Chino Moreno

Chino Moreno
Moreno with Deftones at River City Rockfest in San Antonio, 2014
Background information
Birth name	Camillo Wong Moreno
Born	(1973-06-20)June 20, 1973 Sacramento, California,U.S.
Genres	Alternative metal alternative rock experimental rock post-metal post hardcore art rock electronic rock nu metal
Occupation(s)	Singer musician songwriter
Instrument(s)	Vocals guitar
Years active	1988–present
Member of	Deftones Team Sleep Crosses Palms Saudade

Camillo "Chino" Wong Moreno(born June 20, 1973) is an American musician who is best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the metal bandDeftones.He is also a member of the side-project groupsTeam Sleep,Crosses,andPalms.

Moreno is known for hisdramatic tenorvoiceand distinctivescreams.In 2007, he was placed at number 51 inHit Parader's "Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time".

Early life

Moreno was born inSacramento, California,the second of five children. His mother is of Mexican and Chinese descent and his father is Mexican.The nickname "Chino" is the Spanish-language term for Chinese people, shortened from "Chinito" (little Chinese one), a moniker "given to him as a kid by his uncles because he looked predominantly Asian, when most Mexicans aremestizo."

He grew up in theOak Parkarea and attendedC. K. McClatchy High School,where he metAbe CunninghamandStephen Carpenter,with whom he foundedDeftonesin 1988. Before becoming a professional musician, Moreno had a day job atTower Records' shipping department.

Career

Deftones

Main article:Deftones

Circa 1988, Moreno started jamming regularly with his middle-school friendsAbe CunninghamandStephen Carpenter,leading to the formation ofDeftones.Within two years, the group started playing club shows. They were signed to Maverick Records after one of their representatives saw them play in Los Angeles. Their first commercially released album wasAdrenaline(1995), produced byTerry Date.While the album wasn't an instant success, extensive touring, word-of-mouth, and Internet promotion built the band a dedicated fan base, as well as helpingAdrenalineto sell over 220,000 copies without the singles "7 Words"and"Bored"(as well as their music videos) receiving any airplay. For 1997'sAround the Fur,the band expanded its sound, spending more time with Date, and giving more thought to the album's production. The record was highly anticipated and propelled Deftones to fame in thealternative metalscene on the strength of radio andMTVairplay for the singles "My Own Summer (Shove It)"and"Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)".

White Ponywas released in 2000 to critical acclaim and unprecedented commercial success.Frank Delgadohad become a full-time band member, adding new elements to the band's music, while Moreno himself contributed guitar lines in addition to vocals. With influences ofnew wave,dream pop,andtrip hop,the album is considered a turning point for the band in terms of experimentation. Singles "Change (In the House of Flies)"and"Digital Bath"supported the album's release. A single entitled"Back to School (Mini Maggit)"was released as a rap-influenced reinterpretation ofWhite Pony'sclosing track, "Pink Maggit". While commercially successful and a fan favourite, the band have previously strongly objected to its publication, although it is unclear whether this is still the case.White Ponywas subsequently re-released with "Back to School (Mini Maggit)" as the album's opening track. For the song "Elite",Deftones received the 2001Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

In 2001, Moreno developed a throat injury due to heavy screaming and was forced to miss at least four shows. He suffered inflammation on his right vocal cord and partial paralysis of the left vocal cord. During the rest of their supporting tour, bassist Chi Cheng took over vocal duties that required screaming while Moreno sang the softer melodies of the lyrics, despite recommendations by doctors to hold off from singing to allow time for recovery as well as rumors that the band would be cancelling the remaining stretch of the tour withGodsmackandPuddle of Mudd.

The eponymousDeftoneswas released in 2003, and saw the band being praised for the heavy album's progression and originality in the midst of declining creativity in contemporary metal. Moreno was quoted as saying, "It's all on record. We told motherfuckers not to lump us in withnu metalbecause when those bands go down we aren't going to be with them. "B-Sides & Raritiessaw release in 2005, bringing together unreleased and obscure material accrued since 1995. 2006'sSaturday Night Wristwas completed after a protracted and tumultuous recording process, nearly leading to Moreno's departure from Deftones. Later he said it had been "a seriously unhealthy experience" and he "wasn't sure if [he] was going to return" at the time the band was on a self-imposed hiatus. After eventually finishing the album in early 2006, Moreno claimed it to be more of a compromise between all of the members' influences, ranging from their brutal and brooding heavy signature seen onAdrenalineandAround the Furto the more experimental sound heard onWhite PonyandDeftones.However, the band saw a significant decrease on the album's first week sales compared to their two previous releases.

