Thirty Seconds to Mars gears up for Camp Mars Malibu 5

It’s already the fifth year in a row for Thirty Seconds to Mars to host their unique music festival called Camp Mars in Malibu, California. This time, they are offering fans to spend the weekend of September 7th-9th celebrating 10 years since their big album, This Is War, was released. The weekend will include two […]

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 — […]

G. Love’s Cape Cod Roots & Blues Fest returns for Year 2

A beacon of the alternative music industry, G. Love commemorates his 26th year with his Special Sauce band with the return of his Cape Cod Roots & Blues Festival. Originally celebrating a quarter century in the performance world, G. Love brings together another round of the best in blues music to Nauset Beach of Orleans, […]

Aftershock Fest 2019 expands to three days

After selling out the last four years in Sacramento and welcoming a crowd of over 60,000 people, Aftershock Festival has expanded to three days and will include some of the biggest names in metal, punk rock and alternative music. This year’s headliners will feature Slipknot, Stained, Korn, Blink 182, Rob Zombie, Tool, Dropkick Murphys, Lamb […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

Last chance to attend Rancid’s Bash Festival

In February of 2019, Rancid announced their plans for The Bash Fest 2019, a craft beer and punk rock festival reaching some of the biggest cities for punk rock in the United States, including Phoenix, Tuscon, Englishtown, Boise, Tacoma, San Jose and, finally, Sacramento. The Bash Fest lineup will make your rebellious teenage heart skip […]

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 […]

Same Same But Different Fest returns for Year Two

The end of summer is a marvelous time for a weekend festival. Combine that with a serene camping getaway, the best in funky, fresh bands and a core group of friends to render yourself one of the greatest experiences. Same Same But Different Festival hit the sandy shores of Lake Perris last year: a secluded […]

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 […]

Art Garfunkel at LA’s Saban Theatre

The voice of an angel, the musings of a man well-traveled and the familiar songs of multiple generations filled the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills as Art Garfunkel entertained a full house on May 9th. Over the next 90-minute set, Garfunkel took the audience back in time on a magical, musical and lyrical storytelling journey. […]

Sitting down with Save Ferris’ Monique Powell

Save Ferris frontwoman Monique Powell is anything but conventional. And, after 24 successful years making exceptional ska music, she has solidified herself in the ska hall of fame if there ever was one. So, when I had the chance to sit down and chat with Monique shortly following her Day One Back To The Beach Fest […]

Surf’s up, buns out at the first ever BeachLife Festival

BeachLife Festival’s inaugural weekend spanned May 3rd-5th, 2019 and was as cool as the California breeze with an organic, laid back atmosphere, a stacked lineup and weather like you couldn’t imagine. Redondo Beach’s seaside lagoon location was primo for catching rays, indulging in delicious food, making friends and, obviously, dancing like there’s no tomorrow. The […]