Chino Moreno
Chino Moreno
Full Name and Common Aliases
Chino Moreno is a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, musician, and artist best known as the lead vocalist of the post-hardcore band Deftones.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on June 20, 1973, in Sacramento, California. Alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Mexican-American; Musician, Singer, Songwriter
Early Life and Background
Chino Moreno was born to a Mexican mother and an American father. His early life was marked by frequent moves between Sacramento and Mexico City due to his family's work commitments. This cultural dichotomy would later influence his artistry and global perspective.
Growing up in California, Moreno discovered music through his older brother's record collection, which exposed him to punk rock, new wave, and post-punk bands like Joy Division and The Cure. He began playing the guitar at age 12 and formed his first band with friends from school.
Major Accomplishments
As the lead vocalist of Deftones, Moreno has been instrumental in shaping the sound of alternative metal and post-hardcore music. With a career spanning over three decades, he has released nine studio albums, including their critically acclaimed debut 'Adrenaline' (1995), 'White Pony' (2000), and 'Saturday Night Wrist' (2006).
In addition to his work with Deftones, Moreno has collaborated with other artists such as Team Sleep, Crosses, and Street Drum Corps. His distinctive vocal style, lyrical themes of introspection and social commentary, and genre-bending approach have earned him a dedicated fan base.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Chino Moreno include:
'Digital Bath' (2000) - a critically acclaimed single from the album 'White Pony'
'Change (In the House of Flies)' (2001) - another standout track that showcases his vocal range and emotional delivery
* 'Passenger' (2006) - an album that saw the band experiment with new sounds, incorporating electronic elements
Chino Moreno's commitment to artistic expression is evident in his creative endeavors outside music. He has worked as a visual artist, creating artwork for various albums and exhibitions.
Impact and Legacy
Chino Moreno's influence on contemporary music cannot be overstated. As a vocalist, songwriter, and musician, he continues to push boundaries within the alternative metal genre while staying true to his artistic vision.
His unique vocal style has inspired countless musicians across genres, from punk rock to electronic music. His lyrics often touch upon themes of introspection, social justice, and personal struggle, resonating with fans worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Chino Moreno's quotes are sought after due to his insightful commentary on creativity, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to oneself in an industry that often values conformity. His thoughts on artistry, experimentation, and emotional expression have been widely shared among fans and aspiring artists.
His legacy extends beyond music; he has become a symbol for those seeking authenticity and originality in their creative pursuits.
Quotes by Chino Moreno

As Korn go on, it’s the same things – bad childhoods and mean moms. It gets too old after a while. How old is Jonathan? Thirty? How long has it been since he lived with his parents?

It’s fun, working with different people, everybody works differently. When I have time off from music, I want to make other music. That’s what I do, that’s what’s fun, that’s what makes me happy.

We've had a crazy relationship because we've always distanced ourselves from Korn so we could be our own band. Their first record came out before ours, so it was always like we were following in their footsteps. And I think we had to do that, and now it's time to just have fun. We don't care so much about that stuff anymore. We just want to play with friends.

When you hear the first five seconds to a song and you've pretty much heard the whole song, that's kind of a bummer.

That was weird because we were the oldest band there. You see a lot of the younger bands, and it's just a reminder of how things are now. It was a good time, but we felt like grandparents out there sometimes.

I have a feeling a lot of the records I grew up listening to and the records I still like, as hard as musicians worked making them, I feel like they were really enjoying what they were going through. They weren't just going through the process. You can tell that with certain things that you listen to.

It's fun, working with different people, everybody works differently. When I have time off from music, I want to make other music. That's what I do, that's what's fun, that's what makes me happy.

Deftones is always my main focus. I’ve been doing it the longest and it’s definitely a priority. I think of these as projects. It’s not like I’m unfulfilled with a need to find another outlet. I look at it as making music with my friends, and I’m blessed that they’re great musicians.

As Korn go on, it's the same things - bad childhoods and mean moms. It gets too old after a while. How old is Jonathan? Thirty? How long has it been since he lived with his parents?
