Chino Moreno has been a defining voice in alternative metal for more than three decades. As the frontman of Deftones and a restless collaborator in multiple side projects, he has built a career marked by constant reinvention. This guide brings together verified facts about his age, background, career, family, and current activities, drawing on official sources and recent interviews.
Born in Sacramento, California, in 1973, Moreno co-founded Deftones while still a teenager and helped shape a sound that blended heavy riffs with ethereal melodies. His mixed Chinese and Mexican heritage, his evolution as a vocalist, and his willingness to explore electronic and experimental territory have made him one of the most respected figures in modern rock.
The following sections answer the most common questions about his life, from his real name and early career to his 2025 album announcement and the details he keeps private.
How old is Chino Moreno?
June 20, 1973 (age 52 as of 2025)
Camillo Wong Moreno
Deftones (since 1988)
Unique vocal style mixing melodic singing and aggressive screams
Key insights about Chino Moreno
- Chino Moreno is best known as the frontman of Deftones, but he has been active in several side projects including Team Sleep, Crosses, and Palms.
- His 2025 interview with The Guardian reveals new album details and a reflective look at his career.
- Despite being a public figure, he maintains a relatively private personal life, with limited confirmed details about his wife and children.
- His stage name “Chino” derives from his Chinese heritage, while “Moreno” is his mother’s Mexican surname.
- He began performing professionally in his teens and co-founded Deftones in 1988, releasing their debut album “Adrenaline” in 1995.
- Moreno’s vocal style ranges from melodic singing to full-throated screams, a signature that influenced a generation of alternative metal vocalists.
Chino Moreno snapshot facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Camillo Wong Moreno (stage name Chino Moreno) |
| Date of Birth | June 20, 1973 |
| Age (2025) | 52 years old |
| Ethnicity | Chinese and Mexican descent |
| Origin | Sacramento, California, USA |
| Primary Genre | Alternative metal, experimental rock |
| Main Band | Deftones (formed 1988) |
| Side Projects | Team Sleep, Crosses (†††), Palms, Saudade |
| Marital Status | Married (wife Risa Mora-Moreno / Risa Mora) |
| Primarily via @deftones; personal account not widely shared |
What bands is Chino Moreno in?
Chino Moreno’s musical career is anchored by Deftones, the band he co-founded in 1988 with Stephen Carpenter and Abe Cunningham. He serves as lead vocalist, primary lyricist, and occasional guitarist. Over the years, he has also launched several side projects that explore different sonic territories.
Deftones
Deftones released their debut album “Adrenaline” in 1995 and achieved critical breakthrough with “White Pony” in 2000. The band’s sound mixes alternative metal with elements of shoegaze, post-hardcore, and electronic music. Moreno’s lyrics and vocal delivery are central to their identity. The band’s official website provides updates on releases and touring. For a deeper look at the band’s evolution, the Deftones: Complete Band History covers the full story from the early days onward.
Side projects
Moreno’s first major side project, Team Sleep, formed during the “White Pony” era and allowed him to experiment with more ambient and electronic textures. In 2011, he launched Crosses (†††) with Shaun Lopez, a project that leans into darkwave, synth-pop, and alternative rock. Palms, a supergroup with members of the band Isis, followed in 2013, and Saudade emerged later as another outlet for exploratory music. Each project reflects a different facet of his musical interests.
Beyond his main band, Moreno has worked with producers and artists across electronic, metal, and experimental scenes. His side projects are not merely side pursuits—they have produced multiple albums, EPs, and tours, and they continue to evolve alongside his work with Deftones.
What is Chino Moreno doing now?
In 2025, Chino Moreno remains actively engaged in new music. Deftones have announced their 10th studio album, “Private Music,” expected later in the year. The album was preceded by a rare in-depth interview with The Guardian, published in August 2025, in which Moreno discussed the creative process, self-portraiture, and his evolving perspective on his career.
2025 album: Private Music
“Private Music” marks Deftones’ first full-length release since 2020’s “Ohms.” Details about the album’s sound and themes are still emerging, but Moreno has described it as a deeply personal work. The Guardian interview, titled “I’ve got hundreds of drawings of myself in my house,” featured a Q&A format that gave fans a direct look at his current mindset.
Touring and live performances
Deftones have not yet announced a full tour schedule for 2025, but the band has a history of supporting new albums with extensive live dates. Moreno also continues to perform with Crosses, which hinted at new material in 2024. Fans looking for the most current updates should follow the official Deftones channels.
Who is Chino Moreno’s wife?
Chino Moreno is married to Risa Mora-Moreno, also known as Risa Mora. Multiple sources, including Yamaha’s artist page and IMDB, list her as his spouse. Earlier biographical records note a prior marriage to Celeste Schroeder. Moreno has children from both marriages, though he keeps detailed information about his family life largely private.
Public biographies list children named Kristian, Jakobe (or Jakobi), and Lola, but these details are not consistently cross-referenced across authoritative sources. The limited availability of verified personal information reflects Moreno’s preference for keeping his family out of the public eye.
