Stephen Carpenter: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia


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{{Short description|American guitarist}}

{{other people}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2014}}

{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->

| name = Stephen Carpenter

| image = Stephen Carpenter Deftones Rock im Park 2016 (15 von 14).jpg

| caption = Carpenter performing with [[Deftones]] at [[Rock am Ring and Rock im Park|Rock im Park]], June 2016.

| image_size =

| landscape = yes

| background = non_vocal_instrumentalist

| birth_name =

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|birth_place = [[Sacramento, California]], U.S.

| death_date =

| instrument = {{flatlist|▼

* Guitar

* drums

* drum machine<ref name="drummer" />

}}

| genre = {{flatlist|

* [[Alternative metal]]

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* [[nu metal]]

}}

| occupationinstrument = {{flatlist|Guitar

*| occupation = Musician

| years_active = 1989–present1988–present▼

* songwriter

▲| instrument current_member_of = {{flatlist|

}}

▲| years_active = 1989–present

| label = {{flatlist|

* [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]]

* [[Maverick Records|Maverick]]

* [[Reprise Records|Reprise]]

}}

| associated_acts = {{flatlist|

* [[Deftones]]

* [[Sol Invicto]]

* [[Kush (band)|Kush]]▼

}}

▲*| past_member_of = [[Kush (band)|Kush]]

| website = {{urlURL|www.deftones.com}}

}}

'''Stephen''' "'''Steph'''" '''Carpenter''' ([[Help:IPA/English|/ˈstɛfən/]] [[Help:Pronunciation respelling key|''STEF-ən'']]; born August 3, 1970) is an American musician, known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the [[alternative metal]] band [[Deftones]].

His guitar technique makes use of both ringing open strings and [[Consonance and dissonance|dissonant]] chord voicings, as well as stock [[power chord]]s in [[polyrhythm]]s. Carpenter began his musical career with Deftones playing the traditional six-string guitar. After becoming influenced by such bands as [[Fear Factory]] and [[Meshuggah]], he began playing a [[seven-string guitar]] in the late 1990s. After Deftones' third album ''[[White Pony]]'', subsequent releases would be written with seven-strings, until 2010's ''[[Diamond Eyes]]'' and 2012's ''[[Koi No Yokan]]'', which were written with an [[eight-string guitar]]. Starting with 2020’s2020's ''[[Ohms (album)|Ohms]]'', songs have been written with nine-string guitars.

Carpenter was ranked 60th in [[Guitar World]]'s ''The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists'' poll.

==BiographyEarly life==

Stephen Carpenter was born on August 3, 1970, in Sacramento, California, to an American father and a Mexican mother.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.deftonesworld.com/txt/mtv_1100.txt |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 1, 2011 |archive-date=June 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606064204/http://www.deftonesworld.com/txt/mtv_1100.txt |url-status=dead }}</ref> He has a sister named Marci. He is first cousin to [[Testament (band)|Testament]] singer [[Chuck Billy (vocalist)|Chuck Billy]].<ref name="lambgoat">{{Cite web| last = Ailes| first = Drew| title = Deftones interview| publisher = Lambgoat| date = March 27, 2006| url = http://www.lambgoat.com/features/interviews/deftones.aspx| access-date = 2007-12-20}}</ref> He grew up in the Sacramento area and pursued many hobbies, including [[skateboarding]].▼

===Early life===

▲Stephen Carpenter was born on August 3, 1970 in Sacramento, California, to an American father and a Mexican mother.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.deftonesworld.com/txt/mtv_1100.txt |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 1, 2011 |archive-date=June 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606064204/http://www.deftonesworld.com/txt/mtv_1100.txt |url-status=dead }}</ref> He has a sister named Marci. He is first cousin to [[Testament (band)|Testament]] singer [[Chuck Billy (vocalist)|Chuck Billy]].<ref name="lambgoat">{{Cite web| last = Ailes| first = Drew| title = Deftones interview| publisher = Lambgoat| date = March 27, 2006| url = http://www.lambgoat.com/features/interviews/deftones.aspx| access-date = 2007-12-20}}</ref> He grew up in the Sacramento area and pursued many hobbies, including [[skateboarding]].

