A chat with Katastro

Back in 2007 in Tempe, Arizona, four very different, yet similar friends got together to play some music and created the musical ear candy that is now Katastro. After working the music scene in Arizona to the point the band opened for renowned alt -hip hop band, Dirty Heads, Katastro picked up a fantastic opportunity […]

Boomshaka returns to San Diego January 2020

Los Angeles might be the home of Hollywood, but San Diego holds down the fort for a music mecca — specifically, reggae. Alternative acts have also risen from this SoCal paradise (cough, Blink-182, Jewel, Stone Temple Pilots, et. Al.), yet reggae rock bands, such as Slightly Stoopid and Tribal Seeds, reign at the top of […]

KAABOO Del Mar 2019: Day Two

KAABOO weekend is always a highlight of the year. After KAABOO Del Mar kicked off to an epic start with Wu-Tang and Snoop Dogg headlining Night One, Day Two vibes were running high… almost as high as the heat! Good thing the pool in the BASK section was popping off all day aside the Sunset […]

Cali Roots 2020 takes shape

Following a landmark year is hard to do, plain and simple. Among festivals celebrating a decade in the biz last May was Monterey’s reggae rock meets hip hop conglomeration, California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Starting from a low-key hangout for reggae lovers has now morphed into a movement beyond measure. Celeb sightings abound as […]

KAABOO Del Mar 2019: Day One

A rush of anticipation hit Del Mar, California at the crack of noon on Day One of the 5th Annual KAABOO Del Mar Festival. The best weekend of the year was upon SoCal residents and everyone came prepared. The first of three days of A-list entertainment kicked off with turn-of-Millennium alt rock band Plain White […]

The 5th Annual KAABOO Del Mar MIX-perience

There is always a rush of nervous energy lining the gates of KAABOO Del Mar, waiting to get in Day One alongside other early birds at the festival entrance. The fest superseding all other mainstream California festivals might span three days, but there is simply no time to waste. Every moment is spent with intention. […]

Blink-182 & Lil Wayne satisfy Seattle

Wow, what an amazing night for the people of Seattle, Washington! One of the greatest pop-punk bands and rappers of all time coming full throttle! The White River Amphitheater was full of energy and the fans were ecstatic to listen to rock and hip hop. The stage at the White River Amphitheater was full of huge […]

Yes I Can presents a night of hip hop, featuring Chali 2na

On September 7th, 2019, there is a very special art show and concert that will take place at ToolboxLA in Chatsworth, California with Chali 2na and Tyrone’s Jacket. That’s right, the Yes I Can Festival, produced by the students of Yes I Can, is back! If you’re not familiar with the Yes I Can Unity Through […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Teez “Buggy”

Rising Tongan hip hop artist out of Reno, Teez, premieres his third single off his impending debut album R.E.N.O (Real Everything No Ops), out September 27th via Mensch House Records. Following two successful rap tracks, “Lit Bae” and “Murda”, Top Shelf Music is proud to release “Buggy”, a self-inflicted battle of the senses following a […]

Blink-182 & Lil Wayne in San Diego

Blink-182, Lil Wayne and Neck Deep hit San Diego’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheater on August 7th, 2019. Neck Deep, a Welsh punk rock band, kicked off the night with “Motion Sickness”, “She’s A God” and ended with “Where Do We Go When We Go”, warming up the crowd for Lil Wayne. DJ T. Lewis […]

Boca 45 shares his greatest hits playlist

What to say about the established Bristolian deejay Boca 45? After escalating to a world-renowned name for his unbeatable dance soundtracks, featuring everything from hip hop to grunge rock to trippy psychedelia, Boca 45 (née, Scott Hendy) is celebrating his 45th year with the launch of a life-encompassing album, fittingly entitled Forty Five, on his […]

Khalid & Clairo in Pittsburgh

Khalid’s Free Spirit Tour stopped at Pittsburgh, PA’s PPG Paints Arena on Monday, July 29th. Khalid performed hits from his new album, including “Talk” and old favorites, such as “Young Dumb & Broke” and “Location”. Opening the show was singer-songwriter, Clairo, performing songs from her upcoming album Immunity. The Free Spirit Tour continues through North […]

Xiuhtezcatl interviews at Cali Roots 10

Top Shelf Music journalist Kristy Rose sits down with hip hop-reggae socially-conscious artist Xiuhtezcatl at California Roots 10, following his morning performance. With an EP on the way, a summer tour and a book published (with props from mega-actor Leonardo DiCaprio), the young protégé shares what drives him forward, his thoughts on planet sustainability and […]