Moreno atHellfest2018

Deftones were working on an upcoming album with the working titleEros,when bassistChi Chengwas severely injured in a car accident in November 2008, remaining in aminimally conscious stateand later a partially conscious state up until his death in April 2013. In 2009, the group had recruitedSergio Vegafor his replacement and announced an indefinite delay ofEros,stating "... we realized that this record doesn't best encompass and represent who we are currently as people and as musicians."With Vega, the group began work on a new album,Diamond Eyes,which was released on May 4, 2010. It saw the release of the popular singles "Rocket Skates","You've Seen the Butcher"and"Diamond Eyes".In November 2012, Deftones released their seventh studio album, titledKoi No Yokan."Leathers","Tempest"and"Swerve City"came out as its singles. 2016 saw the release of their eighth studio albumGore.In 2020 Deftones released their ninth studio album, calledOhms,which garnered significant critical praise.

Side projects

During the making of Deftones'White Pony,Moreno began work on aside project,Team Sleep.The group released theirself-titled debut albumin May 2005.

In March 2011, Moreno stated to be working on a new side project known asCrosses,featuringFarguitaristShaun Lopezand Chuck Doom. Moreno described the project as "minimal and soothing, and it's sort of like the stuff I like listening to when I'm not screaming my head off."Their debutself-titled EPwas released on August 2, 2011.EP 2appeared the next year.

In April 2012, it was announced that Moreno had joined formerIsismembersJeff Caxide,Aaron HarrisandBryant Clifford Meyerin a side project by the name ofPalms.Their first albumwas released on June 25, 2013.

In April 2016, Moreno teamed up with guitaristDr. KnowofBad Brains,drummer Mackie Jayson (Bad Brains,Cro-Mags); jazz keyboardistJohn MedeskiofMedeski, Martin, and Wood;and bassist Chuck Doom (Team Sleep, Crosses) to form thesupergroupSaudade. They released their first single through BitTorrent Bundle on April 28, 2016.

Moreno has also made a number of guest appearances on numerous younger groups' songs, such as "Bender" bySevendust,"Paralytic" byDead Poetic,"Vengeance Is Mine" byDroid,"Caviar" byDance Gavin Dance,"Surrender Your Sons" byNorma Jean,and "Reprogrammed to Hate" byWhitechapel.In 2009, Moreno recorded a song withThirty Seconds to Marsto appear on their albumThis Is War,but was not finished. On May 2, 2010, he performed "The Kill"with 30 Seconds to Mars.

In June 2016, the Secret Solstice music festival announced that Moreno would perform atThrihnukagigurin what will be the first ever public concert inside the magma chamber of a volcano.

In 2019, Moreno was approached to score the seventh episode ofHulu'sInto the Darkhorroranthology series,entitled "I'm Just F*cking with You".

Artistry

Moreno playing guitar in 2013

The biggest vocal influences on Moreno includeFaith No More'sMike Patton,Bad Brains'sH.R.,the Smiths'sMorrisseyandPrince.His musical influences consist of a wide range of styles and genres, including theelectronicbandsOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark(OMD),Depeche Mode,Thompson Twinsandthe Human League.Other inspirations includethe Cure,Bad Brains,PJ Harvey,the Smiths,My Bloody Valentine,Cocteau Twins,Public Enemy,Duran Duran,the Smashing Pumpkins,Portishead,Helmet,Jawbox,Faith No More,Slayer,Hum,Kool Keith,Alice in Chains,Tool,Girls Against Boys,Jane's AddictionandWeezer.ForRevolverhe selected five non-metalrecords that influenced him: the Cure'sPornography,Helium'sNo Guitars,Mogwai'sEP+2,My Bloody Valentine'sLovelessand the Smashing Pumpkins'Siamese Dream.He also made a list of his thirteen favourite albums forThe Quietus,containingSmall Craft on a Milk SeabyBrian Eno,Sunset MissionbyBohren und der Club of Gore,Fever Ray'sself-titled album,Venus Luxure No.1 BabybyGirls Against Boys,Turn on the Bright LightsbyInterpol,You'd Prefer an AstronautbyHum,Saturdays = YouthbyM83,Black NoisebyPantha du Prince,Love DeluxebySade,Talkie WalkiebyAir,Born to MackbyToo Short,The Blue Moods of SpainbySpainandStandardsbyTortoise.

In an August 1998 interview withSpin,Moreno stated "I was one of those kids who thought heavy metal was devil music. I can't say I'm really a metal fan or ahip hopfan, cause there's so many crappy bands out there. I just like a little bit of everything. I think other people are starting to think that way too. "Regarding the influence of female artists such asPJ Harvey,Moreno said he was aware that people considered him to begay,adding, "I really love girly stuff."

In relation to his often ambiguous yet image-heavy poetic lyrics, he said, "[Sometimes] my lyrics don't deal with specific topics. I write down on paper the feelings of the moment, it's not easy to explain the contents of the lyrics or give a logical sense to the words. What I write is also a reaction to the music we make, so the Deftones' sound is not pop, it doesn't communicate happy feelings. Paradoxically my favorite songs of the album talk about love, in a clearly different view."