When Carpenter was 15 years old, he was hit by a car while skateboarding. He used a wheelchair for several months. It was at this point that he began teaching himself guitar by playing along with the records of bands such as [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Stormtroopers of Death]] and [[Metallica]].<ref name="GWstef">Interview with Stephen Carpenter, ''[[Guitar World]]'', October 1997.</ref> It has been reported that the driver paid Carpenter a cash settlement that allowed the band to purchase equipment,<ref name="GWstef"/><ref name="AMGbio">{{cite web|author=Prato, Greg |title=Deftones biography |website= [[AllMusic]] |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p168233|pure_url=yes}} | access-date=2007-12-14}}</ref><ref name="pollstar">{{cite magazine |author= Unknown |title= Hotstar&nbsp;– Deftones |url= http://www.pollstar.com/news/viewhotstar.pl?Artist=DEFTON |magazine= [[Pollstar]] |date= December 22, 1997 |access-date= 2007-12-16 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20020612011710/http://www.pollstar.com/news/viewhotstar.pl?Artist=DEFTON |archive-date= June 12, 2002 |df= mdy-all }}</ref> but drummer Abe Cunningham commented in an interview that this was "a myth about how our band was started."<ref>Interview with [[Abe Cunningham]], ''[http://www.metaledgemag.com/ Metal Edge]'', January 2007.</ref>

Carpenter attended [[McClatchy High School]] with future bandmates [[Chino Moreno]] and [[Abe Cunningham]]. They were childhood friends and remained friends through the [[skateboarding]] scene in Sacramento.<ref name="GWstef"/> When Moreno found out Carpenter played guitar, he set up a [[jam (music)|jam session]] with Cunningham and the three began playing regularly in Carpenter's garage circa 19891988.

After playing with several bassists, the band settled on [[Chi Cheng (musician)|Chi Cheng]] and within two years the band began playing club shows and later expanded their playing territory to San Francisco and Los Angeles where they played shows alongside bands such as [[Korn]].<ref name="pollstar"/><ref name="RS">Deftones [interview], ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', 2000.</ref>

===Personal life=Artistry==

Carpenter has stated that he mostly listens to [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], but outside of hip hop, [[Meshuggah]], [[Fear Factory]], [[Metallica]], [[Slayer]], [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], and [[Faith No More]] are some of his influences.<ref name="deftonesworld.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.deftonesworld.com/members.htm |title=DEFTONESWORLD.com - It's all about the deftones |website=www.deftonesworld.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103095216/http://www.deftonesworld.com/members.htm |archive-date=2006-01-03}} </ref> He has also stated that his favorite album of all time is ''[[Chaosphere]]'' by Meshuggah, saying: "The most brutal record I've heard, from second one to second last. It left me wondering where the hell I'd been the whole time."<ref name="deftonesworld.com"/> While recording Deftones' ''[[Diamond Eyes]]'', he claimed that the only artist he listened to was American rapper [[Tech N9ne]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2010/06/11/all-eyes-on-the-deftones-the-stephen-carpenter-interview/ | title=All Eyes on the Deftones: The Stephen Carpenter Interview | publisher=[[MetalSucks]] | date=June 11, 2010 | access-date=November 15, 2013 | author=DF, Anso}}</ref>▼

==Equipment==

His relationship with Deftones lead singer and bandmate [[Chino Moreno]] has been recorded as being fraught at times. Apparently, recording of ''[[Saturday Night Wrist]]'' was protracted due to their "warfare".<ref name="korn">{{cite news|first= Greg|last= Barr|date= July 31, 2003|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/2003-07-31/music/korn-shuckers/|title=Korn Shuckers|newspaper=[[Houston Press]]|access-date=2007-12-24}}</ref> With regards to musical tastes, ''Saturday Night Wrist'' being described as "more aggressive" equated to it being "more aggressive for him [Chino]"; Carpenter said he'd "definitely be glad to take it to the next level, but that's asking too much right now."▼

[[File:Stephen Carpenter 2009.jpg|thumb|right|Carpenter performing with [[Deftones]] in November 2009.]]▼