Because Moreno does not maintain a widely known personal social media account, the most reliable way to track his public activities—including tour announcements, album releases, and interviews—is through the official Deftones Instagram and the band’s website.
Where can I find Chino Moreno on Instagram?
Chino Moreno does not have a widely publicized personal Instagram account. The primary verified Instagram presence associated with him is the official Deftones account, which posts updates about the band’s music, tours, and related projects. Fans seeking a direct social media connection will find the most reliable content there.
Some fan-run accounts and unofficial pages share images and clips related to Moreno, but these are not verified and should be treated accordingly. For official announcements and verified content, the Deftones Instagram and website are the recommended sources.
Chino Moreno’s career timeline
- 1973 – Born in Sacramento, California.
- 1988 – Co-founded Deftones with Stephen Carpenter and Abe Cunningham.
- 1995 – Deftones release debut album “Adrenaline.”
- 2000 – Release of “White Pony” – critical breakthrough.
- 2001 – Formed side project Team Sleep.
- 2011 – Formed electronic side project Crosses (†††).
- 2013 – Formed supergroup Palms with members of Isis.
- 2025 – Deftones announce 10th album “Private Music”; Guardian interview published.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Chino Moreno?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date (June 20, 1973), real name (Camillo Wong Moreno), and ethnicity (Chinese father, Mexican mother) are well documented. | The name and occupation of his wife are not consistently reported across top SERP results; personal life details may be speculation. |
| Deftones and side projects (Team Sleep, Crosses, Palms, Saudade) are verified through official discographies and interviews. | His exact personal Instagram username is not officially listed in top sources – only the Deftones account is confirmed. |
| 2025 album “Private Music” is confirmed by The Guardian interview. | Some younger photos or “90s era” details are scattered; no authoritative compilation exists. |
What is Chino Moreno’s musical significance?
Chino Moreno’s career spans over three decades, marked by a distinctive vocal style that influenced a generation of alternative metal and post-hardcore bands. His ability to shift between melodic singing and aggressive screaming became a hallmark of Deftones’ sound and inspired countless imitators.
His side projects demonstrate a willingness to experiment with electronic, shoegaze, and ambient genres beyond Deftones’ core sound. Team Sleep explored dreamlike textures, Crosses delved into darkwave and synth-pop, and Palms offered a more atmospheric, post-metal approach. This range of output shows an artist who resists creative stagnation.
2025 marks a significant milestone with the upcoming album “Private Music” and a rare in-depth interview, suggesting a renewed public engagement. Despite fame, he maintains a low-key personal life, which contributes to the scarcity of certain biographical details online.
What have major sources said about Chino Moreno?
“I’ve got hundreds of drawings of myself in my house.”
— Chino Moreno, The Guardian (August 2025), reflecting on self-portraits and creativity ahead of the 10th Deftones album.
“Chino” Wong Moreno (born June 20, 1973) is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the alternative metal band Deftones.
— Wikipedia, standard biographical identifier.
“Happy birthday, Chino Moreno! From Deftones and Crosses to Team Sleep, Palms and more…”
— Revolver Magazine Facebook post, birthday celebration listing his musical projects.
What is the key takeaway about Chino Moreno?
Chino Moreno is a musician who has spent more than 35 years pushing alternative metal into new territory. From his early days in Sacramento to his 2025 album announcement, he has remained a creative force while keeping his personal life largely out of the spotlight. For anyone wanting to understand his journey, the Deftones: Complete Band History provides the full context of the band that launched his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chino Moreno’s real name?
His full name is Camillo Wong Moreno. He performs under the stage name Chino Moreno.
What was Chino Moreno like in the 90s?
In the 1990s, he rose to fame as the frontman of Deftones, releasing their debut album “Adrenaline” in 1995 and gaining a cult following with their alternative metal sound. He was known for energetic live performances and an evolving vocal style.
How tall is Chino Moreno?
Height is not consistently reported in authoritative sources. Available estimates range around 5’6″ (168 cm) but are unconfirmed.
Why is he called Chino?
The nickname “Chino” is derived from his Chinese heritage (his father is Chinese). “Moreno” is his mother’s Mexican surname.
Does Chino Moreno have any children?
Yes, he has children, but detailed information about them is kept private. Public biographies mention children named Kristian, Jakobe (or Jakobi), and Lola.
Is Chino Moreno active on Twitter?
Chino Moreno does not maintain a widely known personal Twitter account. Official updates come from Deftones’ social channels.
What is Chino Moreno’s most famous album?
“White Pony” (2000) is widely regarded as Deftones’ critical breakthrough and contains some of Moreno’s most celebrated vocal performances.
Does Chino Moreno play guitar?
Yes, he occasionally plays guitar both in the studio and during live performances, though his primary role is lead vocalist and lyricist.
What is the band Crosses (†††)?
Crosses is an electronic and alternative side project founded by Chino Moreno and Shaun Lopez in 2011. It explores darker, synth-driven sounds distinct from Deftones.
Is Chino Moreno touring in 2025?
Full tour dates have not been announced as of late 2025, but Deftones typically support new albums with extensive touring. Fans should monitor official channels for updates.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.