Prior to their concert in Bengaluru, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme connected virtually with Bangalore Times for an exclusive interview. At every performance, the American rock band Extreme takes note of the number of new fans in attendance, consistently finding that 70-80% of the audience comprises newcomers. Nuno Bettencourt, the band's accomplished guitarist, expresses appreciation for both longstanding fans and the influx of younger fans in the audience. Alongside vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo, Nuno discusses his reflections on the band's journey and the enduring connection music fosters with people. He compares the dynamic of being in Extreme to a marriage involving three individuals, highlighting the creative interplay between himself and Gary as integral to the band's evolution over time.Being in a relationship with three people presents many challenges that require careful navigation and diplomacy. It involves a mix of love and conflict among all parties involved. The members of Extreme, Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido, believe that the increased use of AI benefits rock and roll. While some may worry about AI's impact on music, the band sees it as enhancing rock and roll's uniqueness, which lies in its imperfections and emotional depth that AI cannot replicate. They emphasize the importance of storytelling in songwriting, noting that songs offer only two chances, typically through two verses, to convey a narrative. This limited timeframe makes songwriting a complex art form that requires connecting with listeners on various levels. In terms of social media usage, they stress the need for caution in expressing opinions on sensitive topics to avoid potential career repercussions and fan division. While acknowledging the unifying potential of social media and technology, they also recognize its limitations in facilitating meaningful discussions and disagreements.To learn from one another has become increasingly challenging. In conversations, many people are more focused on proving themselves right rather than understanding each other. This tendency has caused more harm than good in my experience. While we have many supportive fans, it takes just a few individuals to misinterpret something I say, such as a comment about Slash, and turn it into something negative. It seems some are quick to find faults or reasons to dislike someone. This experience has made me realize that signing a record deal comes with its own set of challenges. When you choose a non-traditional path in life, you also choose everything that comes with it, including fans, fame, and a loss of privacy. Complaining about these aspects feels disingenuous; they are part of the package deal you sign up for when pursuing a music career. Being in a band like Extreme is akin to being married to three individuals simultaneously, requiring careful navigation and diplomacy. Additionally, I believe it is acceptable to compromise on certain principles for the sake of artistry.A true artist is one who plays for the sheer love of the craft, not relying on external validation or applause. When the desire for recognition takes over, it compromises the purity of their artistry. Many artists claim they are not "sellouts," but in reality, they sell their music, merchandise, and even themselves. While it's acceptable to engage in such commerce, it transforms the artist into something more than just an artist. Therefore, they shouldn't complain about the consequences of their choices. As time passes and responsibilities increase, it becomes challenging to collaborate on music like before, but efforts are made to come together whenever possible. Extreme is scheduled to perform at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November. Tickets can be purchased on BookMyShow.