Full Breakdown
The Early Days of Deftones: A Founding Member's Perspective
3/24/2026, 6:00:58 PM
Founding the Band
Dominic Garcia, the original bassist of the Deftones, reflects on the band's formative years in a recent interview with Metal Hammer. The Deftones, now a prominent name in the alt-metal scene, have experienced a resurgence in popularity, drawing in new fans and releasing critically acclaimed work. However, in their early days, they were just another band striving for recognition. Garcia emphasizes his role as a founding member, recalling how he and drummer Abe Cunningham met in high school and began jamming together. They were later joined by guitarist Stephen Carpenter, who contributed significantly to the band's sound and even named the group after Def Jam Recordings.
The Search for a Vocalist
As the band began to develop their identity, they sought a vocalist who could complement their style. Garcia recounts the audition process for singers, noting that Stephen Carpenter was particularly interested in finding someone who could rap. They initially auditioned a talented MC named Gilbert before bringing in Chino Moreno, whom Garcia had known since childhood. Moreno's audition, featuring a Danzig song, impressed the band and solidified his place as their frontman.
Transition and Changes
In the early 1990s, the Deftones underwent significant changes. Garcia transitioned to drumming after Cunningham left to join another local band, Phallucy. During this time, Chi Cheng joined as the bassist. Garcia describes Cheng as a kind-hearted individual with a passion for poetry. Despite his involvement in both bands, Garcia learned through a third party that Stephen had recruited John Taylor to play drums for the Deftones, leading him to feel a sense of loss regarding his founding role.
Personal Growth and Reflection
Garcia eventually distanced himself from rock music, exploring ethnological music and Latin roots, which he describes as a newfound passion. He has no regrets about leaving the Deftones, stating that he enjoyed their recent performance in Sacramento, albeit with a humorous twist—he was ejected from the venue for being too aggressive in the mosh pit. Reflecting on his past, he humorously remarked, “I used to be in this band!”
Criticism & Opposition
While Garcia's perspective offers insight into the band's early dynamics, it also highlights the complexities of band membership and personal choices in the music industry. Some may argue that his departure, whether voluntary or circumstantial, reflects the often tumultuous nature of band relationships and the impact of individual aspirations on collective success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've read on the internet that I was invited to play with the band as the first bass player.” — Dominic Garcia, Original Bassist of Deftones
- “We auditioned him with a Danzig tune.” — Dominic Garcia on Chino Moreno
- “I never actually left The Deftones.” — Dominic Garcia
- “I enjoyed the show a little bit too much – I wound up getting kicked out of the show ’cos I was being too aggressive in the pit.” — Dominic Garcia
The reflections of Dominic Garcia provide a unique glimpse into the early days of the Deftones, illustrating the band's evolution and the personal journeys of its members.
