Before their performance in Bengaluru, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme virtually engaged in an exclusive interview with Bangalore Times. The American rock band always observes a significant number of new fans at each concert, typically ranging from 70-80% of the audience. Nuno, the guitar virtuoso, expressed appreciation for both longstanding fans and new faces, emphasizing the joy of seeing younger attendees at their shows. Reflecting on the band's journey, Nuno mentioned that with age comes a deeper understanding and gratitude for their music and its impact on fans. He highlighted the recent release of their sixth album as a testament to the enduring connection music establishes with people. Nuno described the dynamic within Extreme as akin to being in a multifaceted relationship, where collaboration and creativity sometimes lead to challenges but ultimately strengthen their bond.Navigating a marriage with three people can be quite challenging. It requires a great deal of care and diplomacy, as well as managing feelings of both love and frustration at times. Members of the band Extreme, including Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido, believe that the increasing use of AI in music is beneficial for rock and roll. They argue that while AI can mimic sounds, it cannot replicate the emotion and imperfections that make rock and roll special. According to the band, songwriting is a complex art form where you have limited time to convey a story and connect with listeners. They emphasize the importance of using two verses to tell a compelling story within a song. Additionally, they stress the need to be cautious about expressing opinions on social media to avoid potential career harm and dividing fans. Despite the positive aspects of technology and social media, they acknowledge its limitations in fostering meaningful communication and dialogue.Learning from each other has become a challenge nowadays. People often believe they are right and are more focused on winning arguments rather than gaining knowledge. I have discovered that this mindset has caused more harm than good. Despite having many loyal fans, it only takes a few individuals to twist your words and create misunderstandings. People seem eager to find faults and criticize rather than seek understanding. It feels like they are waiting for any opportunity to dislike you or prove you wrong. The day you choose a different path, rejecting societal norms and expectations, such as pursuing a career in music, you also accept the consequences that come with it - fans, fame, and a loss of privacy. Complaining about these aspects seems insincere, as they are part of the package deal when deciding to pursue a musical career. In the early stages of a band's success, it can be particularly exhausting. Being a part of Extreme is like managing a complicated relationship with multiple people simultaneously. It requires careful navigation and diplomacy. Embracing the idea of being seen as a "sellout" can allow artists to stay true to their craft and evolve creatively.A true artist is someone who plays solely for the love of the craft, not seeking external validation or applause. When an artist yearns for applause, they compromise their authenticity. Many may claim they are not "sellouts," but in reality, they are selling not just their music but also merchandise and their image. While this is a common practice in the industry, artists must acknowledge the shift from pure artistic expression to commercialization. As we grow older and lead separate lives, it becomes more challenging to collaborate on music like we used to, but we make an effort to come together whenever possible. Extreme is scheduled to perform at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November, with tickets available on BookMyShow.