The Santa Clarita Valley music scene has only grown larger over the years, with bands of various styles seemingly everywhere.  

The Summer Meltdown concert at Golden Valley High School, which is organized by the Yes I Can program, annually brings in thousands of concert-goers to see a full slate of musical talent.  

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Recording studios and practice spaces are sprouting up, creating successful avenues for younger bands eager to pursue their dreams.  

One of those bands is Bridge 22, who, after keeping everything local since their inception in early 2009, is prepped to make an impact outside of the members’ hometown in the Santa Clarita Valley.  

The group just finished a five-song EP, Falling Upward, and is about to embark on a short tour of Hot Topic locations in Southern California. On January 11, 2011, the band will play at the Hot Topic in the Valencia Town Center.  

Before reaching this point, however, the band cut its teeth playing shows at the Vu in Newhall and the requisite house parties.  

“We figured out that the Vu is the main source in Santa Clarita for playing live,” said vocalist Ricky Vittallo.  

As any fledgling band will tell you, they took gigs whenever the opportunity presented itself, which slowly but surely led to slots at the Whiskey a Go Go in Hollywood, Weber’s Place in Reseda and the Arena Grill and Bar in Simi Valley.  

The band recorded their album at Command Recording Studios in the Valencia Industrial Center.  

“We’re all experienced in recording and we knocked it out one by one,” said Vittallo.  

According to bassist Rafael Chavez, the band attempts to incorporate their varied musical interests into their own unique sound.  

If Bridge 22’s upcoming stint at Hot Topic stores is any indication, this type of teamwork is working and is routinely exemplified on stage.  

“We make sure we put all our hearts into each show,” said Vittallo.  

You can check out Bridge 22’s music by visiting the band’s Myspace page.