Carpenter currently endorses [[ESP Guitars]], [[Marshall Amplifiers]], Engl Amplifiers, [[Native Instruments|GuitarRig]] and Fishman Fluence Signature [[Pickup (music technology)|pickups]]. He has been a major endorser of [[ESP Guitars|ESP]] since the mid-1990s with a number of signature six, seven, eight string and baritone models in production.▼

Carpenter currently uses [[Dunlop Manufacturing|Dunlop]] .011-.069 gauge strings. He also uses [[Dunlop Manufacturing|Dunlop]] 1&nbsp;mm Tortex picks which are black with a custom logo. Carpenter's current rig consists of only a Fractal Audio Axe-FX II running straight into the venue's PA system. He also uses one or two Electro-Harmonix .22 Caliber pedals to power his monitors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/19999-rig-rundown---deftones-stephen-carpenter-sergio-vega|title=Rig Rundown: Deftones' Stephen Carpenter & Sergio Vega|date=November 27, 2013}}</ref>▼

In November 2020, Carpenter revealed his belief in various [[conspiracy theories]], including his belief that the [[Flat Earth theory|Earth is flat]] and expressing [[Vaccine hesitancy|anti-vaccination beliefs]], among others.<ref>[https://www.theprp.com/2020/11/12/news/deftones-stephen-carpenter-explains-his-flat-earth-anti-vax-simulation-theory-etc-beliefs/ Deftones’ Stephen Carpenter Explains His Flat Earth, Anti-Vax, Simulation Theory, Etc. Beliefs] The PRP. 12 November 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.</ref> Commenting on this in 2021, Moreno suggested this may be related to Carpenter's [[cannabis smoking]] or being affected by his attendance of the [[Bataclan (theatre)|Bataclan theatre]] shortly before the [[November 2015 Paris attacks]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-20|title=Deftones' Chino Moreno: Stephen Carpenter's conspiracy beliefs likely stem from "weed" and "paranoia"|url=https://consequence.net/2021/10/deftones-chino-moreno-stephen-carpenter-conspiracy-beliefs/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Consequence|language=en-US}}</ref>▼

===Musical influences===

▲Carpenter has stated that he mostly listens to [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], but outside of hip hop, [[Meshuggah]], [[Fear Factory]], [[Metallica]], [[Slayer]], [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], and [[Faith No More]] are some of his influences.<ref name="deftonesworld.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.deftonesworld.com/members.htm |title=DEFTONESWORLD.com - It's all about the deftones |website=www.deftonesworld.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103095216/http://www.deftonesworld.com/members.htm |archive-date=2006-01-03}} </ref> He has also stated that his favorite album of all time is ''[[Chaosphere]]'' by Meshuggah, saying: "The most brutal record I've heard, from second one to second last. It left me wondering where the hell I'd been the whole time."<ref name="deftonesworld.com"/> While recording Deftones' ''[[Diamond Eyes]]'', he claimed that the only artist he listened to was American rapper [[Tech N9ne]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2010/06/11/all-eyes-on-the-deftones-the-stephen-carpenter-interview/ | title=All Eyes on the Deftones: The Stephen Carpenter Interview | publisher=[[MetalSucks]] | date=June 11, 2010 | access-date=November 15, 2013 | author=DF, Anso}}</ref>

==Other projects==

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Carpenter is a member of the underground instrumental project [[Sol Invicto]], formed by producer [[Richie Londres]] alongside Technical Itch & Dan Foord.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/deftones-stephen-carpenters-side-project-sol-invicto-ep-release/ |title=Deftone's Stephen Carpenter's Side Project Sol Invicto EP Release |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |date=August 16, 2011 |access-date=November 15, 2013 |author=Gill, James |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722090206/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/deftones-stephen-carpenters-side-project-sol-invicto-ep-release/ |archive-date=July 22, 2013 }}</ref> The band released its debut EP, ''Initium'' in 2011 for free. The band's second EP, ''Initium II'' was released in 2013 via the band's official [[SoundCloud]] page. The final installment of the Initium series was released late 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/deftones-guitarist-s-sol-invicto-initium-ii-ep-preview/ | title=Deftones Guitarist's Sol Invicto: 'Initium II' EP Preview | date=January 18, 2012 | access-date=November 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://soundcloud.com/solinvicto | title="Sol Invicto" on SoundCloud | access-date=November 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://noisecreep.com/sol-invicto-stephen-carpenter/ | title=Sol Invicto (Featuring Stephen From the Deftones) Reveal EP Cover – Exclusive | website=[[Noisecreep]] | date=January 18, 2012 | access-date=November 15, 2013 | author=Sciarretto, Amy}}</ref> The group's music is only available to fans via their private mailing list "The Sol Invicto Comiti".

