2012 was a tremendous year for local artists around the Central Valley. Projecting styles of various genres, Fresno has growing talent and developing artists that are garnering national and international attention. From homegrown music festivals to big indie label releases, 2012 showed that the Fresno music scene is here, and is thriving.

In July, local indie powerhouse Fierce Creatures held their CD release show within the downtown Fulton Mall. The free all-ages event was called “Catacomb Party” after the title of their new record, and was not only a CD release, but also a mini-festival.

An outdoor stage with more than nine bands, food trucks from local businesses, and well over 400 people attending made this a landmark for local music, and for community-driven events.

“I think part of it was the surprise of the event,” said John Esquivel, Fresno music promoter. “Once people got there, it seemed like a whole lot more. Great food trucks, dancers, amazing art setup with vintage furniture, volunteers running around everywhere getting things done, etc.  Oh, and an all-ages event that was one giant beer garden was a big surprise,” Esquivel added.

Fierce Creatures also signed to New York-based record label Paper Garden Records in 2012.  “It feels exciting and almost unreal,” said Amanda Valdez, one of the lead vocalists for Fierce Creatures. “Paper Garden Records took a chance on us and has worked incredibly hard on getting a band from Fresno out there into the world.”

2012 saw many artists excel locally, but Old Tire Swingers, a bluegrass and Americana group based out of Fresno, has travelled across the United States. Early last year they even had a European tour, playing 21 shows in England and Wales.

“We played quite a variety of venues on that tour; from very formal, sit down places, (city art centers and such) to very loud and rowdy pubs that were slammed with over 200 people inside just wanting to have a great time,” said Nick Kennedy, guitarist of Old Tire Swingers.

Old Tire Swingers have used their accessible style to play just about anywhere in the United States. They have twangy, country style, but still retain echoes a Fresno sound.  “People are surprised to see a band from California playing old time and bluegrass. Although, they can definitely hear some of our California influences when we play, they were generally excited and happy to hear what we’re up to,” added Kennedy.

Fresno has also seen various new places open up for music fans to gather, namely in the downtown area.

The revitalization of the Pacific Southwest Building has led to numerous eclectic events throughout the year, such as dance events and album release parties.

Fresno Brewing Company, an all-ages cafe and craft brew pub, has had many local favorites play there such as Sci-Fi Capers and Light Thieves, and always to a packed house.

Fulton 55, right on Divisadero and Van Ness, continues to put on diverse shows, from quiet nights filled with singer-songwriters, to bustling, magnetic hip-hop shows.

Throughout the years, we have seen the number of Fresno music venues dwindle, but 2012 countered that with new, refreshing points of attraction.

There is often discussion about whether Fresno has music that has “worth.” It most certainly does, but we have to understand where is stands against other music scenes. Given the extreme diversity  that is our city, we have a contrasting music scene that is uniquely our own. Local music transcribes all of our experiences within this town into song and rhythm. 2012 demonstrated  that Fresno has a community of young, talented artists creating sound and musical landscape that is distinctly Fresno.