Before their performance in Bengaluru, Extreme's Nuno Bettencourt virtually connected with Bangalore Times for an exclusive interview. At every concert, the American rock band Extreme likes to observe how many new fans are in attendance. Each time the tally remains consistent: "70-80% of the audience comprises new supporters." Nuno Bettencourt, the skilled guitarist of Extreme alongside vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo, appreciates the long-standing fans but also enjoys witnessing younger faces in the crowd on each occasion. Reflecting on their journey before the Bengaluru show, Nuno shared insights during the interview: "Time flies by rapidly. It feels like just yesterday when we were starting out. The key lesson I've grasped is that while mistakes are made, they serve as opportunities for growth. With age comes a deeper appreciation for our music and its impact on both us and our fans. Releasing our sixth album has underscored the profound ability of music to forge connections with people." When discussing his role within the band, Nuno likened the experience of being in Extreme to simultaneously being married to three individuals: "I've always been the propeller behind shaping the band's sound. Collaboration with Gary has driven the creative aspect, navigating moments of discord but mostly aligning harmoniously. However, as we matured and delved into diverse creative pursuits, occasional challenges arose concerning songwriting and creativity. This dynamic reminds me of the complexities akin to juggling three marriages simultaneously, where even one partnership itself is demanding."Navigating a marriage with three partners can be quite challenging. It requires careful consideration and diplomacy as feelings of both love and resentment can arise. Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido from Extreme believe that incorporating more artificial intelligence (AI) into music is beneficial for the rock and roll genre. They view rock and roll as an art form that cannot be replicated artificially, emphasizing the importance of imperfection and emotion in the music. The band members maintain that AI can alter sounds but cannot evoke genuine feelings like rock and roll can.

Regarding songwriting, the band follows a structured process that typically includes starting with an idea, melody, or riff. They believe that within a song, there are two opportunities to convey a story effectively – typically in the two verses. This limited timeframe in songs, compared to longer formats like books or episodes, presents a challenge in building a connection with the listener through melody, emotion, spirituality, and lyrics.

When it comes to social media, the band members exercise caution regarding expressing personal opinions on political or current events. They recognize the potential consequences of divisive statements on their careers and fan base. While acknowledging the ability of social media and technology to unite people, they also highlight its limitations in fostering healthy discussions and disagreements.People are no longer open to learning from each other as they are more focused on winning arguments. This mindset has caused more harm than good. I have realized that despite having many supporters, just a few individuals can twist your words and create misunderstandings. It seems like some people are eager to find fault in others or prove them wrong. This can lead to negative perceptions and judgments. Once you choose a different path in life, such as pursuing music and fame, you also accept the challenges that come with it, like loss of privacy and dealing with fans. It can be exhausting at times, especially during the early stages of success. Being a part of a band like Extreme is like being in a complex relationship with multiple individuals. It requires careful navigation and diplomacy. Lastly, embracing the role of a musician may involve making compromises, including potentially being seen as a "sellout." True artistry can also involve navigating these challenges and finding a balance.A real artist is driven by their love for creating and doesn't rely on external validation or applause. When an artist craves affirmation, they compromise their artistic integrity. While it's natural to sell merchandise and promote oneself as a musician, it's important to acknowledge the shift from pure artistic expression to commercialization. As we grow older, finding time to collaborate on music becomes more challenging, but we make the effort to come together whenever possible. Extreme will be performing at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November, and tickets can be purchased through BookMyShow.