$ebbuku has released new single ‘Merk It’, following a BBC Radio 1 premiere and his debut appearance at Reading Festival 2026. Released on 25 September, the track channels frustration through a volatile blend of punk, rap and UK rave, combining analogue bass, abrasive electronics and heavy live instrumentation.
Opening with a shuffling electronic rhythm and chopped, downpitched vocals, the track quickly erupts into pounding drums and distorted textures, driven by $ebbuku’s raw, forceful delivery. A confrontational chorus cuts through fuzzy guitars and swelling sub-bass, while bursts of noise and shifting electronic elements keep the arrangement unpredictable. The result is an intense, restless track that draws on the spirit of Rage Against the Machine, Bob Vylan and Death Grips.The single explores the tension between human creativity and technology, particularly the growing use of artificial intelligence across music and the arts. Explaining the track’s origins, $ebbuku said: “Merk It began as a feeling of frustration. The ongoing battle between man and machine. With the rise of artificial intelligence being used in media, music and creativity there begs a question… When does art stop being art? Myself and my fellow breakbeat brethren took this idea and threw the dice, expressing the struggle of being a human in a world built on code and binary. Inspired by our discourse, we drove to a studio in the middle of nowhere (Nestled between a garage, a dog groomer and situated on a picturesque riverbank) and decided to do the one thing we do best. Kick up a fuss.Writing the track was a real learning experience which highlighted a key factor. Creating art is difficult. The easy route seems to be the road most travelled and it’s sometimes necessary. Yet nothing brought me more joy than driving hours into the county, spending a huge amount of money, trying and testing riffs that may or may not work, sacrificing my time and social life and making as much of a racket as humanly possible… but it will always be worth it.”The release marks another step forward for Sebastian Bates, known professionally as $ebbuku, who is building a profile across the East of England’s alternative music scene. His energetic live shows and genre-blurring songwriting have helped establish him as a rising name, with early support from BBC Radio 1, Reprezent, Clash, Notion, DMY, Earmilk, 1883 Magazine and Wordplay. His previous EP has accumulated more than 50,000 streams.During 2026, $ebbuku has played his biggest headline show to date at Norwich Arts Centre, appeared at Reading Festival and Brighten The Corners, and performed support slots for Monster Florence and The Mouse Outfit. ‘Merk It’ also sees him working with one of his childhood producer heroes, bringing a personal milestone into a period of growing momentum.
With further releases on the horizon, $ebbuku is developing a sound that draws from punk, hip-hop and rave without settling into any one category. Following a year of significant live appearances and increasing industry attention, he is emerging as an artist to watch beyond his regional roots.
