatszep
