Director Adam Mason: Working With Deftones’ Chino Moreno… | Kerrang!

Chino Moreno

Director Adam Mason: Working With Deftones’ Chino Moreno… | Kerrang!

When you think of a voice that truly stands out in heavier music, chances are a particular name comes to mind. That name is Camillo Wong Moreno, known to many as Chino Moreno. He is, you know, the main singer and one of the chief writers of the words for the well-known group Deftones. This group plays a kind of music that's often called alternative metal. He's been around for quite a while, nearly thirty years, really making his mark on the music scene.

Born back in 1973, in a place called Sacramento, California, Chino Moreno has been a constant presence in music. He's not just the frontman for Deftones, either. He's also been a part of other music projects, like Team Sleep and Crosses, where he also sings and plays guitar. It's quite something, actually, to see someone stay at the top of their game for so long, making music that people really connect with, as a matter of fact.

His journey in music is a long one, stretching back to when Deftones first started. For almost three decades, he's been the person at the microphone, helping to shape the sound of a group that many people truly admire. We're going to take a closer look at his life and what makes him such a lasting figure in the world of music, you know, because there's a lot to learn about him.

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Biography of Chino Moreno

Camilo Wong Moreno, who most people call Chino Moreno, came into the world on June 20, 1973. His birthplace was Sacramento, California, which is a pretty well-known city in the United States. His background is a bit of a mix, which is quite interesting, really. His father was from Mexico, and his mother was from China. This combination of heritage is actually where his familiar nickname comes from, too.

The name "Chino" itself means "Chinese" in Spanish, and "Moreno" means "brunet." So, in a way, his name describes some of his family roots and how he looks. He got this nickname, it seems, because of his appearance, which he, you know, inherited from his parents. It’s a pretty direct connection to his family history, so.

His early life in Sacramento, California, set the stage for what would become a very long and successful career in music. He was born in 1973, and that year started a path that would lead him to become a very influential musician. He is, in fact, an American musician. This is where his story as a public figure begins, as a matter of fact.

He's known, basically, as an American musician and a songwriter. His work has mostly been with the group Deftones, where he is the main person out front, singing. He has also been a big part of writing the words for their songs. This role, in particular, has made him a very important figure in the music world for a long time, quite honestly.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Chino Moreno

Full NameCamilo Wong Moreno
Also Known AsChino Moreno
BornJune 20, 1973
BirthplaceSacramento, California, USA
NationalityAmerican
Parents' HeritageMexican father, Chinese mother
Main RoleLead vocalist, primary lyricist
Main BandDeftones
Other BandsTeam Sleep, Crosses

What Makes Chino Moreno's Voice So Distinct?

When people talk about Deftones, they often talk about the sound, and a big part of that sound is the singing. Chino Moreno is, you know, the main singer for the group. He's also the one who mostly puts the words to the music. This dual role means he has a lot of say in how the songs feel and what they are trying to say, so it's quite important.

His way of singing is, well, pretty unique. It's what makes him so recognized as "the voice of Deftones." He has a particular way of using his voice that helps to give the group its own special sound. This, in a way, is a big reason why the group's music has connected with so many listeners over the years. It's almost like his voice is another instrument, really.

He is, essentially, the main person on the microphone for the group. This means that when you hear a Deftones song, it's his voice you are listening to, and his words you are taking in. This makes him a central part of the group's identity. It's a role he's held for a very long time, as a matter of fact, helping to define their sound for nearly thirty years now.

The way he uses his voice, from quiet whispers to loud shouts, creates a wide range of feelings in the songs. This range, you know, is part of what makes his singing so memorable. It's not just about hitting notes; it's about conveying emotion, and he does that very well. That, arguably, is a big part of his lasting appeal.

Chino Moreno's Musical Journey - How Did It Start?

Every long music journey has a beginning, and for Chino Moreno and Deftones, it started in a pretty casual way. He was asked to join the group when he was, actually, singing a cover of a song by another band called Danzig. This was a pivotal moment, really, for what would become a very successful group.

Imagine, if you will, just singing a song you like, and then someone comes up and asks you to join their band. That's more or less how it happened for him. This early connection, so, set the stage for a long career. It shows that sometimes, the biggest opportunities come from simply doing what you enjoy.

This simple beginning led to a very long time in music. For almost three decades, he has been with Deftones, making music and performing for audiences all over. It’s a testament to that first meeting and the connection they made, you know, that they’ve stayed together for so long. It’s quite a story, really, how it all began with a song.

He's been the main singer and a guitar player for other groups too, like Team Sleep and Crosses. So, his musical story isn't just about one group, but about several. This shows his dedication to making different kinds of music and exploring other sounds. It’s pretty cool, actually, to see someone involved in so many projects.

Beyond Deftones - Where Else Can We Hear Chino Moreno?

While most people know Chino Moreno for his work with Deftones, his musical interests aren't limited to just that one group. He has, in fact, lent his singing and guitar playing to other projects as well. This shows that he likes to explore different kinds of music and work with other musicians, too.

He is, you know, the vocalist and a guitar player for a group called Team Sleep. This project has a somewhat different sound compared to Deftones, allowing him to show other sides of his musical abilities. It’s a chance for him to try out new things, basically, and create different kinds of songs.

Another group he's been a part of is called Crosses. In this group, he also takes on the roles of vocalist and guitarist. These other groups give him a chance to work with different people and make music that might not fit perfectly with the Deftones sound. It's pretty interesting, really, to hear him in these other settings.

So, if you enjoy his voice and style, there are more places to listen than just the Deftones albums. These other projects offer a slightly different feel, but still carry his unique musical touch. It just goes to show, you know, how much he loves making music in various forms.

How Has Chino Moreno Stayed Relevant for Three Decades?

For nearly thirty years, Chino Moreno has been a constant presence in music. That's a very long time for any musician to stay at the top of their game. His group, Deftones, just put out their eighth album after all those years, which is quite an achievement, honestly. It speaks to their lasting appeal.

He is often thought of as one of rock music's most enduring frontmen. This means he has managed to stay popular and important for a very long time. It's not easy to do, you know, especially in a music world that is always changing. His ability to stay relevant is something that many people admire.

When asked about how they've kept going, he once said something like, "I wanna believe that we haven't." This might suggest a feeling of always trying to get better, or maybe not feeling like they've fully arrived. It’s a pretty humble way of looking at a long career, in fact. It could be that this constant push is what keeps them fresh.

His long time at the microphone, nearly thirty years, shows a real dedication to his craft. It’s not just about making music; it’s about continuing to make music that people want to hear, year after year. That, quite honestly, is a big part of why he remains such an important figure in music.

Chino Moreno's Impact on Sound

As the main singer and one of the chief writers of words for Deftones, Chino Moreno has played a big part in shaping the group's sound. He's been there from the start, helping to create a musical style that is very much their own. This involves how the songs are put together and what feelings they bring out, too.

His way of singing, which can go from very soft to very strong, is a key part of what makes Deftones sound the way they do. This range allows the group to explore many different kinds of feelings and ideas in their music. It’s a very important element, you know, in their overall artistic expression.

He has, essentially, been a major part in creating a distinct musical identity. This identity is what sets Deftones apart from other groups. It’s not just about the instruments; it’s also very much about the voice and the words, which he provides. This influence has been consistent over their many years together, so.

The words he writes also help to give the songs their meaning and depth. This combination of unique vocals and thoughtful words has helped the group to connect deeply with their listeners. It’s a powerful combination, really, that has kept people listening for decades, as a matter of fact.

A Look Back at Chino Moreno's Time

For someone who has been making music for nearly thirty years, looking back can feel a bit strange. Chino Moreno himself once mentioned that the year 2000 feels like a lifetime ago to him. This gives you a sense of how much time has passed and how many experiences he has had since then, too.

Think about it: the year 2000 was quite some time ago, and for him, it feels like a completely different era. This really puts into perspective the length of his career and how much he has seen and done in music. It's a pretty long stretch of time, honestly, to be so involved in one field.

This feeling of time passing so quickly, or feeling like a lifetime, is something many people can relate to, especially as they get older. For Chino Moreno, it highlights the journey he has been on with his group. It shows that even after all these years, he's still very much present and making new music, you know.

It also suggests that he's not someone who dwells too much on the past, but rather keeps moving forward. The fact that he's still creating and performing, even after so much time has gone by, speaks volumes about his dedication and passion for what he does. It’s pretty inspiring, in a way.

The Enduring Presence of Chino Moreno

Chino Moreno has, you know, maintained his standing as one of the most lasting frontmen in rock music. This means that even after a very long time, he is still seen as an important and influential person in the music world. It’s not common for someone to keep that kind of recognition for so many years.

His career spans nearly three decades, and throughout that time, he has been a consistent and strong voice for Deftones. This steady presence is a big part of why he remains so well-regarded. People know what to expect from him, in a good way, and he continues to deliver, too.

He has played a very important part in creating a specific sound and feeling that many people love. This lasting impact is why his name comes up when you talk about influential musicians. He's not just a singer; he's a person who has helped shape a whole style of music, basically.

So, even after all these years, Chino Moreno is still very much a part of the music scene. His work with Deftones and his other groups continues to reach new listeners and keep older ones engaged. It’s a testament to his talent and his ability to keep making music that truly resonates, you know, with people.

Director Adam Mason: Working With Deftones’ Chino Moreno… | Kerrang!
Director Adam Mason: Working With Deftones’ Chino Moreno… | Kerrang!

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Chino moreno guitar hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy
Chino moreno guitar hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

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Chino Moreno from Deftones : altlatinos
Chino Moreno from Deftones : altlatinos

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