Spoon packs San Diego’s Belly Up Tavern to capacity

Heading to Solana Beach’s Belly Up on a weeknight felt almost nostalgic… I hadn’t done it since the pre-COVID era. Despite having work in the morning, one of my favorite bands from my high school and college years was coming to town and it was simply unacceptable to miss. Spoon… the last time I saw […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Solrise “Donde”

Spanish artist Solrise is back in action with their rootsy summer single “Donde”. Based out of Barcelona, this European reggae sensation is quickly becoming a global reggae heavy-hitter, evident in this world premiere of “Donde” — a dubby, jazzy track with Latin flair. In case you have yet to start some summertime vibes, Solrise has […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Doralee “Seu Sorriso (Your Smile)”

Los Angeles-based, island-infused singer-songwriter Doralee adds beautiful visuals to her soft, sweet “Seu Sorriso” single! Meaning ‘my smile’ in Portuguese, this track is all the bossa nova sugar you need to get your summer going. Bossa novo music and sprawling beach scenes? Yes, please. Doralee shines as she dances and sings, super innocently, around a […]

This Ain’t No Picnic coming to Pasadena in August 2022

In the fine words of Sheryl Crow, “this ain’t no disco” and “it ain’t no country club, either”. That’s right, because alternative rock is harder and here to stay. In this same vein, the fine festival producers over at Goldenvoice introduced This Ain’t No Picnic to high acclaim, set to grace the Pasadena Rose Bowl […]

Traveling back in time with The Mixtape Tour 2022 in San Diego

Entering Viejas Arena on May 26th was like going back in time. Fans lined the amphitheater, dressed in their best 80s attire, exhilarated and antsy to get inside and start witnessing what the new Mixtape Tour would bring! For those who don’t know, this is the second national Mixtape Tour, with the first before the […]

Cruel World 2022

Oh, what a wonderful Cruel World it was! Presented by Goldenvoice, this nostalgic New Wave fest graced Pasadena’s Rose Bowl on Saturday, May 14th (with the same lineup repeating the next day). Arriving midday, Christian Death was already rocking the side stage, while Sextile was crushing the main Outsiders Stage. Despite the heat, people were […]

Goodbye, Cruel World 2022

As a next generation New Wave kid, when Goldenvoice announced a brand new festival for late Spring of 2020, my little black heart was overjoyed. Morrissey, Bauhaus, Echo & The Bunnymen — need I say more?! Cruel World was going to envelop my entire Spotify and Pandora streaming life, all into one day. And, then, […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Pipe Down “Smile”, feat. Rilen’ Out

Reggae is relatable anywhere. Take it from island reggae band Pipe Down, strumming sweet and sultry reggae tunes on a snow-covered Lake Tahoe mountaintop wearing a Hawaiian T-shirt. It doesn’t get much cooler than that… well, except for the fact that the official video for the track is premiering exclusively today on Top Shelf Music! […]

Gary Dread & Rick Haze release “Running” music video

Reggae trap artist Rick Haze pairs with The Movement’s Gary Dread in this new video by Raised Fist Propaganda. Talk about an all star collaboration! As Haze laments he’s “so sick and tired” of the lies and deceit, Dread brings the roots vibes till the “fat lady sings”. They’re “running”, but where exactly are they […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Island Head “Blue Butterfly”

Dub reggae outfit Island Head premieres the beautiful lyric video for their “Blue Butterfly” single today only on Top Shelf Music! The somber yet inspiring track is an ode to Kyle Messinetti, son of lead singer Will Messinetti, who was taken from this earth too soon by an unfortunate overdose. A tragedy turned eloquent eulogy […]

Car Seat Headrest sells out House of Blues, San Diego

Some shows take you by surprise, no matter how prepared you are for them. I’ve been a fan of Car Seat Headrest for years now… having seen them only once, opening up for Death Cab at the Hollywood Bowl. I went to that show specifically for CSH back in the summer of 2019 and remember […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: The Sweet Things “Ya Know I Don’t Mind”

The story continues! The much-anticipated next installment of The Sweet Things‘ antics are captured in this world premiere of “Ya Know I Don’t Mind”. The single, out on all digital outlets as of May 2nd via Wendigo Productions NYC/Spaghetty Town Records, is the second taste off the band’s forthcoming Brown Leather album — the first […]

The Irie knows how to “Kick It” in new video

Hang with the boys of The Irie? Yes, please. Based off the new wickedly vivacious video by the band, a night with them is anything but ordinary. Waking up all over the floor (and Johnny even on the furniture), The Irie comes to after a long night of partying with babes… at least, from what […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: StoneTribe “Island Time”

It’s 4/20, folks!! You know what that means — time to take it a bit slower. StoneTribe is here to help with that, revealing the highly-anticipated music video for their enticing “Island Time” single, a track released summer of last year. Not only that, but Top Shelf Music has the sneak peek before the video […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: SkillinJah x Rick Haze “Shottavelli”

It’s double trouble! Hot on the heels of SkillinJah‘s and Rick Haze’s Dancehall Time Machine album release comes yet another fire collaboration — this time in video form! The two rising reggae icons pair quite well: one with a traditional dancehall vibe and the other, well, if trap and reggae had a baby, it would […]