Deftones frontman Chino Moreno recently reflected on the band’s early career trajectory. He credited Alanis Morissette’s commercial success with enabling their survival as a band. His comments were shared on the Broken Record Podcast.
Moreno emphasized how fortunate the band was to secure a second album opportunity. He noted that many bands never reach that milestone. He explained the financial dynamics that worked in Deftones’ favor during their early years on a major label.
“I think touring a lot from our first record and just actually getting the opportunity to make a second record – a lot of bands don’t even get that chance,” Moreno said. “We got signed to a pretty big label, and we didn’t sell anything close to what Alanis sold, right?”
The Deftones frontman described how the label’s profitability from Morissette’s massive sales likely offset their own initial underperformance.
“I mean, honestly, that probably helped, because I think our label was making so much money from Alanis that they probably lost a lot of money on our first record, but allowed us to go and make a second record,” he continued.
This candid reflection highlights how interconnected the music industry’s financial ecosystem can be. One artist’s success directly impacted another’s opportunity to develop their craft. For Deftones, that second album opportunity proved transformative, allowing the band to refine their sound and establish themselves as more than a one-hit wonder in the nu-metal landscape.
Moreno has publicly acknowledged that Alanis Morissette played an important role in the band’s early career, as reported by Ultimate Guitar. She helped them secure the opportunity to record their second album. This support was crucial as it gave Deftones a chance to build upon their debut and continue developing their sound and audience.
Deftones deliberately avoided being pigeonholed solely in the nu-metal genre that defined the late 90s. Moreno and his bandmates blended heavy riffs with atmospheric elements, creating a signature sound described as a mix of chaos and beauty, according to Ultimate Guitar. Their landmark album White Pony expanded metal’s sonic boundaries and established them as innovators rather than trend-followers.
The band’s commitment to artistic evolution has paid dividends decades later. The PRP reported that even after nearly 30 years, Deftones have experienced a resurgence in popularity. Their fan base has extended to younger generations partly through social media platforms like TikTok. This has allowed them to headline arenas and receive industry accolades such as platinum and gold certifications, marking their status as one of the most enduring alternative metal acts.
Moreno’s creative vision extended beyond Deftones with side projects such as Team Sleep and Crosses. He explored dreamlike and dark synth sounds through these ventures, showcasing his versatility and artistic depth. This willingness to experiment across multiple projects has kept his creative energy fresh and contributed to the band’s longevity in an industry where many acts fade after their initial success.
