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DEFTONES
by Lisa Sharer
Group photos by Annamaria Disanto
Live photos by Jenn Alexander
From the January 2007 issue of PRICK Magazine.
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 Deftones (L-R) Frank Delgado, Stephen Carpenter, Chino Moreno, Chi Cheng, and
Abe Cunningham. |
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After a brief hiatus, one of the most innovative bands of our
time is back. With their newest release, Saturday Night
Wrist, the Deftones have forced a hesitant audience to
reclaim their love of an old favorite.After flipping through an array of
eligible producers, the band decided to go with one that would help
evolve their music as well as bring an individual flavor to the fire.
Former Far guitarist, Shaun Lopez, brought an amazing amount of talent
to the final developments and proved to
be the best pick for the latest album.
Appropriately released on Halloween of
2006, their single, “Hole in the Earth,” had
already become a hit on the airwaves, and
the album’s reputation had preceded itself.
This twelve track record (with a bonus
track if downloaded through iTunes) hit the
charts with a deafening resonance that has
put the Deftones right back on the map.
Bassist Chi Cheng, sat down with PRICK to tell us all the dirty secrets
that were involved in this new album. There had been rumors of a falling out
between the band, and fans were worried that the Deftones were no more.
“Well, it’s pretty public that Chino wasn’t really focused and really dedicating
himself to the band. He disappeared with his side band for like six months
without talking to us, and there was no communication. So we weren’t really
sure if the band was really on or off. We had to have a meeting to say, ‘are
we gonna do this or are we not gonna do this?’ So we’re all pretty happy
now.” The break seemed to do them good, and they are excited to be back
on the road playing for all their fans.
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 Chino Moreno on vocals and Abe Cunningham on drums |
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Songs that have lyrics such as, “She haunts the roads, she waits for a new
face. The arms red and injured she wants to rise, she can’t till we have faced,”
are just the type of evocative words that make this Halloween release the
chilling success that it is. The inspiration for this album could have been from
the hoards of new bands that have recently appeared, the work of a new
producer, the important events in their lives, etc. In reality it is much more
simple than that. The members of the Deftones just love to make new
music,“we get more inspired off each other than off
of other bands. So if someone comes up with a really
cool riff,we transform them through that inspiration.”
A band that has lasted since the early ‘90s and
continued to grow is a major achievement these days.
Through many ups and downs they have proven their
right to be here, and it looks like they’re not done yet.
When asked if he had any regrets about his career
Cheng said, “Absolutely not. That’s the one thing I’m
pretty happy about. Regretfully we take too long to
make an album, but otherwise we’ve done everything
the way we’ve always wanted to do it. I don’t think
many bands can say that. We took a formula
that worked and spring boarded it into
total creative freedom instead of sticking to
something safe. We’re not repeating the
same old albums over and over again.” As
youngsters looking towards their musical
future, Deftones were not expecting greatness;
they only wanted to do what made
them happy. There was never any thought
of becoming the huge sensation that they
are today. “No, not at all. We’re from
Sacramento. It’s kind of goofy to think that
way. It’s one thing if you’re an L.A. band, but
we’re a Sacramento band. We didn’t think
like that.”
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 Chi Cheng on bass |
 Chino Moreno |
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In all their humble glory, this band has
become a prominent musical point for the
21st century, and it is bound to get better
and better. The deep feelings that Cheng has about his music is just as complex as his
feelings about tattoos. “I think you should sit on a design for a year before you get it. I
think that’s a pretty safe bet. When someone’s tattooing you, it’s a spiritual experience.
You need to know the roots of tattooing, you should study a little about the other cultures of tattooing: the Polynesians, and so on. You know I see a lot of young bands that
are sleeved, and I’m thinking,‘God damn, I’ve been getting tattooed longer than that kid
has been alive.’ You don’t need to rush out and get sleeved."
The spiritual experience he refers to has become a very meaningful part of Cheng’s
life. He feels that the art shows, “where you’re from at that point in your life. I mean
that’s where you’re at spiritually, mentally and everything else. Also, I don’t believe in
cover-ups. A lot of my buddy’s are cover-up guys. I think, fuck...you shouldn’t have gotten
it in the first place.” Needless to say, he does not regret a single tattoo on his body, and
there are no cover-ups. He is content with his art and is an advocate of the practice.
He even brought tattooing home to the family. “Me and my wife have been going and
getting tattooed by these kids at Hard Luck: one named Bao, he does me, and Miguel
does her. So we get tattooed together. It’s kind of our thing. She’s trying to catch up with
me. I’ve been getting tattooed since the ‘80s, and she’s trying to catch up in the past
four years.”
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Most of Cheng’s tattoos are
either spiritual or very personal pieces
of artwork. He, like most people, feels
that ink should only be applied to the
body when you are sure of your
choice. With the irresponsibility of
young people running out to get any
tattoo, the art just becomes a rebellion
and not a life event. Cheng is an
inspiring individual and an excellent
addition to the Deftones. They put on
an amazing show, with their music and
their art.
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For more information, go to www.deftones.com.
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