When you think of Chino Moreno, your mind likely conjures the primal scream and haunting melodies that define Deftones, the band he’s fronted for decades. But to truly understand the breadth of his artistry, you need to dive into Chino Moreno's Early Collaborations and Side Projects. These aren't mere detours; they are essential explorations that reveal the restless creativity, diverse influences, and deep collaborative spirit simmering beneath the surface of one of modern rock's most enigmatic figures. They offer a rare glimpse into a musician constantly pushing boundaries, experimenting with genres, and finding new voices long before they became widely recognized.
These ventures weren't just creative outlets; they were incubators for ideas, testing grounds for new sounds, and a chance for Moreno to stretch muscles Deftones' framework, however expansive, couldn't always accommodate. They highlight a trajectory that began even as Deftones were rising, showcasing an artist unwilling to be confined to a single sonic identity.
At a Glance: Chino Moreno's Diverse Musical Canvas
- Beyond Deftones: These projects showcase Chino's exploration of genres like trip-hop, dream pop, electronic, and post-rock, proving his artistic range extends far beyond alternative metal.
- Creative Freedom: Side projects offered a space for Moreno to experiment with different vocal styles, lyrical themes, and musical structures, unconstrained by Deftones' established sound.
- Collaborative Spirit: Many ventures emphasize partnerships with other talented musicians, highlighting his ability to blend seamlessly into new creative dynamics.
- Early Seeds: Several projects, like Team Sleep, began taking shape surprisingly early in his career, running concurrently with Deftones' rise to fame.
- Evolving Sound: Following these projects chronologically provides a fascinating timeline of Moreno's evolving musical interests and influences.
- A Deeper Connection: For fans, these collaborations offer a more intimate understanding of Chino as a multifaceted artist, revealing the nuances that contribute to his unique identity.
The Genesis of Other Voices: Why Side Projects Matter
Every artist, no matter how iconic their main band, eventually feels the pull to explore territories beyond their primary creative home. For Chino Moreno, this impulse manifested remarkably early, even as Deftones were building their formidable reputation. Think of it as an itch—a need to chase a particular mood, a fleeting sound, or a lyrical idea that just doesn't fit the established aesthetic. These side projects aren't a sign of dissatisfaction with Deftones; rather, they're a testament to an overflowing well of creative energy.
They allowed Moreno to step out of the frontman role in a literal sense, often sharing vocal duties or working within a less defined genre. This shift in perspective invariably led to fresh approaches to songwriting and performance. It's in these "other voices" that you can trace the development of Chino Moreno in his youth from a burgeoning rock star into a truly versatile and influential musician. The beauty of these early endeavors lies in their unadulterated passion and the raw ambition to simply make music for music's sake.
Team Sleep: Dreamscapes and Sonic Explorations
Perhaps the most significant and certainly one of the earliest of Chino Moreno's major side ventures is Team Sleep. Conceived in the late 1990s and officially debuting in 2005, this project offered a stark contrast to Deftones' aggressive sound, diving deep into atmospheric, ethereal, and often melancholic territories. It was a place for Moreno to explore his love for trip-hop, dream pop, and abstract electronics, creating a sonic tapestry woven with intricate guitar work, subtle rhythms, and his signature soaring, often whispered, vocals.
The band's origins trace back to Moreno's long-standing friendship with guitarist Todd Wilkinson and DJ Crook. Their early jams were less about heavy riffs and more about crafting moods. Imagine late-night sessions, experimenting with samples, delay pedals, and soft, understated melodies. This was the environment where the formative years of Team Sleep really took hold, a deliberate counterpoint to the intensity of his main gig. The self-titled album, released after years of anticipation, was a revelation for many fans, showcasing a softer, more introspective side that many hadn't fully connected with his public persona. Tracks like "Ever (Foreign Flag)" and "Live From the Stage" demonstrated a mastery of dynamic shifts, building from quiet introspection to powerful, emotional crescendos without ever resorting to brute force.
What made Team Sleep so compelling was its commitment to atmosphere. It wasn't about catchy singles; it was about immersive soundscapes that invited the listener to get lost within them. Moreno's vocals often acted as another instrument, layered and treated with effects, sometimes almost indistinct, contributing to the overall dreamlike quality. This project proved that his vocal versatility extended far beyond the screams and croons he was known for.