Carpenter was involved in the rap metal band [[Kush (band)|Kush]], featuring [[Christian Olde Wolbers]] and [[Raymond Herrera]] of [[Fear Factory]] and [[B-Real]] of Cypress Hill. The band's debut album, which was set to be released in 2003,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kush-set-fall-release-date-for-long-awaited-debut/ | title=Kush Set Fall Release Date For Long-Awaited Debut | work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] | date=November 28, 2002 | access-date=November 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458879/b-real-finishing-up-kush-lp.jhtml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025074507/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458879/b-real-finishing-up-kush-lp.jhtml | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 25, 2012 | title=B-Real Finishing Up Kush LP, Going Grimmer For Next Cypress Hill Album | publisher=[[MTV]] | date=November 27, 2002 | access-date=November 15, 2013 | author=Downey, Ryan J.}}</ref> was never released.

Carpenter also plays drums. In an interview with ''Guitar.com'' he reported that he likes drums more than he likes guitars, "as far as when it comes to creating the ideas."<ref name="drummer">{{cite web | url=http://www.musiciansfriend.com/resources/article/An-interview-with-Stephen-Carpenter-of-the-Deftones/m710823 | title=Interview:An interview with Stephen Carpenter of the Deftones | access-date=November 15, 2013 | author=Sharken, Lisa}}</ref> Also on his drumming abilities, he said: {{blockquote|"I do play drums. But I play drums like a guitar player, if that makes any sense. I don't play drums like a drummer would, where a drummer has the ability to somehow manipulate that kit into different dimensions. I can't do that. I play to the riffs and I'm pretty straight forward. I could pull off playing drums in a little jam session, but when it comes to really writing songs as a drummer, I don't have it. To me, a tempo could be the same beat in every song, when it comes down to it. Really, you're just changing the tempos to back the riff."<ref name="drummer"/>}}

==EquipmentPersonal life==

▲His relationship with Deftones lead singer and bandmate [[Chino Moreno]] has been recordedreported asto beingalternate fraughtbetween cordial and hostile at times. Apparently,Though their working relationship was known to be friendly at times; the recording of ''[[Saturday Night Wrist]]'' was protracted due to their supposed "warfare".<ref name="korn">{{cite news|first= Greg|last= Barr|date= July 31, 2003|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/2003-07-31/music/korn-shuckers/|title=Korn Shuckers|newspaper=[[Houston Press]]|access-date=2007-12-24}}</ref> With regards to musical tastes, ''Saturday Night Wrist'' being described as "more aggressive" equated to it being "more aggressive for him [Chino]"; Carpenter said he'd "definitely be glad to take it to the next level, but that's asking too much right now.". During a 2016 interview; Moreno revealed the two had engaged into a backstage altercation following a 2001 concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/deftones-confessions-of-chino-moreno|title=Deftones - Confessions of Chino Moreno|date=November 10, 2016 }}</ref>

▲[[File:Stephen Carpenter 2009.jpg|thumb|right|Carpenter performing with [[Deftones]] in November 2009.]]

▲Carpenter currently endorses [[ESP Guitars]], [[Marshall Amplifiers]], Engl Amplifiers, [[Native Instruments|GuitarRig]] and Fishman Fluence Signature [[Pickup (music technology)|pickups]]. He has been a major endorser of [[ESP Guitars|ESP]] since the mid-1990s with a number of signature six, seven, eight string and baritone models in production.

