WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Marcus Upbeat “She’s So Sweet”

Marcus Upbeat, aka Downbeat, has had himself quite the impressive career. Gaining fandom in the UK from his former band, No.1 Station, Upbeat not only worked closely with Lee Scratch Perry, but further toured with Roxy Music in the height of their prime! Now a solo artist, Upbeat is ready to release new music — […]

The Aggrolites at Saint Rocke

On the heels of the release of their highly anticipated, long-awaited album, Reggae Now, the Los Angeles-based Aggrolites lit the stage on fire at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, CA on May 25th, 2019. This being the first live taste of their new album, excited fans came out in full force to hear the latest […]

Kyle Smith & Brendan Clemente chat at Cali Roots X

Top Shelf Music journalist Kristy Rose sits down with two great independent artists at California Roots 10, Kyle Smith and Brendan Clemente! Performing together for the first time, the two chat about their individual efforts in the scene, what’s to come next and how Cali Roots brought the two of them together in the first […]

Tropidelic ‘Here In The Heights’ album review

Tropidelic is in a category all its own. Their latest album, Here In The Heights, is a product of successfully combining funk, reggae, rock and hip hop with excellent and creative songwriting. With passion, soul, funky guitar and brass instrumentals, the six-piece band from Cleveland, Ohio gives Here In The Heights the band’s trademark sound. […]

Cali Roots 2019: Day Two

Back for more, California Roots 2019 attendees filed once again into the Monterey Fairgrounds early Saturday morning for yoga, coffee and, naturally, the rocking reggae sounds of Roots of a Rebellion kicking off the Cali Roots Stage on Day Two. Jo Mersa Marley followed shortly after on the Bowl, while Casey Sullivan (of Burritos the […]

A talk with Taj Weekes at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl

I had the opportunity not only to attend Taj Weekes & Adowa, but also had to chance to speak briefly to Weekes himself! Blessing the Brooklyn Bowl with root reggae vibrations, Taj Weekes illuminated the stage alongside his opening acts, Allinor and Te’La.  Allinor blessed the stage with melodic sounds of traditional roots reggae music. […]

Project 432 ‘Passenger’ album review

Denver-based band Project 432 is a unique one, to say the least. After bursting onto the recording scene in 2017 with their debut album The Science of Numbers, the band quickly gained recognition for their approach as much as their music. The inaugural album — combining reggae with dub with hip hop all wrapped into […]

Cruising the Hudson with The Expendables

The ship set sail on June 12th, cruising through New York’s Hudson River. Aboard this kickin’ yacht party was Tropidelic and The Expendables, who treated their fans to an unforgettable night of good old reggae rock vibes. Both bands rock the boat in true reggae fashion by ‘lighting’ up the stage with sweet sounds of […]

Rebelution at San Diego’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Chula Vista concerts are a trademark of summertime. The weather is finally warm enough to enjoy an outdoor event, strangers mingle amongst each other with drinks on the lawn, friends bond in every direction by the sheer act of live music. A concert arena that has boasted many names, The North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Kevin Kinsella “Among Them”

Founding member of John Brown’s Body and 10 Ft. Ganja Plant, Kevin Kinsella continues to be a cornerstone for the American reggae industry. His accomplishments range from musician to festival founder, releasing new music in between planning Ithaca Reggae Festival taking place next weekend in Ithaca, NY! Top Shelf Music is proud to host the […]

Roots of a Rebellion sits down at Cali Roots 10

Top Shelf Music journalist Kristy Rose sits down with Roots of a Rebellion at California Roots 10, all the way from Tennessee! The band opened up Day Two of the festival and with a new album out shortly, Roots of a Rebellion members were stoked to share details on the LP and what’s coming up […]

Cali Roots 2019: Day One

It’s always a cathartic experience, gracing the Monterey Fairgrounds gates for yet another Memorial Day Weekend at California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Unlike any other year, expectations were peaking for the 10th Annual to get underway (the milestone dubbed ‘Cali Roots X’ for good measure). Also unlike any other is the feeling of togetherness, not […]

Being at Bayfest San Diego

There’s nothing like a family reunion. Now imagine one without any family drama, surrounded by endless familiar faces on a beautiful day sprawled across the breathtaking lawns of San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina Park North, with the monumental Coronado Speedway looming in the distance, boats passing by on the water and the palatial highrises of the […]

SUNDUB drops ‘Burden of Love’ LP

Brooklyn-based band SUNDUB has officially dropped their debut album! Since formulating their smooth sound in 2013, these east coast reggae soldiers have been committed to spreading the good vibrations embedded in roots and Jamaican ska music to the masses, evident in their inaugural Burden of Love album. Available as of today on all digital outlets, Burden […]

A chat with The Late Ones at California Roots 2019

Top Shelf Music journalist Kristy Rose sits down with The Late Ones, a hip hop meets island reggae trio out of Hawaii, at California Roots 10 ahead of their late night afterparty performance in Monterey, California. With a new single available as of that day, The Late Ones were excited to share music, upcoming summer plans […]