Prior to their performance in Bengaluru, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme connected virtually with Bangalore Times for an exclusive interview. Each time American rock band Extreme takes the stage, they observe that the majority of their audience consists of new fans. Nuno Bettencourt, the renowned guitarist of Extreme, along with vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo, appreciate the enduring support from long-time fans while also relishing the sight of younger faces in the crowd.
Reflecting on their journey, Nuno remarked that time seems to have flown by since the band's inception, emphasizing the growth and wisdom gained from past mistakes. Their recent album release has reinforced the profound impact of music in connecting with audiences.
Discussing the dynamics within Extreme, Nuno highlighted the collaborative balance between himself and Gary in steering the band's creative direction. Despite occasional disagreements, mutual understanding and shared creativity have fueled their harmonious partnership. Nuno likened being in Extreme to navigating three relationships simultaneously, underscoring the complexities and rewards of collective musical expression.Navigating a marriage with three people is incredibly challenging. It requires a delicate approach and a sense of diplomacy. In such a dynamic, there are moments of both love and frustration among the individuals involved.
Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido from Extreme believe that the increasing presence of AI in music is beneficial for rock and roll. They argue that rock and roll embodies an artistry that cannot be replicated artificially. The genre's imperfections and emotional depth give it a unique appeal that AI-produced music lacks.
According to the band members, a song provides two opportunities to convey a narrative effectively, typically through two verses. They emphasize the complexity of songwriting, as it requires condensing a story into a brief musical piece.
Acknowledging the influence of social media, the band members exercise caution in sharing personal opinions and viewpoints online. They recognize the potential for social media platforms to unite people but also acknowledge their limitations in fostering healthy discourse and understanding.Learning from each other seems to be a lost art. Nowadays, most people are focused on winning arguments rather than gaining insights from each other. I've realized that this approach has caused me more trouble than benefit. Despite having many supportive fans, it only takes a few individuals to twist your words or intentions, leading to misconceptions. People often seem eager to find faults or prove someone wrong instead of understanding. It's as if they are waiting for a reason to dislike you or validate their negative assumptions about you.
Signing a record deal marks a significant change in one's life. Once you reject the traditional paths society expects you to follow and embrace a different lifestyle, you also accept the consequences that come with it — such as fans, fame, and a loss of privacy. Complaining about the challenges that accompany fame seems disingenuous, as these aspects are part of the decision to pursue a musical career. It can be exhausting at times, especially in the early stages of a band's success.
Being a part of Extreme is akin to being in a complex relationship involving multiple individuals. Handling the dynamics of such a band requires careful navigation and diplomacy.
Regarding the idea of being a "sellout," true artistry can coexist with commercial success. The notion of being a sellout should not negate one's authenticity as an artist.A real artist plays simply for the love of the craft, not seeking external validation or approval. The essence of art lies in this purity. Once the desire for applause creeps in, true artistic integrity may be compromised. Many artists claim not to be sellouts, but in reality, they do sell music, merchandise, and themselves. This doesn't negate their artistry, but it does transform them into more than just artists. Consequently, they should accept the consequences and not complain. As we grow older and lead separate lives, it becomes challenging to come together and create music as we did in the past, but we make an effort to collaborate whenever possible. Extreme is scheduled to perform at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November. Tickets can be purchased through BookMyShow.
