The celebrated rock band Deftones came close to an entirely different career trajectory, as revealed in a surprising backstory about their early days. According to Monte Conner, who was affiliated with Roadrunner Records at the time, the band was poised to sign a contract with the label, but there was a catch: they would have to change their iconic name.
Conner recalls how the label’s owner at the time not only wanted a name change but also sought control over the band’s merchandising and publishing rights. This pivotal moment could have significantly altered the band’s path in the music industry. Interestingly, the post that revealed this information also delved into the curious cover art of Deftones’ first album, “Adrenaline,” featuring a nasal aspirator, a device commonly used for infants.
The name change proposition was influenced by the evolving music scene of the early 1990s. Rick Rubin, a prominent figure in the industry, had just renamed his record label from Def American Recordings to American Recordings, signaling a shift away from the word ‘def’ due to its mainstream adoption. Additionally, the ‘tones’ in Deftones was seen as aligning the band with the then-popular ska movement, a genre not reflective of their music style.
The Deftones, surprisingly, didn’t resist the suggestion initially. They considered several alternatives, including “Engine No. 9,” inspired by a track from their demo. However, they ultimately decided against the name change, maintaining their identity as Def Tones. This decision marked a crucial moment in preserving their unique brand and legacy in rock music.
Conner notes that this wasn’t the first time he had asked bands to change their names, citing examples like Xecutioner and Amon, who are now known as Obituary and Deicide, respectively. This insight into the Deftones’ early career challenges underscores the complexities and pressures emerging bands face in the music industry.
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