Muhammad Hamdan
In a candid revelation that aims to reframe a significant chapter in the history of the influential alternative metal band Deftones, former bassist and drummer Dominic Garcia has come forward to assert his status as a founding member, pushing back against a long-held narrative that has often characterized him as an early recruit. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Metal Hammer magazine, Garcia provided a detailed account of the band’s nascent stages, shedding light on his integral involvement from the very inception of the Sacramento-based outfit.
Garcia’s assertion directly challenges the commonly accepted timeline of Deftones’ formation, which has sometimes downplayed his foundational contribution. "That’s not true – I’m a founding member," Garcia stated unequivocally. His recollection paints a picture of musical camaraderie forged in high school, where he first connected with drummer Abe Cunningham. This initial connection soon evolved as they encountered guitarist Stephen Carpenter, a pivotal figure in the band’s sonic architecture and naming.
The Genesis of Deftones: From Garage Jams to a Defining Name
The early days of Deftones were far from the polished, genre-bending sound that would later captivate a global audience. Instead, they were characterized by raw experimentation and a shared drive to create something new. Garcia detailed how Stephen Carpenter, a few years older and living in their neighborhood, became aware of his and Cunningham’s jamming sessions. "Stephen [Carpenter, guitarist] lived in the neighborhood – he was 18, a couple of years older than us. He’d ride around on his bike, and one day we were jamming out and Stephen must have heard us ‘cos he poked his nose through the window and invited us to come jam with him at his house," Garcia recounted.
At this formative stage, the core trio—Garcia, Cunningham, and Carpenter—were primarily focused on generating sonic textures rather than adhering to conventional song structures. It was Carpenter who emerged as the principal architect of the band’s early musical identity. "We were mostly just making noise, but Stephen was the riff master – he came up with all these amazing riffs," Garcia explained. Beyond his musical contributions, Carpenter is credited with christening the band, a decision stemming from his admiration for Def Jam Recordings. "It was Stephen who came up with the name The Deftones, because he loved Def Jam Recordings so much. It was always The Deftones when I was in the band, from what I can remember." This detail offers a fascinating glimpse into the influences that shaped the band’s initial branding.
The search for a vocalist proved to be another critical juncture in the band’s evolution. Deftones auditioned a diverse range of vocalists, including an MC, before ultimately discovering Chino Moreno. Moreno’s unique vocal stylings and unexpected talent for singing The Smiths songs, a departure from the typical metal vocal approach, set him apart and solidified his place in the lineup. The band’s early original compositions, such as the reportedly funk-metal-infused "Butt Booty Naked," hinted at the genre-fluid identity that Deftones would later cultivate, blending heavy riffs with experimental elements.
A Shifting Lineup and the Arrival of Chi Cheng
The dynamic of the band underwent a significant shift when Abe Cunningham departed to join a local act named Phallucy. This transition necessitated a change in Garcia’s role within Deftones; he moved from playing bass to taking on drumming duties. This internal reshuffling created an opening that would be filled by the late Chi Cheng, whose tenure with Deftones left an indelible mark on their sound and lyrical depth.
Garcia spoke of Cheng with profound respect and admiration. He described him as "wonderful" and a deeply creative individual whose passion for poetry infused the band’s artistic output with a new layer of emotional and intellectual complexity. Cheng’s lyrical contributions and his distinctive vocal presence became a hallmark of Deftones’ signature sound during his time with the band.
An Unceremonious Departure and a New Artistic Path
Despite his foundational role and significant contributions, Garcia’s time with Deftones concluded without a formal farewell. While simultaneously managing his commitments to both Deftones and Phallucy, he learned of his effective replacement through an intermediary. This indirect notification marked an abrupt and, as he admitted, "heartbroken" end to his tenure. However, Garcia emphasized that he harbors no lingering bitterness over the circumstances of his departure, a testament to his mature perspective on his past involvement.
In the years that have followed his departure from Deftones, Garcia has embarked on a distinct artistic journey, diverging significantly from the rock music scene. His current passion lies in the exploration of world and ethnological music, with a particular focus on the rich traditions of Latin music. "Phallucy wound up breaking up because of management stuff, but I was kind of moving away from rock music at that point," Garcia explained.
His foray into world music began during his studies at Sacramento City College. "I took a world music class at Sacramento City College and started getting into ethnological music – that touched my soul," he stated. This academic exploration ignited a deep-seated passion for the roots of Latin music, which has become the central focus of his artistic endeavors. Demonstrating his dedication, Garcia recently received a grant to learn the intricate craft of carving sacred Bata drums, instruments integral to spiritual Yoruba ceremonies. This pursuit signifies a profound artistic evolution, moving from the visceral energy of alternative metal to the profound cultural and spiritual dimensions of traditional music.
Reflections and Continued Connection
Reflecting on his time with Deftones, Garcia expressed no regrets. His connection to the band, though altered, remains. He continues to attend their concerts, albeit with a sense of playful detachment. Garcia recounted a recent hometown gig where his enthusiastic engagement led to his removal from the mosh pit. "I enjoyed the show a little bit too much… I got kicked out of the pit. I was like, ‘I used to be in this band!’" he laughed, underscoring a lighthearted acknowledgment of his past and present relationship with the band and its fanbase.
Garcia’s updated narrative provides crucial context for the early years of Deftones, a band that has consistently defied categorization and evolved into one of modern rock’s most enduring and respected acts. His insistence on his founding membership underscores the importance of acknowledging all the individuals who contributed to the initial spark and trajectory of such influential musical entities. The story of Deftones is multifaceted, and Garcia’s insights add a vital layer to its complex and compelling history.
