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Already making a name for themselves  in 2009, the Southampton 3 piece are my strongest tip for a local band to hit the big time this year.  They're like our very own White Stripes and already been kicking their bluesy, gritty rock n roll across America, earning themselves a slot on the worlwidely massive Vamp versus Werewolf chick-flick, Twilight, New Moon soundtrack..

There are still only demos available from this experimental electro pop Southampton based band, and they haven't even played their first gig yet, but lead singer Luke Donovan (ex Kings Shilling/The Glad Rags) has assembled a talented array of local musicians.  Artrocker Magazine put an Mon Pop demo at number 67 in the Top 100 songs of 2009 - the only demo to make it into the list.  They make their début with a gig at The Joiners with Thomas Tantrum and The Vivian Girls at the end of January.

Another Southampton based band who are threatening to make waves outside of the city. From the hard-working SoTones label, this 6 piece alt-folk band play over 15 instruments between them.  Most importantly though, they know how to use their instruments, delivering beautiful harmonious, epic songs perfect for any bedroom or any festival stage.

OK, I'm a bit biased on this as we put her on at the Soul Cellar last year, and the fact that she's already signed on a worldwide record deal to Columbia means she has a bit of help behind her.  BUT, before the year is out we're quietly confident that Blackburn singer Charlotte O Connor will be a household name.  She covers already big songs and makes them her own, but her own songs are more than worthy of a place on anybodys iPod.  Charlotte won't just appeal to your 6 year old daughter either - everybody

She's heading out on tour with Newton Faulkner from February

You may not know, but you have seen Chris McClure already, I promise you.  He was the slightly wasted looking chap on the cover of the debut album from the Arctic Monkeys with a fag hanging out of his mouth.  He is also the brother of Jon McClure, aka The Reverend.  But that aside is no reason to check out The Violet May.  They causing quite a stir in Sheffield, tearing up venues with their raucous live shows. Alan McGee is a huge fan and I'll put money on it that The Violet May will be tearing up venues across the country, not just Shefield, before the end of the year.

2009 saw Trip and his band supporting Goldie Lookin Chain on tour and winning XFM Single of The Week 3 times for the same single  and the release of much under-rated debut album ShortCuts.  Already on his CV he has supported the likes of Justin Timberlake, N.E.R.D, Redman, Buster Rhymes and Outkast, and Trip, with full band in tow, deliver something between The Streets and The Clash.

Mirrors have risen from the ashes of cheeky Bexhill-On-Sea indie rock outfit Mumm-ra (whose drummer joined White Lies).  Self-described "pop-noir" the 4 piece (featuring Noo and Tate from previously mentioned band) have recently released a single Into The Heart on Moshi Moshi and are off on tour with Delphic from mid-January.  They're three blokes on synthesizers and one bloke on electric drums, sounding more like Depeche Mode than Mumm-Ra. Don't let that put you off though. They're pretty darn good!

You may not have heard of King Jim, but he is definitely a name to watch out for.  When he's not on tour opening for bands like Athlete, he is Brett Anderson's guitarist.  Hailing from the New Forest, Jim started out playing with a local band called Thermal (whose members have all gone on to do pretty well for themselves). He has over 40 songs already penned and is in the process of assembling a talented array of musicians. His country, folk acoustic numbers tell stories from the life of King  Jim and they are more than pleasant on the ear.  Get to King Jim country before everybody else.

And, some favourites of mine who I truly hope will get the recognition they deserve:

Suicide Party – Lots of promise last year, Let's hope Screaming Joey doesn't get bored and form a new band.

Jazica – Narrowly missing out on winning the 2009 Road To V, this could be a make or break year for the female fronted synth pop 4 piece

Birdpen – Still bigger on the continent than in their homeland, it's about time they were on our radios. But then again, they're Southampton's little secret and maybe we just all prefer that way.

Hijera – One of Southampton's longest running bands, they've still yet to release an album, but that is to change this year.  Could the 2006 winners of The Electric Proms be about to break through?  Let's hope so.

Lien – A few years back, The NME turned up to the Rhino Basement to witness Lien – and they gave them a cracking review. They've gone a bit quiet of late, but rumour has it they are back in 2010....but will the toast man be with them?

Woven Bird – From the ashes of the deceased Dead!Dead!Dead, 2009 saw the birth of Woven Bird.  They're still fresh and still writing but keep an eye out this year.