Prior to their performance in Bengaluru, Nino Bettencourt from Extreme joined Bangalore Times for an exclusive virtual interview. The American rock band observes that a large majority of their concert audience consists of new fans, approximately 70-80% at each show. "While we deeply appreciate our long-time fans, it's truly wonderful to see many fresh faces in the crowd," says Nuno Bettencourt, the skilled guitarist of Extreme, alongside vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo. Reflecting on their journey, Nuno muses, "Time has passed swiftly. It feels like just yesterday we were embarking on this musical adventure. With experience, I've come to understand the value of learning from mistakes and growing. Releasing our sixth album recently reiterated the profound impact of music in connecting with fans."

Nuno shares insights on the creative dynamics within the band, comparing it to a complex relationship dynamic, stating, "Being part of Extreme feels akin to simultaneously being married to three individuals. My collaboration with Gary has played a significant role in shaping our sound. Though we've encountered disagreements, we generally share a creative vision. However, as we evolved creatively and pursued individual projects, challenges in songwriting and creativity occasionally arose. Balancing multiple creative perspectives within Extreme can be as intricate as managing multiple marriages."Being in a polyamorous relationship with three individuals is highly challenging. One must proceed with caution, employing diplomacy and care in navigating this complex dynamic. It involves a mix of feelings - love and animosity may coexist at times.

Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido of Extreme believe that the increased presence of artificial intelligence (AI) benefits the realm of rock and roll. Despite concerns about AI's impact on music, they argue that rock and roll's essence lies in its inherent imperfections and emotional depth, qualities that cannot be replicated artificially. As music becomes more standardized and mechanical, rock and roll stands out for its ability to evoke genuine emotions in listeners.

In songwriting, each composition offers two opportunities to narrate a story - typically found within two verses. Crafting a song involves exploring various ideas, melodies, and riffs, following a structured format. Despite the limited timeframe for storytelling in a song, the process remains a complex art form that requires a deep connection with the audience through melody, emotion, spirituality, and lyrics.

Acknowledging the influence of social media, individuals must exercise caution when expressing personal opinions or views on political and current events online. While social media platforms have the ability to unite people, they also come with limitations that can impact careers and fan communities. The technology, while facilitating connections, can also hinder constructive dialogue and consensus-building.Learning from each other has become a rare occurrence as everyone believes they are right and just wants to win arguments instead of gaining knowledge. This realization has caused more trouble than help for me. Despite having many supportive fans, it takes just one or two individuals to misinterpret something you say, like an incident involving Slash that was completely misunderstood. It seems some people are quick to find flaws or reasons to dislike you, eager to prove themselves right. This experience made me reflect on the sacrifices that come with pursuing a non-conventional path, such as a music career. Acknowledging that decision entails accepting the lack of privacy, the pressures of fame, and the constant attention from fans. It's important to understand that these aspects are part of the journey once you commit to a career in music and sign a record deal. Embracing this reality means relinquishing certain aspects of your identity and acknowledging the challenges ahead. In the early days, especially during the band's initial rise to fame, these pressures can be overwhelming. Being part of Extreme feels like being in a complex relationship with multiple individuals simultaneously, requiring careful navigation and diplomacy. Nuno Bettencourt highlights the notion that being labeled a "sellout" is not necessarily negative and that true artistry can involve various forms of creative expression without rigid boundaries.A true artist is someone who plays solely for the love of the craft, not seeking validation or applause. When the desire for acclaim takes over, one risks losing the purity of their artistry. It's common for artists to sell merchandise and themselves, but this should not detract from their creative integrity. As we grow older, maintaining collaborative music-making becomes more challenging, but we make an effort to come together whenever possible. Extreme is scheduled to perform at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November, with tickets on sale at BookMyShow.