Collaborations

• "Wicked"–Ice Cubecover fromLife Is PeachybyKorn(1996)
• "Savory"–Jawboxcover fromSoonbyFar(1997)
• "Will To Die" – fromIn This DefiancebyStrife(1997)
• "First Commandment" – fromSoulflybySoulfly(1998)
• "Bender" – fromHomebySevendust,credited as "Pony One" (1999)
• "(Rock) Superstar" – fromSkull and BonesbyCypress Hill(2000)
• "Danger Girl" – fromTried + TruebyTinfed(2000)
• "Pain" – fromPrimitiveby Soulfly (2000)
• "Things!" – fromHesherby Hesher (2001)
• "Ashamed" – fromNever a Dull MomentbyTommy Lee(2002)
• "Feed the World (Do They Know It's Christmas)"feat.Far–Band Aidcover fromA Santa Cause: It's a Punk Rock Christmasby various artists (2003)
• "The Hours" – fromWhite PeoplebyHandsome Boy Modeling School(2004)
• "Red Sky" –Thrice(appeared during the band's live set at theKROQ Almost Acoustic Christmasin 2005)
• "Paralytic" and "Crashing Down" – fromVicesbyDead Poetic(2006)
• "Zombie Eaters"–Faith No Morecover fromThe Undercover SessionsbyIll Niño(2006)
• "Rock for Light" – fromFamily Compilation Vol. 3byBad Brains(2006)
• "A Day in the Life of a Poolshark" – fromStrange We Should Meet HerebyIdiot Pilot(2006)
• "Fistful of Nothing" – fromRuns Astrayby Atomic Six (2007)
• "Vengeance is Mine" – fromDroidbyDroid(2007)
• "Keep Calm and Carry On" –Astrological StraitsbyZach Hill(2008)
• "Wall" – fromHAKAIbyWagdug Futuristic Unity(2008)
• "Caviar" – fromDance Gavin DancebyDance Gavin Dance(2008)
• "Surrender Your Sons..." – fromThe Anti MotherbyNorma Jean(2008)
• "Reprogrammed To Hate" – fromA New Era of CorruptionbyWhitechapel(2010)
• "Only One" – fromA Public Disservice AnnouncementbyMethods of Mayhem(2010)
• "If I Could" – fromAll 6's And 7'sbyTech N9ne(2011)
• "Right Outside" – fromBeautiful ThingsbyAnthony Green(2012)
• "RAZORS.OUT" – fromThe Raid: RedemptionbyMike ShinodaandJoseph Trapanese(2012)
• "Hexes" feat.Bassnectar– fromResident Evil: RetributionbyTomandandy(2012)
• "Embers" – fromVII: Sturm und DrangbyLamb of God(2015)
• "Brief Exchange" – fromDark Nights: Metalsoundtrack (2018)
• "Lift Off" – fromPost TraumaticbyMike ShinodafeaturingMachine Gun Kelly(2018)
• "Disparan (Fill the Skies)" by Como Asesinar a Felipes (2018)
• "Shadows & Light (featuringChelsea Wolfe) "– fromShadows & Lightby Saudade (2019)
• "Hit Me Where It Hurts (Toro y MoiRemix) "– fromStanding At The Gate: Remix CollectionbyCaroline Polachek(2020)
• "Geronimo" – fromNeon Shark vs PegasusbyTrippie Redd(2021)
• "Anti-Life" – fromDark Nights: Death MetalbyHEALTH(2021)
• "Bloodbath" – fromRemember That You Will DiebyPolyphia(2022)

Moreno also featured in the low-budget video for the song "Carpe Diem" by fellow SacramentohardcoreactWill Haven.In 2007, he produced their albumThe Hierophant. Moreno makes a brief cameo inLimp Bizkit's alternate video for their 1997 singleCounterfeit,seen on the single's bonus disc.

Personal life

Moreno has been married twice. He was married to his first wife, Celeste Schroeder, from 1994 to 2006; they had two children.He married to his second wife, Risa-Mora Moreno, in 2012and the couple has one daughter. Moreno and his family have resided inBend, Oregonsince 2013.

Moreno was a frequent smoker for most of his life, though he reports that he quit in 2007.

Discography

With Deftones

Main article:Deftones discography

• Adrenaline(1995, Maverick/Warner Bros.)
• Around the Fur(1997, Maverick/Warner Bros.)
• White Pony(2000, Maverick)
• Deftones(2003, Maverick)
• Saturday Night Wrist(2006, Maverick)
• Eros(recorded in 2008 but unreleased)
• Diamond Eyes(2010, Warner Bros./Reprise)
• Koi No Yokan(2012, Warner Bros./Reprise)
• Gore(2016, Reprise)
• Ohms(2020, Reprise)

With Team Sleep

• Team Sleep(2005, Maverick)
• Woodstock Sessions Vol. 4(2015)

With Crosses

• EP 1(2011, self-published)
• EP 2(2012, self-published)
• Crosses(2014,Sumerian Records)
• Permanent Radiant(2022,Warner Records)
• Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete.,(2023,Warner Records)

With Palms

• Palms(2013,Ipecac)

External links

• Chino Morenodiscography atDiscogs
• Deftones official site
• Crosses official site