Before their concert in Bengaluru, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme engaged in a virtual interview with Bangalore Times. Every time the American rock band performs, they notice that around 70-80% of the audience consists of new fans. Nuno Bettencourt, the talented guitarist of Extreme, shared that while they deeply appreciate long-time fans, they also enjoy seeing younger faces among their audience. In addition to Nuno, Extreme is composed of vocalist Gary Cherone, bassist Pat Badger, and drummer Kevin Figueiredo. Reflecting on their journey, Nuno mentioned, "Life passes by swiftly. It feels like just yesterday when we were starting out. Through the years, I have realized the importance of learning from mistakes and growing. Our latest album release has once again highlighted the profound connection that music can establish with people." Nuno also compared the dynamics within Extreme to being in a complex relationship involving three partners. Despite occasional disagreements, particularly with Gary on the creative side, Nuno stressed the evolution and creative challenges they have faced together as they have grown older.Being married to three people can be quite challenging to manage. It requires careful navigation and a diplomatic approach. There are times when feelings of both love and hate towards each other come into play.
Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido of the band Extreme believe that more AI in music is beneficial for rock and roll. They express that rock and roll possesses a unique artistry that cannot be replicated artificially. The imperfections and emotions inherent in rock and roll offer a distinct experience that resonates with people on a deeper level than just the sound alone.
The band emphasizes that songwriting is a complex art form where you have only two opportunities, usually within two verses, to tell a story and connect with the listeners emotionally, spiritually, and musically. This limitation presents a challenge to convey a meaningful message within a concise timeframe.
Regarding social media, the band members exercise caution in sharing their opinions on political or current events online. They recognize the potential impact on their careers and fan base and opt to avoid divisive content. Although social media has the power to unite people, it also imposes limitations on expressing differing opinions and fostering healthy discussions.It has become challenging to foster a culture of learning from one another. People are more interested in proving themselves right rather than listening and gaining insights. This mindset has caused more harm than good. Even with many supportive fans, a few individuals can easily twist your words or actions. People seem eager to criticize or find fault, disregarding the true meaning behind your statements. It seems that signing a record deal or pursuing a non-conventional path brings a loss of personal identity and privacy. Despite the rewards of fame and admiration, these come with sacrifices and constant scrutiny. Joining a band and venturing into the music industry demands resilience and a willingness to navigate challenges, especially in the early stages of success. Collaborating in a band like Extreme can be compared to being in a complex relationship with multiple individuals. Maintaining harmony and communication in such a dynamic setting requires careful navigation and diplomacy. Embracing success often involves making compromises and decisions that may be perceived as "selling out." True artistry, in this context, may require taking such steps to sustain creativity and career growth.A true artist is someone who plays for the pure love of the craft, not for external validation or applause. When an artist begins seeking applause, they compromise their authenticity. Many artists claim they are not sellouts, but the reality is that they are selling their music, merchandise, and image. While it's acceptable to sell these things, it does push the artist beyond just creating art. As we grow older and lead separate lives, it becomes challenging to collaborate on music like we used to, but we make every effort to come together when possible. Extreme is scheduled to perform at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November. Tickets are available on BookMyShow.
