Scott Mellinger of Zao joins Chad and Anthony on the Vulgar Display of Podcast to talk about the band’s new four-song covers EP, Pillars, the legacy of Zao, the current state of heavy music, and the growing impact of AI on independent artists.
The conversation also dives into Zao’s long-standing commitment to artistic integrity over commercial success, how the band has maintained that mindset throughout its career, and the challenges musicians are facing in an increasingly AI-driven industry.
Scott also shares the story behind TuneCore initially flagging Pillars over an AI-related issue, how the situation was resolved after Zao publicly addressed it, and his concerns about AI systems training on musicians’ work without consent, including 149 Zao songs reportedly being used by AI systems.
It’s a wide-ranging conversation about influence, authenticity, creativity, technology, and the future of heavy music.
Subscribe to The Barn and Vulgar Display of Podcast for more interviews with artists from across metal, hardcore, punk, and beyond.
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