The Arroyo Seco Weekend 2018 experience

Considering large corporate festivals are not reggae in nature, getting approved for media credentials under the moniker 'Top Shelf Reggae' is, in itself, an accomplishment. Upon hearing the lineup for Arroyo Seco Weekend 2018, with rock legends Neil Young and Robert Plant attached, I immediately sent in an application without a shred of hope that […]

For Peace Band premieres “Always Love” single

After gaining a mountain of recognition for their debut album, Guam’s For Peace Band is finally giving fans a taste of their sophomore full-length LP Always Love by releasing the title track ahead of time! Teaming up with Rootfire Cooperative has given the band fresh enthusiasm since their 2012 origin, which is something to say, […]

Oogee Wawa releases “City to City” single

This past week, I had to opportunity to sit down and listen to, take notes and ultimately write a review of Oogee Wawa's new track, “City to City”, which just was released this Friday, June 22nd. What a perfect birthday gift!! “City to City” is a track pretty solidly created for the fans after years […]

4 additional reasons to attend Levitate

This July is looking Stoopid-ly sweet to attend one highly sought after summer festival. If anyone is a Boston native waiting for the chance to head back to Massachusetts, or a New England resident looking for an opportunity to drive along the coast to Marshfield for a weekend, Levitate Music and Arts Festival this July […]

The Cali Roots 9 experience

The annual California Roots Festival could easily be compared to a modern-day Woodstock of reggae – three days of peace and music. In fact, Jimi Hendrix famously torched his guitar on the very stage thousands gather around year after year for this event. But, at the same time, Cali Roots is uniquely and authentically its […]

Stick Figure releases “World On Fire” feat. Slightly Stoopid

In anticipation of another studio album, Stick Figure decided to drop “World On Fire” for the fans ahead of time: a track with a heavy walking bass, a playful key riff and, oh yeah, members of Slightly Stoopid. What a recipe for success. Speaking of success, the new single redefines the meaning of ‘wealth’ and […]

An interview with Katchafire’s Logan Bell

Katchafire left a mark in listeners' hearts with their hit albums On the Road Again and Best So Far, an evocative collection of smooth and catchy songs. The New Zealand ensemble released a new record titled LEGACY on the June 1st, through  Zojak World Wide and Universal – New Zealand. Top Shelf Reggae was fortunate […]

Gear up for Surrounded By The Sound 2018

A truly remarkable east coast music festival is hard to come by, so when one escalates through the ranks, east coast music lovers respond quickly. One making its mark in the reggae-rock world is Reggae Rise Up Florida every March; another is New England's Levitate Festival every July. But, with so much passion encapsulated in […]

Protoje releases “No Guarantee” feat. Chronixx

Jamaican reggae revival artist, Protoje, is about to unleash his long awaited new album called A Matter of Time this June 29th, following his hit 2015 LP Ancient Future. A Matter Of Time was made available for pre-order on May 18th, coinciding with the release of his fourth single “No Guarantee”, featuring fellow reggae revivalist and “Who […]

8th Annual Grand Point North announced

Back in its 8th year, Grand Point North Festival is set to rock Burlington, Vermont's Waterfront Park once again this upcoming 15th and 16th of September, 2018. A brainchild of GRAMMY-nominee Grace Potter, Grand Point North's grassroots ethos brings together both big bands and local talent to synthesize the alt-americana industry at its finest. Naturally, […]

Beebs drops “Life Is Too Short” single featuring Kaleo

If you haven't experienced the emanating essence of Beebs in person, you can get a taste of her enigmatic nature embedded in the eclectic music she produces. And, if you have been in her presence, you are well aware that she lights up any room. Ever since her Warped Tour days with her Money-Makers, Beebs […]

A look into Scott Woodruff’s ‘Free Flow Sessions’

Stick Figure's Scott Woodruff is a mighty, musical man with many talents. Lately, he has been busy creating what he calls 'Free Flow Sessions'. Scott explains, “Every couple of weeks, I'll be posting a video clip of a new dub beat created here at my studio, Great Stone Studios. Free Flow Sessions is a concept […]

Get ready for Closer to the Sun 2018

The moment all Stoopidheads have been waiting for since last December is finally here: Closer to the Sun 2018 has been announced and it's already set to be the sickest yet. Going down on the shorefront of Riviera Maya, Mexico, Closer to the Sun honors reggae rock in all its glory with four full days […]

Tune in to Cali Roots 2018 live stream

Love reggae music and the magic of California Roots Music and Arts Festival, but can’t make it Monterey? Don’t worry! The Cali Roots family have teamed up with the number one online source for global live concert streaming, LiveList, to bring the Cali Roots experience straight into your home this Memorial Day Weekend! Also brought […]

An interview with The Elovaters

I, Top Shelf Reggae journalist Jay Cohen, recently had the pleasure of sitting down with all of the Boston-based band members of The Elovaters. I sat, sipping my tea, realizing the distance in which things have come in the past years. A huge grin attacked my face as I pressed 'Flight Confirmation'. I had just booked […]