UPDATE: Mad Talent Reps Speak On Allegations!!!
AUTHOR: Mz.Paparazzi242 Mar 27, 2010
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Finally after speaking with a Representative of the “Mad Talent Showcase” event, which is slated to be hosted tonight at The Rain Forest Theatre; regarding allegations of fraud and possible scam, we are satisfied that the event (which some may have misconstrued as being a confirmed record deal for the winner of the event itself) is in fact more of a promotional tool and talent competition devised by CEO of WesSide Entertainment & Manager of record label Blue Star Mar-Ance–Wes Finlayson and his affiliates.
According to WesSide Reps:
“We needed scouts to come here and see the talent, the Bahamas has to offer. So that they could encourage other scouts or possible labels to our shores. The event is not a scam and has been paid for out-of-pocket by Wesley Finlayson and his family, who had to cover the cost of airfare; lodging; transportation; per-diems of $200.00 per day (per scout) etc. Also funding of promotions, submissions, sound-check, venues (Luna/Audition venue/Event Venue) among other expenses. To which ticket sales are not projected to cover alone, therefore an administration fee of $50.00 was charged for each audition-er.
The scouts in question Stanley Demaree and Frank Kiradalnis of Virgin Active Management & Blue Star Mar-Ance have been subsidiaries of Virgin Records, and Warner Brothers for quite a number of years scouting talent (having founded 3 bands already) and the third scout Kevin McCreery working directly for Universal Motown Records, unfortunately could not make the event, however we do have evidence by way of ticket voucher; that Mr. McCreery was due to come.
Again, the event was meant as a networking tool, to get Bahamian Artists recognized by the international music industry. It was not our intent to defraud anyone, as the purpose of Mad Talent was for an opportunity to promote Bahamian talent.”
Persons have to understand how the music business operates to fully understand the concept of our event!
We gather that the event is meant as a ‘possible’ stepping-stool into the music industry and not a confirmed deal (as understood by the general public) and that the 2 persons judging the event, having pushed other careers; working as affiliated labels and not actual representatives out of Motown, WB or Virgin Records.
As misquoted by Mr. Finlayson in the Tribune:
“Universal Motown, Virgin Records, and Warner Bros. will be in attendance at the show scouting for a Bahamian artist to sign to their labels,”
Up coming and established artists will not only get the opportunity to expose themselves to a wide spectrum, but depending on their performance they will have the chance to be signed by one of the labels.
There’s always more than one side of the story and it our intention to bring you as close to the truth as possible, so go out and support your people 
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