Before their performance in Bengaluru, Nino Bettencourt of Extreme engaged in a virtual interview with Bangalore Times. Every time the American rock band plays a concert, they notice that the majority of the audience consists of new fans. Despite their appreciation for long-time supporters, Nuno Bettencourt, the band's talented guitarist, expresses excitement about seeing younger faces at their shows. Alongside vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo, Nuno shared insights in the interview ahead of their Bengaluru show. Here are excerpts from the conversation:

"Reflecting on our journey"

Time flies by swiftly, and it feels like just yesterday that we embarked on this journey. Over the years, I have come to realize that mistakes are part of growth. With age comes a deepened appreciation for the music we create and its impact on both us and our fans. Releasing our sixth album reinforced the profound connection music has in touching people's lives.

"Collaborating in Extreme"

Being part of Extreme feels like juggling a relationship with three individuals simultaneously. Within the band, I have often been the catalyst for pushing creative boundaries and exploring new sounds. Collaborating with Gary has been predominantly harmonious, albeit with occasional disagreements that we swiftly resolve. However, as we evolved creatively with individual projects and writing ventures, our collaborations faced challenges at times. Managing the dynamics within Extreme is akin to navigating multiple relationships simultaneously, presenting both rewards and complexities.Being married to three people can be quite challenging. It requires careful navigation, diplomacy, and dealing with both love and discord at times. The members of Extreme, Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido say, "The more AI, the better for rock and roll." They believe that while AI may affect music, rock and roll's authenticity and emotional depth can't be replicated artificially. They emphasize the importance of imperfection and emotion in this genre, suggesting that people seek rock and roll for the genuine feelings it evokes. Despite AI's ability to manipulate sounds, it cannot replicate the emotional impact that rock and roll provides. The band shares that when writing a song, you have two opportunities to convey a story, usually through two verses. They highlight the complexities of songwriting compared to longer formats like episodes or books, as it requires connecting with listeners in a limited timeframe. The members are cautious about their social media posts, understanding the potential impact on their careers and fanbase if they express polarizing opinions on political or current events. While recognizing the unifying aspect of social media and technology, they acknowledge its limitations in fostering constructive dialogue.Learning from one another has become challenging. People tend to focus on being right rather than seeking mutual growth. This behavior has caused more harm than good. While we have many supportive fans, all it takes is a few individuals to twist your words. For instance, a comment about Slash led to misunderstandings. People seem eager to find faults or prove you wrong just to discredit you. Realizing that signing a record deal means giving up a part of yourself can be daunting. Choosing a different path comes with fame, fans, and a loss of privacy. Entering the world of music means accepting these consequences. Some may complain about the downsides, but it's part of the package deal. It can be exhausting, especially in the early band days. Being in Extreme is like juggling three marriages simultaneously, requiring caution and diplomacy. Nuno Bettencourt believes it's acceptable to embrace commercial success in artistry to be truly authentic.An artist who plays for the sheer joy of it is a true artist, not requiring external validation or applause. Seeking applause signifies compromising artistic integrity. Many artists claim not to be sellouts, but in reality, they are selling their music, merchandise, and image. While it's acceptable to sell these things, it does transform an artist into something more than just an artist. Therefore, complaining about the consequences is like knowingly placing your hand in fire and then complaining about getting burned. Despite the challenges of aging and personal responsibilities, we make an effort to come together to create music, though it may not be as easy as it was in the past. Extreme is scheduled to perform at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November, with tickets available at BookMyShow.