Jesse Royal interview at Cali Roots 2017

Kristy Rose of Top Shelf Reggae recently interviewed reggae revival sensation Jesse Royal at this past California Roots Festival. Jesse Royal has his debut album dropping shortly, so he talks about what this means for his music, his fans, and his next move. For more Cali Roots 2017 coverage, explore our site for photos, interviews, […]

Lion Heights ‘Same Situation’ album review

There is a slight novelty aspect to the way the four-piece Texan band Lion Heights dazzle their listeners on their latest release to the world titled Same Situation. Their musical chops are undeniably, flashy versions of what you would hear come out of legendary artists like Bob Marley or Gregory Isaacs. The 11 track album loosely pays tribute […]

J Boog embarks on tour. Drops new music video.

J Boog, the Southern California raised artist embarked on his North American tour which started on June 8th in Pier Six Concert Pavillion in Baltimore, MD. The trek will make notable stops at the The Greek Theater in Berkeley, CA as well as performing at numerous festivals including Summerfest in Milwaukee and Reggae on the […]

A chat with John Brown’s Body at Cali Roots 2017

Kristy Rose of Top Shelf Reggae caught up with Tommy and Jay of John Brown’s Body outside the Rootfire booth at the 8th Annual California Roots Music and Arts Festival. JBB is still on the road promoting their Fireflies album that dropped in the fall, and Jay and Tommy talk about their favorite experiences along […]

Day One Cali Roots 2017

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Jah Sun’s ‘Between the Lines’ album review

The Humboldt, California native Jah Sun found his calling as a reggae artist through the music of Bob Marley. After educating himself about Rastafari and converting to a healthier lifestyle, Jah Sun released his debut album The Height of Light in 2006. “Music is a very powerful and mystical force. It speaks to people on […]

The 24th Annual Rototom Sunsplash

Reggae is universal. It transcends international borders like no other musical genre. Whether in the form of Caribbean dancehall, island dub, American reggae-rock, African dance, or UK reggae ska, there’s a significant reggae backbeat embedded in Western culture. And, there is a rising number of reggae festivals popping up in Asian countries as well! For […]

Double Tiger announces debut full-length album

Double Tiger, or better known as Jay Spaker of John Brown’s Body has spent the last five years processing and writing his emotions. And now, he’s finally ready to share them with the rest of the world. His debut full-length album titled Sharp & Ready is set to be released on celebrated label Easy Star […]

Kash’d Out talks “The Hookup” at California Roots 2017

Top Shelf Reggae had the awesome opportunity to sit down with Kash’d Out while they were atttending California Roots 2017! Their brand-new full-length LP The Hookup happened to hit digital outlets while the Florida boys were at the festival, so tune in as they talk about their onsite album antics, their upcoming tour, and what’s […]

The Dubplates release single “UH HUH,” ft. King Yellowman

South Carolina big band reggae funksters The Dubplates released their new song and single “UH HUH” from their upcoming album Box Full Of Steel set to release on June 23, 2017. Already generating a buzz throughout the community, fans and critics all agree on one thing for certain – “UH HUH” puts the perfect amount […]

Catching up with Collie Buddz at Cali Roots 2017

Kristy Rose from Top Shelf Reggae had the pleasure of sitting down with master, Mr. Collie Buddz at the festival of all reggae festivals, California Roots 2017. Learn about the new Collie Buddz Good Life album, his summer 2017 tour, and what’s next for the Bermuda native.

The 8th Annual California Roots Music & Arts Festival

Well, it happened – another magical weekend in Monterey came and went. Memorial Day Weekend at the Monterey Fairgrounds has become commonly known as the 'Coachella of reggae music', something 'indescribable' and 'an experience of a lifetime'. Ever since the premiere Cali Roots back in 2010, the festival has morphed and coagulated into something so […]

Crucial Blend ‘Full Grown’ EP review

When this San Diego based trio bring their skills together, you know you’re in for a three-ring sonic circus. Crucial Blend’s brand new 5-track EP titled Full Grown brings audible tricks and exciting melodies driven by reggae influences with ska-punk roots and a touch of hip-hop. Opener “Cali Sun” incorporates all of that, starting with […]

Watch the live stream of Caliroots 2017

For those who can’t make it to one of the most anticipated weekends of the year, California Roots is bringing it’s iconic festival to your home with the help of innovative technologies from live streaming Venice, California based company, LiveList. From their website, LiveList states that it was built with the belief that live music […]

New SOJA single “Bad News”

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything new from Virginia natives SOJA. Their 2016 release Live From Virginia was a nice little additional to their library, however fans are getting antsy for new music. Released on YouTube on May 24th, SOJA unleashed their new single titled “Bad News” announcing it on social media, “There are […]