Director Matt Zane has launched a search for vocalists to re-record Wayne Static’s vocals for his unauthorized documentary project, as reported on Instagram.
Zane’s announcement comes after legal restrictions prevented the use of Wayne Static’s original vocal tracks from previously unheard material. The filmmaker is seeking singers who can honor the late Static-X frontman’s distinctive style.
“Hear an Unfinished New Song from Wayne Static as Director Matt Zane Launches Singer Search. An unfinished, previously unheard track recorded by late STATIC-X frontman Wayne Static has surfaced as part of filmmaker Matt Zane’s ongoing unauthorized documentary project,” Zane announced.
“Due to legal restrictions preventing the use of Wayne Static’s original vocal tracks, Zane is now launching an open call for vocalists who believe they can step in and honor Wayne’s style and legacy. Fans and vocalists interested in participating are invited to submit a recording of themselves performing their favorite Wayne Static song to TheSlackerJesus@gma.”
Zane explained his position regarding the project and the legal challenges he faces.
“I want to make it clear, I’d love to finish and give Wayne’s fans his final recording but the families and Static-X aren’t allowing it. I’d give 100% of the profits of the music to Wayne’s and Tera’s family as long as the recordings were kept in their original form. They were recorded as Wayne Static solo music, not Static-X,” he said.
“Warner Brothers stopped us but not before Wayne gave me a bunch of stuff. I cover the entire ordeal in the documentary. I have a video of Wayne publicly admitting he wrote music for the series. … There are songs that I won’t touch that Wayne wrote 100% of. But all the misc. riffs and other ideas are what I’ll use. Wayne liked what I was doing with them so I figure I’m on the right track.”
Zane drew comparisons to similar projects in the music industry.
“It’s just like what Jonathan Davis did for the Queen of the Damned soundtrack. He wasn’t allowed to sing on that soundtrack so he brought in other singers, including Wayne!” he continued.
The documentary focuses on the final years of Wayne Static and his late wife Tera Wray. Zane shared a clip of the previously unreleased solo track titled ‘Infiltrator’ as part of his vocalist search announcement.
The controversial documentary project has faced significant opposition from both the Static and Wray families since its announcement. Arrow Lords of Metal reported that Wayne Static’s estate sent a cease-and-desist letter to filmmaker Matt Zane regarding the unauthorized documentary project.
The legal challenges forced Zane to change his funding approach for the film. Metal Injection confirmed that Matt Zane’s unauthorized documentary focusing on Wayne Static and Tera Wray will move forward as a self-funded project after facing estate objections.
Despite the opposition from the families, Zane has received some support for his documentary efforts. Blunt Magazine noted that Matt Zane received public support in his disputed Wayne Static and Tera Wray documentary from Tera Wray’s former roommate Jay’e Jones, who claims the project honors the couple’s wishes.
The filmmaker remains determined to complete the project despite the setbacks. The PRP quoted Zane stating he remains committed to completing the documentary and will personally finance the project, saying “I’m sure the estates will continue to try to stop me, but I have every right to make this film.”
