I refer to the letter entitled “What do the Bay Music Awards reward?” (TMIS, 18 December). As part of a band that was nominated for this year’s Bay Music Awards, I write to state that in no way did 89.7 Bay try to take any advantage of local music acts during this event. All acts knew they would not be paid for performing at the BMAs. Any artist who felt that should not have been the case had the option not to participate.

True that local artists and bands need to be given better treatment, especially in VIP areas and backstage facilities. Equally true is the fact that there is room for improvement when organising such events. However, I don’t feel that the acts were treated in any disrespectful manner, or were “used” to sell out an event. On the contrary, I believe that the sold-out event confirmed once again that local singers, bands and DJs can attract huge audiences without the need of any foreign acts headlining such events.

Irrespective of who won on the night, I believe that being nominated for such awards is already prestigious in its own right. I would like to congratulate all fellow acts who were nominated and who performed at the BMAs.

Franco Aloisio

Corkskrew

SAN GWANN