BUDDING pop stars had the chance to shine before one of the music industry's most successful managers when he visited a North-East studio.

Genius Entertainment, based in Stanley, County Durham, was asked to showcase bands and musicians to American businessman Richard Rashman - the man behind pop bands Busted, McFly and V.

Mr Rashman, who runs Los Angeles music management company Prestige Management, watched ten acts, aged 14 to 17, ranging from solo musicians to bands.

They performed at Genius Entertainment's new studio complex on the Ever Ready Industrial Park in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley.

One of those who impressed the pop manager was drummer and punk fan Matthew Connor, 16, of Tanfield Lea, near Stanley.

Mr Rashman, who was in the North-East for McFly's gig at Newcastle City Hall last Thursday, is seeking musicians for a project that already has a recording contract with Universal Music.

Genius Entertainment's Adam Chetter said: "The hard work we have done in developing the company is paying off. It is great for North-East music talent that the big players are now coming to us to source out talent for their major projects."

Mr Rashman was looking for musicians to form a new guitar-based pop band, that will have a harder edge than McFly or Busted.

The company selected musicians who had come through it's iD Programme, or shone during last year's talentSTAR tour.

Published: 08/10/2004