Crosses (†††): Darkwave Sensibilities and Electronic Textures
Emerging later but still firmly within the "early" phase of his side-project career (debuting in 2011), Crosses (†††) represented another significant evolution. Here, Moreno teamed up with Shaun Lopez (from Far) and Chuck Doom, forging a sound that fused darkwave, electronic music, and subtle alternative rock elements. It's moodier, perhaps more overtly "gothic" in its aesthetic than Team Sleep, yet still deeply melodic and atmospheric.
Crosses allowed Moreno to explore his affinity for electronic music production and synthesize sounds in a more prominent way than ever before. The project’s self-titled EP and subsequent full-length albums embraced programmed beats, pulsating synths, and haunting guitar lines that felt both modern and nostalgically familiar. Moreno’s vocals here are often smooth, sultry, and heavily processed, creating an almost detached, ethereal quality that perfectly complements the dark, sensual backdrop. It’s a project that truly showcased the evolution of Crosses (†††) from an experimental idea into a distinct and potent musical force.
Compared to Team Sleep's more organic, jam-based feel, Crosses is more meticulously crafted, with a precision that hints at a mature understanding of electronic arrangement. Songs like "Telepathy" and "The Epilogue" demonstrate a sophisticated blend of melodic hooks with an underlying tension, creating a sound that is both accessible and deeply artistic. This project affirmed Moreno’s ability to lead a band in a completely different genre, proving his vision extended beyond guitar-driven rock.
Palms: Post-Rock Hypnosis with Familiar Faces
Another essential piece in the puzzle of Chino Moreno's early collaborations is Palms, which officially formed in 2011 and released its self-titled debut in 2013. This project brought Moreno together with three members of the iconic post-rock band Isis: Jeff Caxide (bass), Aaron Harris (drums), and Bryant Clifford Meyer (keyboards/guitars). The synergy here was palpable and immediate.
Palms offered a slower, more expansive, and often instrumental-driven sound than Moreno’s other projects. The music is characterized by long, atmospheric builds, intricate instrumental interplay, and a deep sense of patient exploration. Moreno’s vocals, in this context, act as another layer of texture, often entering the mix gently, almost as a soft current flowing over a vast sonic landscape. It was fascinating to hear how Palms came to be by combining such distinct forces. The instrumentalists brought their signature brand of thoughtful, heavy post-rock, while Moreno's voice added a crucial human element, guiding the listener through the rich soundscapes.
This collaboration truly highlighted Moreno's adaptability. He wasn't trying to force Deftones-esque aggression into a post-rock framework; instead, he seamlessly integrated his unique vocal style into the band's existing aesthetic. Tracks like "Future Warrior" and "Mission Statement" exemplify the band's ability to build a hypnotic atmosphere, proving that intensity doesn't always require volume or speed. This project further solidified his reputation as a musician who could not only contribute to but also elevate diverse musical settings.
Beyond the Core Projects: Guest Spots and Fleeting Encounters
While Team Sleep, Crosses, and Palms are Moreno's most recognized early side projects, his collaborative spirit extended to numerous guest appearances on other artists' tracks. These scattered features offer even more insights into his influences and the respect he commands across genres. These often fleeting encounters allowed him to experiment in micro-doses, providing a different flavor to a variety of sounds.
Some of his early standout guest spots include:
- Soulfly – "First Commandment" (1998): Appearing on Max Cavalera's post-Sepultura project, Moreno delivered a raw, intense vocal performance that perfectly complemented Soulfly's tribal-metal sound. This was an early demonstration of his versatility beyond Deftones.
- Korn – "Wicked" (1998): A less prominent but still notable contribution to Korn's Follow the Leader, showcasing his willingness to dip into the nu-metal scene without compromising his distinct identity.
- P.O.D. – "Circles" (2001): A rare collaboration that saw him lend his voice to a track by the Christian nu-metal band, again highlighting his open-minded approach to working with different artists.
- Snapcase – "Caboose" (2002): A powerful guest vocal on a track by the hardcore band, demonstrating his ability to switch from melodic to aggressive in an instant, proving some standout guest vocal appearances truly broadened his artistic range.
These guest vocals are more than just features; they're moments where Chino Moreno injects his unmistakable vocal timbre and emotional depth into another artist's vision, often elevating the track in unexpected ways. They show a willingness to step into various shoes, absorbing new energies and contributing his own unique essence.
