by Deftones frontman Chino Moreno recently discussed why the band’s music has resonated with a new generation of fans. He shared insights about their enduring appeal in an interview with Louder Sound.
Moreno reflected on their musical approach when asked about the band’s connection with younger audiences. He explained how they’ve avoided being pigeonholed into specific genres.
When asked “Why do you think Deftones’ music has connected with this new generation of people?”, Moreno offered his perspective on the band’s timeless appeal.
“It’s hard to say. I’d like to think that it’s not music that’s so dated to a certain time,” Moreno said.
The vocalist explained how the band has consistently worked to avoid being categorized within specific musical movements.
“It’s so funny, because we tried hard not to be lumped in with nu metal when nu metal was big, and then we kind of had to do it again with the nu metal resurgence – like, hoping that we weren’t going to get lumped in once again,” he continued. “I think we do at times, but we didn’t want to be dated back then, and the musical choices we made were not going to pigeonhole us into that space and time.”
Moreno also shared a personal anecdote about discovering the band’s popularity among younger fans.
“The funniest thing is probably when my daughter’s friends started showing interest in our band. I was like, ‘Really?’ And back then, she was still in high school – she’s in college now,” he said. “And then I was curious about it, because I’ve never had a TikTok account, so I didn’t see any of that physically. I was just being told about it.”
Moreno’s observations about the band’s enduring appeal reflect a deeper musical evolution. This evolution has distinguished Deftones from their contemporaries over nearly four decades.
Wikipedia noted that Deftones formed in Sacramento in 1988. They have been described as “the Radiohead of metal” due to their experimental sound that blends heavy riffs with atmospheric and shoegaze elements. This unique approach has consistently differentiated them from typical nu-metal acts throughout their career.
The band’s musical transformation became particularly evident with their 1997 album Around the Fur. Elienis reported that this album began to integrate shoegaze textures that set them apart from their peers. This integration of dreamy soundscapes with heavy music has influenced various contemporary bands. It helped establish a new subgenre that merges metal with atmospheric elements.
This distinctive blend has proven crucial to Deftones’ lasting appeal across generations. Houston Press highlighted that their music balances aggression with moodiness. This balance allows younger fans to connect on new levels beyond the original nu-metal context. This versatility has enabled the band to maintain relevance while many of their nu-metal contemporaries have faded from mainstream attention.
The band’s ability to transcend generational boundaries demonstrates how their deliberate artistic choices have paid off. They created a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary to new listeners discovering their music through platforms like TikTok.
