Before their performance in Bengaluru, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme engaged in a virtual interview with Bangalore Times. The American rock band finds that a large portion of their concert audience comprises newer fans, approximately 70-80% each time. Nuno expresses appreciation for both long-time supporters and young attendees. The band, including vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo, values the connection music establishes with people. Nuno reflects on the band's journey, emphasizing personal growth and the significance of their music to fans. Within Extreme, Nuno and Gary often collaboratively shape the band's sound, navigating creative differences over time. Nuno compares the band dynamic to being simultaneously married to three individuals, highlighting the challenges and rewards of collaborating creatively.Being married to three people can be quite challenging to navigate. It requires carefulness, diplomacy, and navigating the dynamics of love and occasional conflict among partners. Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido of Extreme believe that incorporating more AI into rock and roll is beneficial for the genre. They explain that while AI can manipulate sound, it cannot recreate the imperfections and emotional depth that are integral to the essence of rock and roll. According to them, rock and roll offers a unique experience that technology cannot replicate by providing a genuine, emotional connection to the listeners. Furthermore, they emphasize that in songwriting, there are typically two opportunities to convey a story effectively. Each song follows a structured format and aims to create a connection with the audience through melody, emotion, and lyrics within a limited timeframe. The band also understands the importance of being cautious about expressing personal opinions on social media to avoid potential career repercussions and division among fans. Despite social media's potential to unite people, they acknowledge its limitations in facilitating healthy discussions and debates due to polarization.Learning from one another seems to have taken a backseat as everyone tries to prove they are right and win arguments rather than genuinely listening and growing. This mindset has caused more harm than good. Even with many supportive fans, it only takes a few individuals to twist your words and create misunderstandings. People often seem eager to find reasons to dislike or criticize others. Embracing a non-traditional path, such as pursuing a career in music, inevitably comes with challenges like loss of privacy and intense scrutiny. Entering the music industry means giving up certain privileges and parts of your identity. It can be exhausting, especially during the early stages of building a band, like navigating a complex marriage with multiple members. Despite the pressures and sacrifices, it's essential to remain true to oneself as an artist, even if it means navigating difficult decisions like potentially being labeled a "sellout."A true artist is someone who plays for the love of it, without needing validation or applause. When the desire for applause takes over, it's a sign of selling out. Many artists may deny being sellouts, but the act of selling music, merchandise, and oneself means they have strayed from the pure essence of artistry. It's important to accept the consequences of commercializing one's art. As we grow older and lead separate lives, it becomes challenging to collaborate on music like before, but we make an effort to come together whenever possible. Extreme will be performing at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November. Tickets are now available on BookMyShow.