Believe it or not, 2011 was a strong year for overall music sales across the globe. CD sales were on the increase and so was Vinyl!  I realize as Canadians, this may be hard to believe, however it is fact! Incidentally, Canada is the largest country in the free world utilizing digital downloads as their primary source of music.  Elsewhere in the world, the majority of people still buy the traditional mediums of music. Now, not only were worldwide sales on the up, but certain styles of music were taking an upward swing, with the promise of increasing their climb in 2012. Hard Rock and Progressive Metal, as well as Melodic Rock, were charting across the globe. Resurgence of such groups as Warrant, Whitesnake and Yes were making headlines in the last year, with groups such as Aerosmith and Black Sabbath adding hope to 2012. Here are few artists that made powerful statements in 2011, and still being heard in 2012:

Her’s is a rising star in the heavens of Melodic Rock - Issa, now based out of the UK, is an up and coming Norwegian Songstress that with her second effort, is poised to take the world by storm:

Issa: The Storm

Frontiers Records

Review by: Bruce E.J. Atkinson

The Norwegian Siren has returned! Yes, Issa is about to create a storm with her second release from Frontiers Records.

October will see “The Storm” unleashed on a worldwide audience. This sophomore effort shows a stronger, more confident vocalist. Issa has included some of her original writings in “The Storm’s" collection. You will be delighted by such self penned gems as “Invincible”, “We’re On Fire” and the title track, “The Storm”. The new record establishes her as a songstress in the highest degree!

With “The Storm”, Issa continues her work with other songwriters as well, with such Artists as Chris Laney and Robert Sall. The production duties are handled by Daniel Flores, whom also plays on the album. Yes, “The Storm” is a much fuller musical expression, but we still hear that “smokey” edge to her voice and finely textured arrangements that are at the same time a bit rough and keeping the rock definitely intact!

All in all, “The Storm” will further propel Issa into a stellar position in the musical horizon. October will see a Storm coming our way, so don’t take shelter, embrace it.

On the Progressive Rock scene, we have seen the likes of Yes releasing a major work, along with other groups coming to the fore, with strong musical statements.

From Germany, a new group is about to emerge, Frontiers Record's hopefuls, Beyond The Bridge and what better way than to let them tell their own unique story:

The engine that drives Rock music is of course the Hard Blues/Rock style of many groups and solo artists. 2011 was a very strong year for one Southern California group, Warrant, what with a charting album and new Lead Vocalist the group promises to continue with their infectious style in 2012:

Just a few of the musical Artists that are driving upwards and preparing the year 2012 to become even stronger than the last. As music lovers, we have everything to celebrate what with veteran Rockers marching forth with renewed energy and young upstarts pushing the musical horizons, 2012 will become a pivotal year in music all over the globe!

Under The Lights

Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

• JC Wilson Live @ Dakoda’s Pub Friday & Saturday Jan. 20^th & 21^st
• Rock it with Zoo Lion Saturday Jan. 21^st at Doc Willoughby’s
• Remember it is JAM NIGHT every Wednesday at the Grateful Fed Bar & Grill!

Photo: Contributed

A great Triple Bandstand is coming up at the Grateful Fed with these premiere hometown bands:

• Dracula Black and Special Guests
• Hippiecritz & Princess Die

Friday Jan. 27th.  Tix: $5 at the door and showtime is 8:30pm!

Notable Concerts:

Kelowna Community Theatre Presents:

• Hanson Jan. 24^th and The Rankin Family Thursday Jan. 26^th
• Adventure Club Saturday January 14^th

Level Nite Club:

• Dillon Francis Thursday Jan. 26^th

Classic Rock at its finest: Prism Jan. 27^th @ Kamloops Convention Centre and Jan. 28^th @ 97 Street Pub in Kelowna

Just Announced!: The Funk Hunters at Sapphire Friday February 3^rd

South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton:

• Simple Plan February 9^th (Thursday)
• B.B. King Saturday May 12^th
• George Thorogood & The Destroyers Sunday May 20^th

Prospera Place:

• Hedley with Special Guests - Friday February 10th
• Jeff Dunham March 22^nd
• Johnny Reid April 13^th!!!

Notes & News

If you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something, drop me a line at: fbainternational@telus.net and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!