Once upon a time, Sydney was the place to go to find the best new musical talent. Melbourne had its moment in the spotlight, but now all eyes are on Brisbane, as they claim the title of breeding ground for some of Australia's most exciting musical talent.

Now, while reviewers and industry honchos wax lyrical across the nation, no-one has a better understanding of who's really worth the fuss than the humble Brissie folk themselves. The Sunset Sounds crew know this, which is why they're calling on the people of Brisbane to help uncover the freshest local sounds to play at this year's festival.

The Sunset Sounds Foster Band Initiative is a collaboration between the Sunset Sounds festival team and a bunch of Brisbane music's media besties. It's a way to spotlight sizzling local bands that have been causing a stir in venues across the city for the past few years, but are in need of that extra big break. These local acts will be given the opportunity to play alongside heavyweights such as Interpol, Public Enemy, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Klaxons, The National and stacks more at the 2011 Sunset Sounds festival.

So how does it all work you ask? During the month of November, Brisbane press are generously opening their pages and fostering one local Brisbane act, featuring them, their talents and their story and giving them a big fat dose of the love and attention that they so deserve.

Readers will be given the chance to uncover their new favourite band and help secure them a paid (that's right, sweet cashola will be involved) spot on the Sunset Sounds line up by casting their vote via the Sunset Sounds website.

There are two spots up for grabs. Voting closes December 1, with the two artists being announced on December 6. Bask in the glory of democracy, explore the following list and make sure you do your bit to see your favourite locals tearing up the stage at the 2011 Sunset Sounds festival.

Behold the fabulous fostering media and their lucky little proteges:

Rave Magazine - fostering Inland Sea

Courier Mail - fostering My Fiction

Scene Magazine - fostering Velociraptor

Sunday Mail - fostering Blame Ringo

Four Thousand - fostering Slug Guts

Groove Magazine - fostering The Liars Chair

Bats Magazine - fostering Ball Park Music

Biscuit Magazine - fostering Lion Island

Brisbane Times - fostering The Belligerents

Life Music Media - fostering Charlie Mayfair

Sunset Sounds 2011 takes over the Brisbane Botanic and City Gardens on Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 January, 2011. The lineup features Interpol, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Klaxons, The Living End, The National, Angus and Julia Stone, Tame Impala, Public Enemy, Ladyhawke, Coldwar Kids, Sleigh Bells and oodles more. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Moshtix.

For the full-lineup, more info on the Sunset Sounds Foster Band Initiative, or just something to do instead of studying for exams, check out the Sunset Sounds website.