Desert Daze unveils astounding Artist Transmission for 2024

Calling all evolved Earthlings! It’s almost time to meet in the Valley of the Unbroken Horizon (aka, Moreno Beach in Perris, California) for yet another transcendent experience at Desert Daze — one of the last true music festivals left on this planet. Originating over a decade ago, Desert Daze is an annual get-together of like-minded […]

Lindsey Stirling’s ‘Duality’: the greatest show on earth?

A lot of people question my rationale when I say that Lindsey Stirling has, quite possibly, the greatest live performance in existence. They argue, “What about Paul McCartney? What about the rock gods of the 70s?” Listen, I acknowledge that 70s rock concerts back in the day (that probably cost a nickel or whatever) were […]

Robert Jon & The Wreck basks in a ‘Red Moon Rising’

If someone were to ask you to envision ‘archetypal Southern rock’, you’d probably spout the names of CCR, Lynard Skynard, ZZ Top. You’d think of “Born on a Bayou” origins, swamps and gators, stretching Atlanta, Georgia down to New Orleans. Not Southern California… anywhere besides Southern California. Enter Robert Jon & The Wreck — capable […]

L.A. Drugz commemorates ‘Outside Place’ EP after 10 years

Who says punk is dead?! Certainly not the city of Los Angeles, home of garage rock and skate punk band L.A. Drugz (and, well, drugz in general… in all honesty). This power pop supergroup was birthed from the ashes of Clorox Girls in 2010, when frontman Justin Maurer joined forces with James Carman (of Maniac, […]

Echo & The Bunnymen at San Diego’s Observatory Theater

It was a chillier evening than you’d expect for June 10th in San Diego, as I stood shivering outside the Observatory Theater in North Park. Some would object to the chill, but I thought it only fitting for the ever-enticing Echo & The Bunnymen. You see, in my experience, Echo has always been mysterious. And […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Blindman “They Tried To Bury Us”

American reggae artist Blindman is back with the world video premiere for “They Tried To Bury Us”. The roots-infused track, originally debuting off of Rebel Sound Records on April 19th, centers on societal injustices of recent times — asking for not just recognition, but an end to the oppression. We are living in telltale times […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Jacuzzi Fuzz “Sailin On” (Bad Brains cover)

Who doesn’t love a good cover from an iconic 80s band that helped redefine the American ska and reggae genres as we know it? We hope you do, since Jacuzzi Fuzz has released their rendition of Bad Brains‘ “Sailin On” on April 12th via Rebel Sound Records! It’s one of those covers that rings true […]

Atmosphere reissues iconic & out-of-print ‘Strictly Leakage’ LP

The rhyme-slinging duo of Atmosphere is reissuing one of their greatest albums, one that’s been out-of-print for YEARS! Dropped originally in 2007, Strictly Leakage is — without question — a milestone within Atmosphere’s extensive discography that should be revisited often. The album is aptly named, playing a pivotal role in the band’s trajectory. Between 2007 […]

Coachella 2024 Weekend Two: Day 3, Escape to Goldenvoice Surf Club

After two full days frolicking in the *intense* Coachella heat, Top Shelf was blessed to check out Goldenvoice‘s posh popup at the Palm Springs Surf Club before heading back in for the Day Three finalé. Approximately 20 minutes away from the Empire Polo Grounds, the Palm Springs Surf Club is an expansive 21-acre, all-adult waterpark […]

Coachella 2024 Weekend Two: Day One

Top Shelf has never had the pleasure of attending the catalyst of all Goldenvoice festivals… until this year. Of course, we’re talking the alpha, the omega, COACHELLA! Spanning two weekends in the sun-soaked Empire Polo Club grounds just south of Palm Springs, Coachella has become synonymous with the quintessential festival experience — the Maserati of […]

Saxsquatch brings folklore-filled Bigfoot Rave to San Diego

I’ve always heard of the mystical and elusive character Saxsquatch: a wily upright ape-man, wandering around the Pacific Northwest with instrument in hand. The legend of Saxsquatch actually dates back to the first saxophone ever created by 19th Century musician and outdoorsman Gilhorn Von Bugle Sax, who carelessly left his invention on a tree stump […]

Gary Numan sends San Diego’s Music Box into a fanatic frenzy

Trying to find parking around the Music Box in downtown San Diego clearly indicated that there was a notable event taking place: the streets were lined with punkers — mostly of Gen X age, but some Boomers, some Millennials — all dressed in black, leather, and walking in the same direction. Gary Numan was in […]

5 hidden gems at Coachella (besides the music, obvi)

It’s here — another two glorious weekends at Coachella! While Weekend One-ers are gearing up for the great unveiling of the 2024 installment, let’s look at a few not-so-obvious thrill spots and chill spots that await attendees of both weekends. Sure, the music’s great. But what else? Between the iconic ferris wheel and the controlled […]

Hippie Sabotage entrances San Diego

When brothers Kevin and Jeff Saurer roll into town, you know it’s going to be a party. Formally known as the alternative EDM duo Hippie Sabotage, these talented brothers bring the laser lights and kaleidoscopic visuals associated with the deejay scene — yet so much more. Between switching off on live guitar and bouncing into […]