Chino Moreno

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Chino Moreno (born June 20, 1973) is an American vocalist, songwriter, and musician best known as the frontman of Deftones. Explore his journey, musical style, side projects, and influence in alternative metal.

Introduction

Camillo “Chino” Wong Moreno (born June 20, 1973) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician most famous for his role as lead vocalist and lyricist of the alternative metal band Deftones.

Renowned for his ability to shift between ethereal melodies and ferocious screams, Moreno has been a central figure in shaping the sound and emotional depth of modern heavy alternative rock. Over the years, he has also explored side projects like Team Sleep, Crosses (†††), Palms, and Saudade, which reflect his broader musical interests.

In this article, we trace his roots, the arc of his career, creative approach, and lasting impact.

Early Life and Roots

Chino Moreno was born in Sacramento, California, the second of five children.

His nickname “Chino” (Spanish for “Chinese”) was given by family members because of his Asian heritage from his mother’s side.

He grew up in the Oak Park area of Sacramento and attended C. K. McClatchy High School, where he met future Deftones bandmates Abe Cunningham and Stephen Carpenter.

Before his musical breakthrough, Moreno worked in the shipping department at Tower Records.

Rise of Deftones & Career Milestones

Formation and Early Years

In 1988, while still in high school, Moreno, Carpenter, and Cunningham formed Deftones.

Their debut album, Adrenaline, was released in 1995 and laid the foundation for their reputation as one of the more distinct voices in the then-emerging alternative metal / nu-metal scene.

Breakthrough & Experimentation

Over subsequent albums, Deftones expanded their musical palette. Around the Fur (1997) elevated their visibility with singles like “My Own Summer (Shove It)” and “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)”.

With White Pony (2000), Deftones achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. The album showcased Moreno’s evolving vocal and songwriting sensibilities, incorporating more atmospheric and experimental elements. The song “Elite” from that album won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2001.

Over the years, the band continued releasing influential albums:

• Deftones (2003)

• Saturday Night Wrist (2006)

• Diamond Eyes (2010)

• Koi No Yokan (2012)

• Gore (2016)

• Ohms (2020)

As of recent reports, the band also has a new album titled Private Music in progress or released. (Cited in recent news)

Side Projects & Collaborations

Moreno’s curiosity and musical breadth led to several side collaborations:

• Team Sleep: Formed as a more ambient / experimental project; their self-titled debut came out in 2005.

• Crosses (†††): A collaboration with Shaun Lopez, focusing on electronic, gothic, and alternative textures.

• Palms: A project with former members of Isis that leans toward atmospheric post-metal / shoegaze influences.

• Saudade: A more eclectic supergroup blending jazz, punk, and ambient textures.

He has also made guest vocal appearances on tracks by other artists across genres (e.g. Trippie Redd’s “GERONIMO”).

Artistic & Vocal Style

Moreno’s vocal style is distinctive for its versatility—he oscillates between soft, dreamlike singing and intense screaming.

His lyrics tend to favor imagery, mood, and emotional texture over direct narrative. In interviews, he has said he often writes from the “feeling of the moment” rather than crafting literal stories.

Influences on his singing and musical taste are broad: Faith No More’s Mike Patton, Bad Brains, The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Cocteau Twins, electronic music, and more.

Over time, his approach has pushed Deftones beyond rigid genre boundaries, carving a space that blends heaviness, ambience, texture, and unpredictability.

Personal Life

Moreno has been married twice. His first marriage was to Celeste Schroeder from the mid-1990s until 2006, and they had two children.

He later married Risa Mora Moreno in 2012, and the couple have at least one daughter.

He and his family have been residing in Bend, Oregon since around 2013.

Moreno was a frequent smoker earlier, but has stated he quit around 2007.

Impact, Legacy & Recent Developments

Moreno has earned acclaim not just for his vocal prowess but for pushing the limits of what heavy music can express emotionally and atmospherically. In 2007, Hit Parader placed him at #51 on its “Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time.”

Deftones’ albums like White Pony are often cited as genre landmarks—records that influenced countless bands in alternative metal, post-metal, and beyond.

In recent years, Moreno has spoken publicly about the band’s decision not to finish the shelved album Eros, which was halted after bassist Chi Cheng’s tragic accident. Moreno said revisiting that material would reopen painful emotional territory.

Meanwhile, his side project Crosses announced a new full-length album Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete. in 2023, reflecting continued creative energy and exploration beyond Deftones.

Notable Quotes & Insights

Here are a few selections that reflect Moreno’s philosophy, approach, or reflections:

• Speaking about the album Eros and its future:

  “It will most likely never see the light of day … that would involve going back to that period and resurrecting unfinished things.”

• On the evolution and longevity of Deftones:

  He acknowledged that part of their appeal is having made music that “doesn’t date ourselves” and resisting simply being lumped with the nu metal wave.

• About fan art and connection with audience:

  He said he has “hundreds of drawings of myself in my house” from fans, a reminder of how music inspires visual creativity.

These statements hint at his introspective nature, his respect for creative integrity, and his value of the connection between artist and audience.

Lessons & Takeaways

1. Genre is a starting point, not a cage
   Moreno’s willingness to blend ambient, electronic, shoegaze, and heavy elements shows how artistic identity can transcend genre labels.

2. Emotional authenticity matters
   His lyrics and vocal performances often aim to evoke feeling more than to tell a concrete story, which can resonate across listeners’ experiences.

3. Side projects deepen vision
   His work outside Deftones has allowed him to explore different textures, moods, and collaborative dynamics—important for renewal and avoiding creative stagnation.

4. Art must respect emotional context
   The decision not to resurrect Eros underscores that creative work is not just technical; it’s also deeply tied to personal history and healing.

5. Sustaining a career means evolving
   Across decades, Moreno and Deftones have adapted without losing a core identity, proving that growth is essential for longevity in music.