Deftones defied the Y2K music scene, and the gamble paid off spectacularly with 'private music'!
Jimmy Fontaine/Courtesy of the artist
Featured Songs:
- "infinite source"
- "my mind is a mountain"
- "The Chauffeur"
- "ecdysis"
- "i think about you all the time"
When you witness Deftones (a band known for their genre-bending sound) perform live, the energy is undeniable. Frontman Chino Moreno is a captivating force, moving with a raw intensity that draws you in. He leaps across the stage, delivering both screams and soaring vocals. Surprisingly, Moreno admits to battling stage fright.
"Every time before I go on stage, I'm still nervous," he confesses. "I think there may be something healthy about that, as well — that I still do have these nerves that work."
And this is the part most people miss... Anxiety, at its core, often stems from a deep investment in something that matters. Perhaps this vulnerability is a key reason why Deftones has consistently stood out from many of their contemporaries from the late '90s and early 2000s.
"We always try to do things a little left of center from the types of records that we started making," Moreno explains. "Especially around 2000. We did White Pony. I think that was like where we really started our kind of departure ... I always felt like I just want to stand on our own two feet in some way the most we can."
Now, over three decades into their musical journey, Deftones has released their most critically acclaimed album yet. 'private music' has been praised as a testament to a band that has honed its craft while fearlessly exploring new sonic territories. It's also a contender for the coveted Best Rock Album at this year's Grammy Awards.
Today, Moreno joins World Cafe's Raina Douris for a career-spanning conversation. He delves into the band's unique approach to crafting soundscapes, how he conquered his shyness over the years, and the surprising influence of Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon on Deftones' sound.
This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Miguel Perez. Our senior producer is Kimberly Junod and our engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think that stage fright is a necessary ingredient for a compelling performance? What are your favorite Deftones tracks, and how do they resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
