This time GATA sat down with ZEPKINS and Paris filmmaker and DJ Jonas Alexander to unpack their unexpected creative bond.

ZEPKINS is a rising rapper, creative director, and designer from the DMV, now based in Los Angeles, whose sound is as bold and unapologetic as her vision. With her upcoming EP DA OOZE XXX EURO EDITION on the horizon - a project recorded across Europe during a whirlwind summer tour - she continues to expand her sound and creative universe, blending raw emotion with fearless experimentation.

In this interview, the two talk about how their unexpected collaboration came to life; a late-night shoot that turned into something much more than planned. They dive into creative chemistry, visual storytelling, and what it means to trust intuition in art.

Both share a deep belief in authenticity and self-expression, channeling emotion into sound and image. Together, they offer a glimpse into a world where chaos becomes creation and instinct fuels artistry.

GATA: Hey ZEPKINS! Can you briefly introduce yourself for our readers?

ZEPKINS: Im a Rapper, Creative Director & Designer originally from the DMV, I moved to LA when I was 14. My work is a melting pot of thoughts, bottled up emotions, & a reflection of my experiences while also being a portal for self exploration.

GATA: Your music has such a distinct sound. How would you describe your artistic sound to someone who’s just discovering ZEPKINS?

ZEPKINS: Unapologetic as fuck

GATA: How did this collaboration between you and Jonas happen?

J.A: To be honest, this is probably the most organic collaboration I’ve ever had the pleasure of working on. I discovered ZEPKINS’ world towards the end of 2024 and immediately fell in love with her sound and aesthetic. We connected on Instagram (of course) and started messaging a bit back and forth. Fast forward to June 2025, Z was on her way to Paris, where I’m based, for Fashion Week. She was set to headline a 1-800-BOOTY event I curate and co-host, but at the last minute, the plan fell through. However, when she made it out a few days later she messaged me about a video. She sent me the track, which I absolutely loved, and I sent her an idea of a location. A couple days later, we met up late at night at her hotel, hopped in a taxi and basically shot the whole thing on my VHS in about 30 minutes. She trusted my vision and I trusted hers and with the both of them combined, it just made sense. Does that sound about right, Z?

ZEPKINS : Hell yeah it came together super naturally, we fell in love with one another’s work. Unfortunately I couldn't make the show but when I got to Paris I hit him about this music video. He was super down for it & tbh we didn’t really have anything planned but that’s kinda been my formula my whole career up to this point. just show up & embody.

GATA: What was the main inspiration behind the video? Was it the track, mood, or a wild idea that just stuck?

J.A: I wouldn’t necessarily say there was much of an “inspiration”. We didn’t even send each other any references or moodboards! For me, it was the track that got me inspired. We quickly agreed it should be shot at night, but that’s about it. I’m a huge lover of vampire films so there’s definitely some of that in there. Actually, on the way over to the location, as we were getting to know each other, Z said I had a very vampiric energy, haha.

ZEPKINS : It’s like that sexy vampire that’s just staring into your soul…. can’t lie it kinda turned me on a bit

GATA: When you were building the visuals, did you have a clear concept in mind, or did it evolve as you worked together?

J.A: Not at all. I had sent her over a bit of my previous work, but it was mostly a video that was created during the editing, which is how I love to work. I used to do a lot of documentaries, so there’s definitely still traces of that in my work. I tried to really build off the track and the sort of acidic energy it gave me when listening and attempted to translate that into a visual. When @dddll19 added his sauce with the VFX it all started to come together. And then of course I was thrilled when Nicolas Gautier (grades for Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Mugler, Travis Scott, etc.) offered to do the color grading.

GATA: Was there a moment where you thought, “okay, this is the shot”?

J.A: For sure when we started shooting on the steps, which were the last shots we did. We had an unscripted extra (haha) that was phenomenal. He was completely bewildered by what was going on. And the shot of her doing the double middle fingers I knew I was going to use as the closing shot.

GATA: Does visual storytelling influence the way you approach music?

ZEPKINS: Absolutely! It's a huge part of my creative process. Because as the saying goes “this shit is deeper than rap” i’m speaking about my lived experiences regardless of how witty it sounds, i lived it. So I find it necessary to tell a story visually.

GATA: What’s the feeling you want people to walk away with after watching this video?

ZEPKINS : I want people to walk away with a deep understanding that all things are possible with self belief. It all starts in the mind as a vision. That doesn’t mean it’ll be easy and that you won’t be tested along the journey but to turn those adversities into your advantage and transmute it. I was sent this beat by ( @nemethedoll ) at 3am. I woke up out of my sleep, hopped on bandlab and started recording. not knowing that from that one action i would be leaving the country for the first time shooting this video in Paris.

GATA: What’s something you want to express through your work more?

J.A: For me personally it’s all about shining a spotlight on artists or people I feel deserve more representation. I started in cinema to tell stories that matter, and now I’m especially interested in combining social themes with fantasy to create something thought-provoking yet entertaining. I want to see more people on screen that I didn’t get to see when I was growing up.

GATA: Finally, what’s cooking next? Give us a spoiler!

J.A: I’m working on two film projects, a short and my debut feature film. And I just shot a video for Ms. Boogie which will sadly be her last. Also a lot of exciting gigs coming up for me as a DJ in this next year and my first video installation.

ZEPKINS: 2025 I dropped 2 EP’s ( Jan 1st DA OOZE ) (Mar 19th DA OOZE 2) and now (Oct 30th 2025 DA OOZE XXX EURO EDITION) is born! All of these songs I recorded while in Europe this summer on a mini tour. Other than that I’m working on my album which I don't have an official name for yet. But the the main attraction right now is DA OOZE XXX EURO EDITION! I truthfully have never had more fun recording on the road, meeting such amazing creatives that helped me bring my vision to life. I’m so grateful for the producers ( BRAK & NEMETHEDOLL) for collaborating with me on this project and ofc Mr.Alexander himself for making my LAST NIGHT IN PARIS one to remember! I’m excited to travel back to Europe and preform this project live and close this year off the right way. OFFICIALLY

Styled by Zepkins

Make up by Zepkins

Creative Directed Zepkins / Jonas

Produced by @nemethedoll

Shot & Edited by @Jonas.alxndr

Color Graded by Nicolas Gautier

Model Julia Fithian @Youlovejuu

VFX by @dddll19

Interview by Seunghee Ryu

Words by Luna Rohme

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