Zao Speak Out After Being Flagged For Alleged Generative AI, Tease June Release Date

Metalcore outfit Zao have hit back after being falsely flagged for using generative AI on an upcoming release tentatively dubbed ‘Pillars’. The band revealed that their unreleased material was flagged by digital distributor TuneCore despite the fact that the tracks were recorded in a traditional, analog‑leaning way.

In a public post, the group shared a screenshot of their DAW to prove the process and called the AI accusation absurd.

“We were accused by TuneCore of using generative AI. So here is a shot of the DAW and our ‘dirty mid‑fi’ (patent pending) tracking. You will notice not only do we not even quantize stuff, or mute breaths, we also track drums and cymbals separately so we can do what needs to be done with the drums (but not edit, there are mistakes all over the place). There isn’t even technically a click track or drum samples on this. If we were using AI it did its job poorly. Everything aside from drums and vocals is through a jellybean Line 6 Pod. There is even a clip warning on a track. this would be the worst AI ever.”

Zao explained that the situation blindsided them, especially since they have used the same distributor for over a decade.

“…This is a case of probably a vinyl‑only release since we have been using them (very well, we will add) as a digital distributor for over a decade. Blindsided by this. And can’t get a ‘person’ to explain why we were accused of using ‘generative AI’.”

The band’s public callout appears to have worked quickly, with Zao later updating that the issue was fixed.

“After blowing them up, all of a sudden they ‘fixed’ it and we are apparently back on track. We will see on June 26th.”

Since June 26 lands on a Friday — a standard release day in the music industry — it seems that Zao are strongly hinting that ‘Pillars’ or another new effort will drop on that date.

Fans have also pointed out that the studio clip the band shared appears to be a cover of “The Data Body” by Creation Is Crucifixion, the 90s mathcore band that once featured Zao’s Scott Mellinger.

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