Deftones’ Enduring Legacy: New music, Younger Fans, and a Festival Vibe
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Nearly four decades into their career, Deftones are demonstrating they are far from a legacy act. The Sacramento-based band continues to captivate audiences, evidenced by the eager response from a growing fanbase-manny of whom are the age of their children-at recent performances.
A Generational Shift in Fanbase
Singer Chino Moreno noted a significant change in concert attendees beginning around 2022.He observed a surge in younger fans,some even introducing their parents to the band’s extensive catalog,including the seminal 2000 album,”White Pony.” This shift reflects a broader trend in music consumption, where older artists are finding new audiences through streaming and social media.
“It does freak me out when I sit back and, in retrospect, think about it,” Moreno admitted while backstage in Victoria, Canada, during pre-tour rehearsals. The band’s sound,a blend of post-hardcore,trip-hop,and shoegaze,has resonated with a new generation discovering these genres.
Deftones have successfully transitioned from being a cult favorite within the nu-metal scene to being widely recognized as a highly influential band of that era.
Did You Know?
Deftones’ sound has been described as a unique blend of genres, often credited with influencing a wide range of contemporary artists.
Despite not being an avid user of social media, Moreno acknowledges its role in the band’s resurgence. He recognizes the platform’s ability to connect artists with fans and facilitate music revelation. “There are positive sides to it, like amongst all the noise, you can share music. It is neat that everybody’s much more connected to be able to share it like that,” he said.
The influx of new fans has reinvigorated the band, inspiring them to push creative boundaries both on stage and in the studio.This renewed energy is channeled into their latest album, “Private Music,” which showcases Deftones at their most evolved.
“Private Music”: A New Chapter
“Private Music” marks the band’s tenth studio album and a continuation of their collaboration with producer Nick Raskulinecz, who previously worked on “Diamond Eyes” (2010) and “Koi No Yokan” (2012).Moreno playfully referenced their working relationship, stating, “Dude, we have to finish the trifecta!”
the album’s creation spanned a year and a half, allowing for a relaxed and experimental atmosphere. The band members,now geographically dispersed across the United States,embraced the chance to reconnect and collaborate.
“Having this whole new generation of eyes on us and more attention now than we’ve had in decades. So why not embrace it?” Moreno explained.”I love that I met a lot of parents and children, fathers and daughters, and they’re at the show together as a bonding experience, and to talk about some type of art you both connected over … it’s really cool.”
The band’s approach to recording prioritized creative fulfillment over external pressures. “Recording can’t be where the label needs [the album], or we need money,” Moreno emphasized. “We’ve made records under those circumstances before, and it sucks the fun out of the experience. We’re bratty in that way where we only want to do something if it’s something we want to do.”
Key album Details
| Album Title | Producer | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Private Music | Nick Raskulinecz | September 2024 |
The album’s tracks,including “My