DEFTONES Open Up About New Album ‘Private Music’, Sobriety, Health Battles & Creative Rebirth in Candid Interview

With the release of their new single “My Mind Is A Mountain” and the official announcement of their long-awaited tenth album Private Music, Deftones have entered a powerful new chapter of their career — one defined by personal growth, renewed chemistry, and a fresh wave of inspiration.

In a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the multi-platinum alternative metal icons dove into the experience of crafting the record, which arrives August 22nd and was created across numerous sessions over the last year and a half. Vocalist/guitarist Chino Moreno described the writing and recording process as the most enjoyable he’s had in years:

“It’s obviously work to make, I mean, to create… But it definitely should be enjoyable, right?… I’ve made a couple records where it wasn’t as enjoyable as this record… Whereas this record, to me, was just like having those breaks in-between… Leaving the studio that day was something that didn’t exist before we walked in there.”

Moreno also spoke on the younger wave of fans that has embraced the band in recent years — often discovering them through TikTok and social media. He shared how meet-and-greets revealed a beautiful generational handoff:

“Sometimes it was the younger kids who showed their parents… And then parents were bringing their kids. So it was kind of a cool thing.”

A Shift in Perspective

For guitarist Stephen Carpenter, the creation of Private Music marked a turning point. Reflecting on years of coasting on “autopilot,” Carpenter admitted a renewed commitment:

“I have a greater appreciation for all of this… I want to put more into it now than I have in a while.”

His health, however, played a major role in shaping that journey. Carpenter revealed he has been dealing with type II diabetes and severe arm pain, which at one point left him immobile and in constant pain. During 2023’s Coachella performances, his energy was so depleted that he was simply trying not to collapse on stage.

“That was my lowest point… I’ve been really making an effort to go the other way. I’m eating right every day. I’m exercising. I’m trying to rebuild me.”

Carpenter also confirmed he will continue touring domestically by bus only, as his anxiety prevents him from flying or traveling by boat.

A Clear-Headed Chino Moreno

Chino Moreno, meanwhile, credits his nearly three years of sobriety as the key to his creative revival:

“I felt like I woke up… When I started writing again, it was just like, everything is a lot clearer.”

He admitted to falling into destructive patterns during the pandemic, where isolation and boredom led to drinking early in the day and a lack of inspiration. Sobriety, he said, changed everything:

“I just feel like more present, and I feel more inside the music… I’m not doling it. It’s a lot more… I can’t explain exactly what it is but it’s awesome, and it’s fun.”

Drummer Abe Cunningham chimed in on the shift he’s seen in Moreno:

“I’ve watched you all my life… your energy is through the roof because of [sobriety]. This is nothing like I’ve seen before.”

The Origins of “My Mind Is A Mountain” and Private Music

When it came to creating the album’s lead single, “My Mind Is A Mountain,” Carpenter revealed it emerged organically from a jam session — much like their classic track “Change”:

“There was no song. We were in the room, just messing around, and then it just started forming.”

The track showcases the band’s hallmark head-nod heaviness, with Chino noting:

“I love the fact that it’s bombastic… it has that head nod… We always like to feel that you can nod your head to it.”

As for the album’s cryptic title, Private Music, Moreno said it started as a desktop folder label, but grew into a deeper concept:

“I like the kind of exclusivity of the name… Very personal, maybe restricted, maybe naughty. It has all these connotations… very private.”

The full interview also touches on the album’s working titles, White Pony’s legacy, and their late bassist Chi Cheng. You can view the full Apple Music interview now.

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