In anticipation of their performance in Bengaluru, Nino Bettencourt of Extreme engaged in a virtual interview with Bangalore Times. The American rock band, consisting of Nuno Bettencourt, Gary Cherone, Pat Badger, and Kevin Figueiredo, always observes a high percentage of new fans at their concerts, typically around 70-80%. While they value long-time supporters, the presence of younger faces in their audience is a source of joy for them.
Reflecting on their journey, Nino shared that time passes swiftly, and it feels like just yesterday they were starting out. Through the years, he has come to appreciate both the mistakes made and the growth achieved. Releasing their sixth album has reignited his belief in music's ability to forge connections with people.
Nino likened being a part of Extreme to being in a complex relationship involving three other individuals. He acknowledged his role in driving the band's sound and highlighted his creative dynamic with Gary. Despite occasional disagreements, they generally find common ground. As they matured and explored diverse creative avenues, they faced challenges with songwriting and creativity, mirroring the complexities of maintaining multiple partnerships simultaneously.Married to three people can be a challenging situation to handle, requiring careful navigation and a diplomatic approach. It involves a mix of love and occasional conflict among the individuals involved. Members of the band Extreme, including Pat Badger, Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt, and Kevin Figuereido, believe that more AI in music could benefit rock and roll. Despite concerns about AI's impact on music, they feel that rock and roll's essence lies in its unique imperfections and emotional depth, something that cannot be replicated artificially. They emphasize the importance of conveying a story effectively in songwriting, highlighting the limited opportunity within the form to connect with listeners on multiple levels. Additionally, they exercise caution when sharing opinions on social media to avoid potential career repercussions and divisive reactions among fans, recognizing the platform's power to both unite and limit meaningful discussions.We can all benefit from learning from each other, but it seems like nowadays, people are more focused on proving themselves right rather than exchanging knowledge. Personally, I've realized that this attitude has caused more problems than solutions. There are many supportive fans, but sometimes all it takes is a few individuals to misinterpret something you say. It seems like some people are eager to find faults in others rather than seek understanding. Once you deviate from the conventional path and choose a different lifestyle, such as pursuing a music career, you automatically encounter challenges like dealing with fans, fame, and a loss of privacy. This is a reality that you willingly accept when you embark on such a journey. Being in a band like Extreme feels like being in a complex relationship involving multiple dynamics and requires careful navigation. It can be exhausting, particularly in the initial stages of band development. In the music industry, there may come a time when you contemplate the concept of "selling out." It could be argued that true artistry involves navigating the balance between creative integrity and commercial success.A true artist is someone who plays for the pure love of it, without needing external validation or praise. Once you start seeking applause, you compromise your artistic integrity. Many artists claim they are not sellouts, but in reality, they do sell their music, merchandise, and themselves. While it's acceptable to do so, it changes the nature of being an artist. As we grow older and lead separate lives, it becomes challenging to collaborate on music like we used to. Despite the difficulties, we make an effort to come together whenever possible. Extreme is scheduled to perform at Bandland 2024 in Bengaluru this November. Tickets can be purchased on BookMyShow.
