Rock Feed Stephen Carpenter (Deftones)
Jul 21, 2024
Stephen Carpenter, the guitarist for Deftones, shares his journey from skateboarding with Chino and Abe to forming one of the most influential bands in alternative metal. He discusses his minimalist playing style influenced by legends like Van Halen and Kiss. Stephen opens up about his decision to stop international touring due to anxiety and prioritizing family life. He also reflects on memorable moments with rock icons like Ozzy Osbourne and his evolving approach to songwriting. Get insights into his gear choices and a peek at his plans for social media engagement!
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Origin Story Through Skateboarding
- Stephen Carpenter met his bandmates through school, neighborhood connections and skateboarding, not formal auditions.
- Their early bond grew from jamming together and shared goals to start a band and “get to rocking out.”
Sound Built From Diverse Tastes
- Stephen never obsessively pursued a signature shred style and values drum-driven music and diverse influences.
- He views Deftones as a blend of styles — "deaf" as cool and "tones" as varied musical tones.
Stepped Back From International Touring
- Stephen stopped international touring due to severe anxiety about flying and pandemic-related travel risks.
- He credits bandmates and touring fill-in Lance for supporting his decision so the band can keep going.