Brighton's hidden musical talent will get its long-awaited break with the launch of a new competition called Raw.

More than 100 DJs and live acts will battle it out over two months across six venues in a bid to make it to the finals and compete for big prizes in front of the movers and shakers of the record industry.

The brainchild of independent Sussex student magazine Fast Like Squirrel, the competition takes place in two sections, DJs and live acts, with heats every Sunday for ten weeks between January and March.

The crowd will act as judges during the heats and early rounds but a mystery panel of celebrity judges has been pencilled in for the final at the Ocean Rooms on March 7.

Organiser Jason Charles said entrants would be judged on their ability, music and looks but promised it would be a far cry from another Pop Idol.

He said: "This is what Brighton is all about, raw talent lying unexposed, struggling to prove they can shine in this huge and diverse music scene.

"We're trying to avoid the Pop Idol scene and that whole manufactured thing. We know there are a lot of bands and DJs out there practising in their garages.

"In Brighton there's a whole load of talent that doesn't get the chance to get exposed. Whether they win this competition or not, they will hopefully get the exposure. We have got a few producers coming down and some band managers, so hopefully some people will be able get a deal.

"So far we've had a great response."

The winning DJ will receive £250-worth of vouchers from Dance 2 Records and the winning live act will be treated to a day at one of Brighton's best recording studios, working with professional producers helping to write, compile and produce a demo track. Juice FM will be broadcasting from the final.

The entry fee is £5 and anyone can enter, regardless of musical genre, style or experience. Entry is on a first come, first served basis and places are filling up fast. Entries must be in by mid December.

Application forms are available at www.rawbrighton.co.uk or by email from info@rawbrighton.co.

uk. They can also be picked up from Dance 2 Records in Western Road, Brighton.