N'HANTS ST★R OF THE MONTH: January and it's all about the BBC

3. Scott Booth

On Thursday 19 January five local talents were invited to Abbey Road and Maida Vale studios. They were Dave Crawford of Decibels, the beautiful Charlotte Carpenter, Paul Spruce aka Mr Sidewinder (aka the one man responsible for most things UKG/Grime/Funky in Britain), rap crew The Tenbits and, of course, the guitar guru himself - Scott Booth. There is honestly nothing this man can't do with a guitar and I think it's amazing to see him being coached a) how to become even better but more importantly b) how to get more people to enjoy his truly inspirational music. Shout out BBC Introducing and Natasha House for this.

2. Ill Murk

Yet another thing that Tash can claim responsibility for is getting The Illest himself Ill Murk as the very first Introducing act to get on the 1xtra playlist. Every day this week Woy Yoy was played during the daytime on the digital station (an incredible feat also achieved by Billy Lockett last year on Radio 1) and has been gaining so much support from grime fans everywhere. Rappers who've made it big this way previously include Wretch 32 and Rizzle Kicks and hopefully the next time I hear that list on a BBC radio advert Ill Murk will be a member too.

In similar news make sure you check out the newly launched GrimeBoxHD channel for heaps of freestyles and a fresh look on Northamptonshire's rap scene.

1. Hannah Faulkner

If you went onto this blog on Saturday 21 January you will have seen that the layout had been shaken up a bit to promote this lady, Hannah Faulkner, as she competed in the UK Open Mic Final at the O2. Unfortunately she didn't win but making the final twenty-five in a competition that has featured the likes of Birdy is an achievement and a half. If you're into this blissful, acoustic folk music floating around in some sort of paradisical universe of wonder then sink your ears into the lovely world Hannah Faulkner. And then go see Charlotte Carpenter on tour because that woman is Quality with a capital Q.

Also: Dinesh Gorania of The Premier Shop in Rushden