Chino Moreno

Early Life

Chino Moreno, born Camillo "Chino" Wong Moreno in Sacramento, California, is the second of five children in a family with Mexican and Chinese heritage. His nickname, "Chino," was affectionately given to him by his uncles due to his Asian appearance. Growing up in the Oak Park area, he attended C. K. McClatchy High School, where he met future bandmates Abe Cunningham and Stephen Carpenter. Before embarking on his music career, Moreno worked in the shipping department of Tower Records.

Career

In 1988, Moreno, Cunningham, and Carpenter formed the alternative metal band Deftones, which quickly began playing club shows. They were signed to Maverick Records after a performance in Los Angeles, leading to the release of their debut album, "Adrenaline," in 1995. Although it didn't achieve immediate success, the album eventually sold over 220,000 copies, thanks to extensive touring and grassroots promotion. The band's follow-up album, "Around the Fur," released in 1997, marked their rise to fame with hits like "My Own Summer (Shove It)" and "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)." Their 2000 album, "White Pony," was a critical and commercial success, showcasing Moreno's growth as an artist as he began contributing guitar lines alongside his vocals.

Artistry and Influences

Moreno's vocal style has been influenced by artists such as Mike Patton, H.R., Morrissey, and Prince. His musical inspirations span various genres, including electronic music and alternative rock, with notable mentions of bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and the Smashing Pumpkins. He has expressed a nuanced view of heavy metal, acknowledging his initial aversion to the genre while recognizing the diversity within it.

Personal Life

Moreno has been married twice; his first marriage lasted from 1994 to 2006 and produced two children. He married his second wife in 2012, and they have one daughter together. The family has lived in Bend, Oregon, since 2013. Moreno, a former smoker, quit the habit in 2007, marking a significant change in his lifestyle.