▲In November 2020, Carpenter revealed his belief in various [[conspiracy theories]], including his belief that the [[Flat Earth theory|Earth is flat]] and expressing [[VaccineAnti-vaccine hesitancyactivism|anti-vaccination beliefs]], among others.<ref>[https://www.theprp.com/2020/11/12/news/deftones-stephen-carpenter-explains-his-flat-earth-anti-vax-simulation-theory-etc-beliefs/ Deftones’ Stephen Carpenter Explains His Flat Earth, Anti-Vax, Simulation Theory, Etc. Beliefs] The PRP. 12 November 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.</ref> Commenting on this in 2021, Moreno suggested this may be related to Carpenter's [[cannabis smoking]] or being affected by his attendance of the [[Bataclan (theatre)|Bataclan theatre]] shortly before the [[November 2015 Paris attacks]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-20|title=Deftones' Chino Moreno: Stephen Carpenter's conspiracy beliefs likely stem from "weed" and "paranoia"|url=https://consequence.net/2021/10/deftones-chino-moreno-stephen-carpenter-conspiracy-beliefs/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Consequence|language=en-US}}</ref>

▲Carpenter currently uses [[Dunlop Manufacturing|Dunlop]] .011-.069 gauge strings. He also uses [[Dunlop Manufacturing|Dunlop]] 1&nbsp;mm Tortex picks which are black with a custom logo. Carpenter's current rig consists of only a Fractal Audio Axe-FX II running straight into the venue's PA system. He also uses one or two Electro-Harmonix .22 Caliber pedals to power his monitors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/19999-rig-rundown---deftones-stephen-carpenter-sergio-vega|title=Rig Rundown: Deftones' Stephen Carpenter & Sergio Vega|date=November 27, 2013}}</ref>

Since 2022, Carpenter has not toured with Deftones internationally due to fear of traveling, which he developed during the [[COVID-19]] pandemic. Lance Jackman and Shaun Lopez will be his live fill-in when he is not performing domestically.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennelty |first1=Greg |title=LATEST NEWSSTEPHEN CARPENTER Explains Why He Doesn't Tour Internationally With DEFTONES |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/stephen-carpenter-explains-why-he-doesnt-tour-internationally-with-deftones |website=Metal Injection |date=July 22, 2024 |access-date=29 July 2024}}</ref>

==Discography==

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* ''[[Diamond Eyes]]'' (2010, Warner Bros./[[Reprise Records|Reprise]])

* ''[[Koi No Yokan]]'' (2012, Warner Bros./Reprise Records)

* ''[[Gore (Deftones album)|Gore]]'' (2016, Warner Bros./Reprise Records)

* ''[[Ohms (album)|Ohms]]'' (2020, Warner Bros./Reprise Records)

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* ''Initium II'' (2013)

* ''Initium III'' (2016)

* ''Initium White Label Album'' (2017) (Sol Invicto Comiti)

* ''Diamond Eyes'' (Official Remix) 2010 Warner Bros. Records

* ''You've Seen The Butcher'' (Official Remix) 2010 Warner Bros. Records

* ''Morte Et Dabo (Sol Invicto Remix)'' (2011, Sumerian Records)

* ''A Lesson Never Learned (Sol Invicto Remix)'' (2011, Sumerian Records)

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==References==

{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==

{{commons category}}

*{{Official website|http://www.deftones.com}}

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131022205837/http://vintage.guitargeek.com/rigview/251/ Carpenter's 2000 Deftones Guitar Rig]. GuitarGeek.Com

*[http://www.guitargeek.com/stephen-carpenter-deftones-guitar-rig-and-gear-setup-2011/ Carpenter's 2011 Deftones Guitar Rig] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724013833/http://www.guitargeek.com/stephen-carpenter-deftones-guitar-rig-and-gear-setup-2011/ |date=July 24, 2013 }}. GuitarGeek.Com.

*[https://www.guitarchalk.com/midi-foot-controller-guitar/#tab-con-6 Carpenter's 2011 Deftones Pedalboard Diagram]. GuitarChalk.com

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[[Category:Living people]]

[[Category:American multi-instrumentalists]]

[[Category:American anti-vaccination activists]]

[[Category:Deftones members]]

[[Category:Musicians from Sacramento, California]]

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[[Category:American musicians of Mexican descent]]

[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American musicians]]

[[Category:Flat Earth proponents]]

[[Category:COVID-19 conspiracy theorists]]