MUSICIAN NUNO BETTENCOURT, BORN IN THE AZORES, ORGANIZED THE “ATLANTIS CONCERT FOR EARTH 2022” FESTIVAL, WHICH HAD THE VOLCANO OF SETE CIDADES AS ITS STAGE. WE TALKED TO THE ARTIST WHO ASSURED US THAT THIS IS AN EVENT TO CONTINUE.
Name: Nuno Bettencourt
Date of birth: September 20, 1966
Place of birth: Praia da Vitória – Terceira Island, Azores
Job: Musician
Band: Extreme (2017)
It was in July, on the 22nd and 23rd, that the first edition of the music festival “Atlantis Concert for Earth 2022” was held, an initiative by the musician Nuno Bettencourt, a composer and producer, known for his work with the group Extreme and also artists such as Rihanna, Robert Palmer, Perry Farrell, and Janet Jackson. The main heads on the poster were names like Black Eyed Peas, Pitbull, Stone Temple Pilots, Bush, Mod Sun, and Girlfriends, also the presence at a virtual concert by Sting and Queen + Adam Lambert. With unique scenery, something which would only be possible at the crater of the Sete Cidades volcano on S. Miguel Island.
The festival seeks to use the power of music to convey an ecological message, a zero- to low-emissions event. The event’s remaining carbon emissions will be offset with the support of “A Greener Festival”, a non-profit- making enterprise committed to helping events, festivals, and places worldwide to reduce their environmental impact. The artist explained the idea to us, one he had had for a long time, but which could only be accomplished at the 2022 event.
When and how you had the idea of the project of a music festival with this philosophy?
About 15 years ago, I was on the bridge in Sete Cidades and had a vision of doing an important socially conscious concert… Like the original Woodstock, but in a volcano crater. And WE DID IT. And will do it again.
Was it challenging to convince the bands to travel to a small portion of land in the middle of a vast Ocean?
Not really. The second I showed them photos of the crater site and the Azores, that was enough.
Is this something to repeat in the future on a regular basis? What are your next projects for the Azores?
This MUST be a yearly concert as it is too important for future generations. But let’s make it bigger and reach more people.
Up to what point did being from the Azores have any influence on your musical career and personal life?
It has a huge influence. Culture, music, and the heart and passion of an Azorean are in my DNA.
www.atlantisconcertforearth.com
JOSEGUERRA/PIGMENTA_FOTOGRAFIA
