The Cali Roots X-perience

In 2014, I attended the 5th Annual California Roots Festival for the first time when I was still in high school. The only person I knew there was my best friend who I went with and my mom who drove us. After three days at the festival, we left with a ton of new friends […]

Exploring The Skints’ new album, ‘Swimming Lessons’

The Skints are back with their fourth album, Swimming Lessons. The album brings a daintier, uplifting, island-like sound; a definite divergent feel from their their last album, FM. That said, the new full-length LP is still equally reminiscent of the early 90’s reggae/punk/alternative scene, with an overall meshing of styles that hit home on many levels. The […]

Protoje interviews at California Roots 10

The leader of the reggae revival movement himself, Protoje, sits down with Top Shelf Music journalist Kristy Rose following his California Roots 10 performance in Monterey, California. After dropping a single and about to hit the road with Rebelution, Protoje chats what inspires his music, what he’s currently binge-watching and more. For more Protoje or […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Inna Vision “Survivor”

Hawaiian rap-meets-reggae artist Inna Vision is hyping up his latest single “Survivor” off his Best Yet: Celebrating A Decade Of Vision album with a raw video showcasing a day in the life. The track off Roots Musician Records features a soulfully smooth saxophone throughout, jazzy keys across the bridge, a wailing guitar outro and lyrics […]

BeachLife Fest 2019: Day Three

BeachLife Festival Day Three in Redondo Beach, California kept the good times flowing to all, with The Hollow Legs opening up the Riptide side stage for the final day. Two days down and another weather-blessed day on the sandy shores of Redondo to go, as attendees filed in early for Venice and Chris Pierce on […]

Iration at Indianapolis’ Egyptian Room

Iration brought paradise to the Indianapolis’ Egyptian Room of the Old National Centre on May 16th with a jamming set list that got everyone feeling the good vibes — complete with palm trees! Live From Paradise is the tour you need to catch his summer if you want to have a night in complete musical […]

BeachLife Fest 2019: Day Two

Day Two BeachLife Festival was upon Redondo Beach: one exciting day in the books, capped by Grateful Dead icon Bob Weir, and another yet to come for this first year fest. Saturday on the ocean brought with it perfect weather on May 4th, 2019. Attendees lined the entrance fence as opening band Latchkey Kid serenaded the early birds already inside. […]

HIRIE at Newport Dunes

With the pink and orange sherbet California sun setting on the sparkling bay in Newport Beach, HIRIE took to the stage for a fun-filled family evening of reggae on the beach. Families and groups of friends took to the VIP areas, the picnic benches and sand to grab a spot to enjoy the show. Excited […]

Steel Pulse sits down with Top Shelf Music

Steel Pulse members David Hinds and Selwyn Brown sit down with Top Shelf Music journalist Keela Sweeney following their Day One BeachLife Festival performance in Redondo Beach, California. With their long-awaited Mass Manipulation album out as of May 17th, Steel Pulse chats about the inspiration behind the album that took 15 years in the making […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Ras Teo x Lone Ark “Down In The Garrison”

Ras Teo brings his humanitarian efforts to the forefront in his new track “Down In The Garrison” off his Ten Thousand Lions album and featuring the likes of Lone Ark. The duo felt called to action after witnessing the struggles of the Caribbean streets, a situation that doesn't seem to be improving any time soon. “Down […]

Back To The Beach Fest: Day Two

Around Day Two Around Day Two Lowlives Lowlives Lowlives Lowlives Lowlives Lowlives Lowlives Around Day Two Around Day Two Teenage Wrist Teenage Wrist Teenage Wrist Teenage Wrist Teenage Wrist Teenage Wrist Around Day Two Around Day Two Around Day Two Story Of The Year Story Of The Year Story Of The Year Story Of The […]

Locos Por Juana drop new video for “Don’t Tell Me No”

Earlier this month, the GRAMMY-nominated bilingual band Locos Por Juana blessed the internet with brand new raging music video for their new song “Don't Tell Me No”, featuring the living legend reggae artist Freddie McGregor. With upbeat and feel good lyrics, LPJ’s new song does not disappoint. “Don't Tell Me No” is the second release […]

Getting to know Root Shock

Root Shock is making WAVES from coast to coast. The band formed in 2012 when bassist Bill Eppel and singer Jessica Brown joined forces; their energy surged right from the beginning, as they quickly started to create material. After collaborating and creating their first songs, the two founders were joined by guitarist/singer Phil Grajko. Root […]

BeachLife Fest 2019: Day One

Around Day One Alinea Alinea Alinea Alinea Alinea Alinea Alinea Alinea Alinea Alinea Around Day One Around Day One Anuhea Anuhea Anuhea Anuhea Anuhea Anuhea Anuhea Anuhea Around Day One Around Day One Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots of Creation Roots […]