Two full weeks of SXSW 2022

SXSW is known for many things… whether it’s throngs of happy music lovers, rediscovering their love of seeking the best new bands, or the pack of tech guys in networking nirvana. Or, the film geeks and geek-ettes, gawking in gritty discourse over the merits (or lack thereof) of their latest screening. For me, though, SX […]

My Forte Artist Spotlight: Mobley

How does one describe a phenom consistently setting the bar ever higher in creativity, sound and musicianship? Singer-songwriter, ‘Curator of the Creative’, pitch-perfect (figuratively and literally), multi-instrumentalist, genre-defying performance perfection? Those are but a few of the many impressions Mobley leaves on anyone lucky enough to cross his path. One of Austin’s best and brightest, […]

My Forte Artist Spotlight: Dozzi

Famous for high-energy performances, incredible stage presence and goosebumps-inducing harmonies, Nashville’s independent country pop trio Dozzi is in the fast lane to the biggest stages. Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, the three sisters moved to Nashville in 2016 after seeing exponential success in their home country. Andrea plays mandolin and vocals, while Jesse holds down acoustic […]

My Forte Artist Spotlight: Boomtown Saints

With signature high-energy performances and flawless harmonies, Boomtown Saints are Nashville’s newest and arguably biggest up-and-coming rock-forward country band. And, they’re on a mission. “We have established a reputation for allowing people to forget about their ‘real life’ for however long we are onstage,” says Chris Ramos of Boomtown Saints. Having evolved from their freshman […]

My Forte Artist Spotlight: Migs718

The epitome of the next big thing, Migs718 is the answer to the stagnant hip hop scene of recent years. I challenge you to find another young up-and-coming artist with the same grit, depth and complexity as Migs718. Go ahead… we’ll wait. Already an accomplished artist in his own right, the SXSW 2022 official artist has dropped […]

My Forte Artist Spotlight: Bourgeois Mystics

What do you get if you combine OutKast’s The Love Below, some “Blitzkrieg Bop”, a sprinkle of funk and groove, a smattering of Bollywood and some 80s classic rock? A recipe for success? According to Austin’s Bourgeois Mystics, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’.  I first discovered the band’s outrageous excellence early in my Austin years… it was probably 2015 […]

Introducing ‘My Forte’: a full music documentary series

After a slate of film festival successes following the November 4th premiere of Love: Music, filmmaker Kaili Rose has announced the continuation of the project: a series of 12 short documentary films, addressing pivotal topics in the music industry, is slated to begin production this month in Toronto. Working with a diverse roster of artists […]

X Ambassadors astounds The Danforth, Toronto

On a cold late-autumn evening in Toronto, we joined an enthusiastic throng of concertgoers lined up in front of The Danforth Music Hall. Having just stopped for an incredible burger and beer at local grill The Bullger (that’s a story for another day, but holy cow), the two of us were fired up for an […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Harlette “Gemini (Acoustic)”

Canadian rock artists Harlette pack an uncontainable blend of style and sound with their newest music video release, “Gemini (Acoustic)”, premiering exclusively today on Top Shelf Music. With a sultry film noir aesthetic, singer-songwriters Michelle and Martina give us a pared-down version of their mid-2021 release. Featuring just the two singers and a red piano, […]

Rock on the River 2021: two terrific days in Timmins, CAN

Welcome to a small town rock festival in the far-off north! It’s a place where friendly, happy-go-lucky organizers are as serious about good music as they are about making sure there’s enough cold beer to go around. And, it was a bigger than big rock lineup — we’re talking nationally acclaimed artists — The Arkells, […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: A Good Rogering “Face Value”

Fans of eclectic rock, rejoice! Austin’s favorite heavy rockers A Good Rogering return with “Face Value”, the debut video from their upcoming album, Systematic Paralysis. Premiering today exclusively on Top Shelf Music, the video features a long-overdue message, paired with a less-than-delicate dystopian aesthetic. The video was created by graphic artist and videographer Eric Alan […]

SZNS drops catchy new anthem “We’re Not Gonna Be Friends”

Reminiscent of throwback favorites, SZNS blew up out of nowhere in 2021 with their track “Tequila with Lime”. A catchy, no-holds-barred synthy girlpop tune with delicious latin undertones, it blends unapologetic empowerment with a fun take on today’s dating scene. “Y-E-S, shoot your shot, but if I say N-O, boy bye, get lost!” How can […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Donovan Keith “Mine”

Donovan Keith returns with a signature blend of soul, rock and funk with “Mine”, the latest single off of his debut solo album. Premiering exclusively on Top Shelf Music today, “Mine” is a passionate track with contagious energy and multiple layers to uncover. It proves relatable to anyone who’s found themselves longing for something lost […]