Zahira releases “Mystic One” single

I was surprised when I pressed play, shocked even, confused how a young lady reigning from Canada could sound so 'grassroots' and earthy. Residence aside, pleasure quickly ensued as I tuned into Zahira's new single “Mystic One”. I was baffled by the sound. I kept listening for what seemed like forever. I still could not wrap […]

WORLD SINGLE PREMIERE: Eastbourne “Vida”

New Jersey-based Latin, reggae, punk threepiece Eastbourne is at it again, with a premiere single off their forthcoming sophomore album Barrio! Get a first taste the band's second full-length project, following their debut No Vacancy album, with “Vida”: a downtempo track with a vibey walking bass, cool guitar chords and enough reverb to have you […]

Groundation returns with a new album and band

Four years since their last studio release Groundation returns with an album that is truly groundbreaking in both its musical composition and social content. Taking the sound back to its foundation the group has been rebuilt by lead vocalist Harrison Stafford and features a dynamic set of musicians from both Jamaica and California. Stafford was […]

Looking back on Levitate Music Festival 2018

The east coast has a different air about their music festivals than the west coast does. Both are valid experiences, both proffer the best of the best in arts and entertainment to the stage. However, festivals back east, like the annual Levitate Music and Arts Festival, have a certain sense of community that remains absent […]

Get ready for Life Is Beautiful 2018

For the past six years, there has been one fall festival that has not only reigned at the top of the live entertainment list, but influenced the likes of KAABOO Del Mar, Coachella and beyond. Situated in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, Life Is Beautiful Music and Arts Festival has revolutionized Fremont Street, adding […]

Collie Buddz releases “Love & Reggae” single

Bermuda sensation Collie Buddz is back in action with his latest “Love & Reggae” off Ineffable Music Group – a song about, well, the good life. If you aren’t aware of Collie Buddz’ impressive career thus far, let’s just say his 2007 debut album sealed the deal for him to be a lifelong reggae great. […]

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 […]