40 Facts About Chino Moreno

Early Life and Background

Chino Moreno, the enigmatic frontman of Deftones, has a fascinating background that shaped his musical journey.

1. Chino Moreno was born Camillo Wong Moreno on June 20, 1973, in Sacramento, California.
2. His father is of Mexican descent, while his mother has Chinese and Irish ancestry.
3. Moreno's nickname "Chino" means "Chinese" in Spanish, a nod to his mixed heritage.
4. He grew up in the Oak Park neighborhood of Sacramento, a rough area that influenced his gritty musical style.
5. Moreno attended McClatchy High School, where he met future Deftones bandmates Abe Cunningham and Stephen Carpenter.

Musical Beginnings

Chino's early exposure to diverse music genres laid the foundation for his eclectic style.

6. Moreno's first musical influence was his father's collection of soul and R&B records.
7. He started playing guitar at age 12, inspired by bands like The Cure and The Smiths.
8. Moreno's first band was a high school group called "The Martians," where he played guitar and sang.
9. He worked at Tower Records in Sacramento, where he discovered a wide range of music that would later influence Deftones' sound.
10. Moreno and his friends formed Deftones in 1988, initially playing covers of their favorite songs.

Rise to Fame with Deftones

Deftones' unique sound and Moreno's distinctive voice quickly garnered attention.

11. Deftones' debut album, "Adrenaline," was released in 1995 and received critical acclaim.
12. The band's second album, "Around the Fur," featured the hit single "My Own Summer (Shove It)," which boosted their popularity.
13. Moreno's vocal style blends melodic singing with intense screams, setting Deftones apart from other bands.
14. Deftones' third album, "White Pony," won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2001.
15. Moreno's lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and existential angst, resonating with fans worldwide.

Side Projects and Collaborations

Chino's creativity extends beyond Deftones, as he has been involved in various side projects.

16. In 2000, Moreno formed the band Team Sleep, blending electronic music with rock.
17. Team Sleep's self-titled debut album was released in 2005, showcasing a more experimental side of Moreno's music.
18. Moreno collaborated with Shaun Lopez of Far to form the band ††† (Crosses) in 2011.
19. ††† released their debut album in 2014, featuring a mix of electronic, rock, and ambient music.
20. Moreno also joined forces with members of Isis to create the supergroup Palms, releasing an album in 2013.

Personal Life

Despite his public persona, Chino Moreno keeps much of his personal life private.

21. Moreno married his high school sweetheart, Celeste Schroeder, in 1997, but they later divorced.
22. He has three children: two sons, Kristian and Jakobi, and a daughter, Lola.
23. Moreno is an avid skateboarder and often incorporates skate culture into his music and style.
24. He is a fan of horror movies, citing "The Exorcist" and "The Shining" as his favorites.
25. Moreno has several tattoos, including a large dragon on his back and a koi fish on his arm.

Influence and Legacy

Chino Moreno's impact on the music industry is undeniable, inspiring countless artists and fans.

26. Moreno's vocal style has influenced a generation of rock and metal singers.
27. Deftones' genre-blending sound paved the way for bands like Linkin Park and Korn.
28. Moreno has been praised for his ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
29. He was ranked #51 on Hit Parader's list of "Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time."
30. Deftones' albums have consistently received critical acclaim, solidifying their place in rock history.

Recent Activities

Chino Moreno continues to push musical boundaries with his recent work.

31. Deftones released their ninth studio album, "Ohms," in 2020, to widespread acclaim.
32. Moreno has hinted at new music from ††† (Crosses) in the near future.
33. He has been involved in various charity projects, including benefit concerts for mental health awareness.
34. Moreno remains active on social media, engaging with fans and sharing updates on his projects.
35. He continues to tour with Deftones, delivering powerful performances that captivate audiences.

Fun Facts

Here are some lesser-known tidbits about Chino Moreno that fans might find intriguing.

36. Moreno is a huge fan of the TV show "Twin Peaks" and often references it in his music.
37. He once worked as a janitor before Deftones achieved mainstream success.
38. Moreno is known for his unique fashion sense, often sporting vintage band tees and sneakers.
39. He has a passion for cooking and enjoys experimenting with different cuisines.
40. Despite his intense stage presence, Moreno is known to be shy and soft-spoken in person.

Final Notes on Chino Moreno

Chino Moreno's influence on music is undeniable. From his work with Deftones to side projects like Team Sleep and Crosses, he's shown versatility and creativity. His unique vocal style, blending screams with melodic singing, has set him apart in the rock and metal scenes. Beyond music, Chino's personal interests, like his love for skateboarding and horror films, add layers to his persona. Fans appreciate his authenticity and dedication to his craft. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to his work, there's always something fresh to discover. Chino's journey in music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Keep an ear out for his future projects; they're bound to be as groundbreaking as his past endeavors.