Thematic Threads: What These Projects Reveal About Chino Moreno
Looking at these early collaborations and side projects collectively, several recurring themes and revelations about Chino Moreno emerge.
A Deep Seeker of Atmosphere and Mood
Whether it’s the hazy, introspective aura of Team Sleep, the brooding electronica of Crosses, or the expansive soundscapes of Palms, Moreno consistently gravitates towards music that prioritizes atmosphere over overt aggression. He uses sound to paint pictures, evoke feelings, and create immersive experiences. This isn't to say Deftones lack atmosphere, but these projects allowed him to explore these elements in their purest forms, often with less distortion and more space.
The Lyrical Architect of Personal Landscapes
While his lyrics in Deftones are often abstract and open to interpretation, his side projects sometimes offer a slightly different lens. In Team Sleep, for example, the introspection feels more direct, a gentle unfolding of personal thoughts rather than an enigmatic pronouncement. In Crosses, there's a recurring sense of nocturnal sensuality, a more direct engagement with themes of desire, loss, and spiritual questioning. These projects become canvases for his lyrical poetry, each with its own color palette and thematic focus.
A Master of Vocal Transformation
Moreno’s voice is his most recognizable instrument, and these projects are a masterclass in its versatility. He demonstrates an incredible ability to adapt his delivery, tone, and technique to suit the specific needs of each musical context. He can be:
- Whispering and delicate: Often heard in Team Sleep, creating intimacy.
- Smooth and melancholic: A hallmark of Crosses, adding a layer of sophisticated darkness.
- Soaring and ethereal: Present in Palms, floating above the instrumentation.
- Aggressive and visceral: Though less frequent in these projects, still evident in some guest spots.
This adaptability confirms that his voice isn't just powerful; it's a finely tuned instrument capable of expressing a vast emotional spectrum. You can hear how his work with Deftones influenced these projects by providing a foundation of intensity, but also how these projects, in turn, refined his nuance and range, ultimately enriching his performances with Deftones.
The Collaborative Chameleon
Moreno thrives in collaborative environments. He’s not just an imposing frontman; he’s a team player who can blend his unique talents with others, respecting their creative visions while still imbuing the music with his distinct personality. This willingness to step back, share the spotlight, and allow the collective chemistry to lead is a testament to his maturity as an artist. He doesn't dominate; he integrates.
Navigating His Discography: A Listener's Guide
For someone looking to explore Chino Moreno's early collaborations and side projects, it can feel like a sprawling journey. Here's a brief guide to help you dive in:
- Start with Team Sleep (2005): This is arguably the most essential starting point for understanding his early divergence. It's atmospheric, melancholic, and a beautiful introduction to his softer side. The self-titled album is a cohesive, immersive listen.
- Move to Crosses (†††) (2011 EPs, 2014 LP): If you enjoy a darker, more electronic, and subtly sensual sound, Crosses is your next stop. Their self-titled full-length is polished and captivating.
- Explore Palms (2013): For fans of atmospheric rock, particularly post-rock, Palms offers a different kind of immersion. It’s slower, more meditative, and incredibly rewarding.
- Seek Out Guest Appearances: Once you have a feel for his main projects, delve into his guest spots. Websites like Discogs or streaming platforms can often list these. Start with the more prominent ones like Soulfly’s "First Commandment."
Understanding the context of these projects is key. They aren't meant to be "Deftones-lite" or replacements. They are parallel universes, offering alternative expressions of a singular artistic vision. Each project is a conversation, a particular mood, a distinct journey that contributes to the rich tapestry of Chino Moreno's career.
The Enduring Appeal of His Eclectic Spirit
Chino Moreno's early collaborations and side projects are more than just footnotes in his illustrious career; they are vital chapters that reveal the true depth and restless curiosity of his artistry. They demonstrate that even as the frontman of a hugely successful band, his creative spirit yearned for diverse forms of expression, exploring sounds and sentiments that broadened his appeal and deepened his impact.
These ventures are a testament to the power of artistic curiosity—the willingness to step outside comfort zones and embrace new challenges. They show a musician who constantly seeks evolution, understanding that true artistry lies not in sticking to a formula, but in the courage to explore the unknown. So, the next time you put on a Deftones record, remember the diverse soundscapes and creative partnerships that shaped the man behind the voice. Dive into these projects; you might just discover new facets of an artist you thought you already knew intimately.