Old-school punk rock band X brought moshpits to Santa Ana

Few bands have withstood the test of time for more than 45 years. Fewer bands have done it with the original members the entire time. Even fewer have done this in the punk and alternative world. And arguably, of those in that diminutive list, no one has done it better than John Doe, Billy Zoom, […]

2023 is shaping up to be a big year for BALLYHOO!

Raging since 1995, BALLYHOO! has become the music OG’s not missing a beat. Staying true to its own vibes and style, BALLYHOO! creates unforgettable and mind scrambling blends of ska, punk, reggae and even metal. If you have never seen these bad boys, you’ve got to add them to your list. Unstoppable hits one after […]

Monique Powell of Save Ferris gets candid and personal in exclusive interview

COVID-19 ended live shows, diminished studio sessions and new album releases, put countless crew members on hiatus and it ruthlessly harmed one of the things so many of us love. No band nor venue was spared. But through it all, and many other life challenges over the years, Monique Powell, the radiant, charismatic, strong, and […]

Nashville spent the weekend smiling

This past Saturday night, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville hosted music legends Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and drummer Tom Skinner as their latest band, The Smile rolled into town. The side project is the latest in a long list of projects for Yorke and Greenwood of Radiohead fame. After many years as a photojournalist, I could […]

We can’t wait to Hangout!

If you’re feeling those winter blues, there’s nothing like planning out your summer festival schedule to warm you up inside. Thanks to Hangout Festival’s 2023 lineup announcement, I’m literally beaming with sunshine. Top billed artists for the beachfront festival include Red Hot Chili Peppers, SZA, and Calvin Harris, taking place from May 19th to the […]

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast, Ep. 80: Sicard Hollow

On this episode we chat with Sicard Hollow, a four-piece progressive bluegrass band with a passion for pushing the boundaries of the genre.  Formed via mutual connections in the Nashville music scene, these psychedelic punk-grass rockers found themselves tired of existing institutions telling them who to be and what to sound like, and before they […]

Foals announce their love for Chicago fan base for always bringing it

Audience members at Chicago’s Vic Theatre were treated to a vivacious show on Friday night. In a venue packed to capacity, British rock band Foals brought the energy to Chicago, extending past their slotted showtime and playing well into the night, to much of the audience’s delight.  Opening the night was GLOVE, an electro-punk group […]

Hayley and the Crushers bring bright colors and mischief to San Pedro

Tucked away in the corner of San Pedro, California is a portal leading straight into NYC’s notorious 1990s punk rock scene. Low lighting, patched leather vests, and the smell of whiskey encompass The Sardine; a punk rock bar, record store, and music venue. November 19th welcomed a night of old-school punk rock. Three female-fronted bands […]

Skegss had Chicago thrashing all night long

Australia is known as the birthplace of several captivating rock bands–groups such as AC/DC, INXS, Jet, The Divinyls, and Tame Impala. These artists are well-known in the land down under and internationally. Within the last decade, dozens of rock groups have aimed at filling the shoes of their Aussie predecessors, thanks to a cultural resurgence […]

Punk in the Park 2022: Day Two

On Sunday, November 6th the annual Punk in the Park Fest invaded Oak Canyon Park for the second day of beer, music and moshing. The fest provided another day of free beer tasting of more than 100 beers from dozens of differing breweries. By the time the sun set, everyone was ready for a second […]

Punk in the Park 2022: Day One

Punk in the Park came back for year two at Oak Canyon Park, a grassy, tucked away venue in the hills of Orange County. Day One was as wild a ride as any sold-out punk festival, with free beer tasting all morning and surging pits late into the night. It felt great coming out to […]

Dropkick Murphys reminds LA their music is timeless

My dad, Shane, and I go to a lot of shows and work together as a team to do reviews here at Top Shelf Music. We have seen some of the biggest performers in the world and countless new bands in dimly lit clubs that barely fit 50 people. Some shows are fun, some shows […]

DENM was born to walk the path of music

This young man has a whole plethora of talent that is combusting in the reggae rock music scene as we speak. Signed to Ineffable Records in 2020, collaborating with Jared Watson of Dirty Heads, showcasing on the Sugarshack pop up stage and Reggae Rise Up, collaborating with SOJA, and the list goes on and on!  He is on […]