DEFTONES’ CHINO MORENO Reflects On TikTok-Driven Popularity & A New Generation Of Fans

For several years, alternative metal icons Deftones have experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, fueled in part by platforms like TikTok introducing the band to a younger generation of listeners. That renewed attention has propelled the Sacramento veterans to new heights, culminating in their recent arena headlining run across the United States — much of which sold out months before the group even announced details of their new album, private music.

Released this past August, private music marked the band’s tenth studio album and delivered impressive results: 87,000 album-equivalent units sold in its first week, landing at #5 on the Billboard 200. Speaking with Metal Hammer in an interview conducted just before the record’s release, Deftones frontman Chino Moreno reflected on how this wave of new fans has reshaped the band’s trajectory.

“The funniest thing is probably when my daughter’s friends started showing interest in our band,” Moreno recalled. “I was like, ‘Really?’ And back then, she was still in high school — she’s in college now. And then I was curious about it, because I’ve never had a TikTok account, so I didn’t see any of that physically. I was just being told about it.”

For many acts, viral success can be fleeting. But Deftones‘ resurgence has been anything but temporary. Moreno believes the momentum has solidified into something far more enduring than a passing fad.

“Part of it could be a trend,” he admitted. “But it’s been a good three or four years since the trend started. And it’s only growing, which is great, but also it’s unsolicited, too. I think if we were on TikTok and we were just like, ‘Yo, check this out,’ and trying to market ourselves to the younger generation, it would probably come off that way. And the fact is that we don’t do that — it’s kind of what now is word of mouth, which is those platforms.”

Decades into their career, Deftones‘ ability to reach new audiences without calculated marketing speaks volumes about their music’s lasting impact. Private music not only reaffirms their place in heavy music history but also cements their connection with a new wave of fans eager to experience Deftones live and loud.