Before their performance in Bengaluru, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme engaged in a virtual interview with Bangalore Times. The American rock band always observes a large influx of new fans at their concerts, with approximately 70-80% of the audience being fresh supporters each time. Nuno expressed his appreciation for both longtime and newer fans, highlighting the joy of seeing younger faces in their audience.
Reflecting on their journey, Nuno mentioned how time flies and emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and evolving. As they released their sixth album, he rediscovered the profound impact of music in connecting people.
Nuno likened being a part of Extreme to a marriage with three individuals, particularly noting his close collaboration with vocalist Gary Cherone on the band's creative direction. Despite occasional disagreements, they generally align creatively. However, as they matured and explored various musical avenues, challenges with songwriting and creativity occasionally arose within the group dynamic.Being in a polyamorous marriage can be quite challenging. It requires careful navigation and diplomatic skills, as feelings of love and sometimes dislike can arise among partners.
Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido of the band Extreme believe that the more artificial intelligence (AI) is incorporated into music, the better it is for rock and roll. They feel that rock and roll possesses a unique quality that cannot be replicated artificially. Despite advancements in technology, rock and roll remains valued for its imperfections and emotions that resonate with listeners.
When it comes to songwriting, the band follows a traditional structure and emphasizes the importance of storytelling. They believe that a song offers two key opportunities to convey a narrative and connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Regarding social media, the band members have learned to exercise caution when sharing personal opinions on politics or current events. They recognize the potential impact of their words on their careers and fan base, highlighting the dual nature of social media as a platform for unity and division.Nowadays, people are more focused on proving themselves right rather than learning from one another. This mindset has caused more issues than benefits. Despite having many supportive fans, it only takes a few individuals to twist your words or intentions, leading to misunderstandings. Some seem eager to find faults or reasons to dislike you, rather than understanding the true message being conveyed.
Once you choose a different path from the societal norm, such as pursuing a music career, you must accept all the consequences that come with it, including the loss of privacy and constant scrutiny. Complaining about these aspects seems disingenuous, as they are part of the package deal that comes with fame and success in the music industry. It can be exhausting at times, especially during the early stages of band success.
Being a member of Extreme is akin to being in a complex relationship with three other bandmates. Managing such dynamics requires careful navigation and diplomacy. Nuno Bettencourt describes the challenges of balancing individual and group dynamics within the band.
Regarding the notion of selling out, it is argued that true artistic expression can coexist with commercial success.A true artist is someone who plays purely for the love of it, without needing external validation or applause. When the desire for recognition takes over, that artist may compromise their authenticity. While it's common for artists to sell their work through music, merchandise, and self-promotion, this does blur the line between being an artist and a commercial entity. It's important to accept this reality without complaining about the consequences of one's choices. As we grow older and lead our own lives, finding time to create music together becomes challenging, but we make an effort to collaborate whenever possible. Extreme is scheduled to perform at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November, with tickets available through BookMyShow.
