I write When We Were Young Fest 2025 — not tragedies

Stepping onto the Las Vegas Festival Grounds for When We Were Young 2025 felt like every millennial’s early 2000s daydream. Before even getting through the gates, the hype was so real, with the line for the festival merch booth wrapping around the outside entrance; fans were eagerly waiting to snag swag before the day even […]

Coachella 2026, unveiled early!

Festival junkies — the lineup has landed! Goldenvoice continues its legacy at the top of the weekend fest curator list with another mega reveal for Coachella 2026. Usually announced in January, long-time Chellaheads are being treated to early answers this year — and, needless to say, all minds are absolutely blown. Although a couple elements […]

Cali Vibes 2025: Day One

There’s nothing quite like Day 1 of Cali Vibes — the energy is fresh, the stages are spotless, and everyone’s walking in with a sense of anticipation that only Long Beach can deliver. This year, the festival opened with Emily Brimlow, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better call. Her set was breezy and […]

Cruel World 2025 was doom & gloom… & thank goth for that

There’s one fest that always delivers — both on artists and authenticity. It’s a fest that welcomes all alternative music and lifestyles, whether that be in the goth, punk rock, darkwave, New Wave, synthwave, or good ‘ol nondenominational nonconformist categories. Presented by Goldenvoice, Cruel World just concluded its fifth year in Pasadena, California. And what […]

Cali Vibes 2025 is switching things up with jaw-dropping lineup

Long Beach’s beloved Cali Vibes Music Festival is making big moves in 2025 — both literally and figuratively. Goldenvoice’s premier reggae and beach culture festival is shifting from its traditional February weekend to a brand-new summer schedule on June 7th through the 8th at Marina Green Park. Not only that, but the festival has downsized […]

How dark & dreary! Cruel World returns to Pasadena May of 2025

Goldenvoice is going gothic yet again, with another installment announced for what has come to be the annual mecca of the morose and misunderstood — Cruel World Festival. Now in its fourth year, Cruel World in Pasadena, California has welcomed post-punk and New Wave legends to the stage such as Iggy Pop, Siouxsie Sioux, Morrissey, […]

Desert Air Fest is set for takeoff November 2024 in Palm Springs

Prepare yourself to dance under the desert skies! Desert Air is returning to the Palm Springs Air Museum on November 15th and 16th, 2024. This 21+ event is hosting two days of one-of-a-kind experiences, set to an electronic soundtrack of globally renowned deejays and captivating artists for music lovers seeking a weekend they won’t forget. […]

Just Like Heaven 2024

An indie rocker’s dream was brought to life courtesy of Southern California’s Just Like Heaven Music Festival. The one day extravaganza returned to the Brookside at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, May 18 for its forth and biggest installment yet. Festival producers, Goldenvoice, hosted two brilliantly lit stages paired with excellent sound in the beautiful […]

No Values Festival 2024

No Values Festival on June 8th, 2024 was a celebration of punk rock, capturing the raw energy and rebellious spirit that has defined the genre for decades. With four stages and a lineup featuring both legendary acts and emerging talents, the festival presented by Goldenvoice took place at the Fairplex in Pomona, California; it was […]

Sick New World 2024

Sick New World made its crushing sold-out debut in 2023 and there’s no stopping this fantastic fest, bringing together the best in modern rock. With their second year, C3 Presents has proven SNW to be a landmark for Las Vegas festivals. Along with their second year came upgrades! Everyone got wristbands this year! It was […]

Coachella 2024 Weekend Two: Day 3, Escape to Goldenvoice Surf Club

After two full days frolicking in the *intense* Coachella heat, Top Shelf was blessed to check out Goldenvoice‘s posh popup at the Palm Springs Surf Club before heading back in for the Day Three finalé. Approximately 20 minutes away from the Empire Polo Grounds, the Palm Springs Surf Club is an expansive 21-acre, all-adult waterpark […]

Coachella 2024 Weekend Two: Day Two

With sunkissed shoulders and blistered feet, festival-goers gathered at the Empire Polo Club grounds for another day of music, surprises, and unforgettable moments. Unlike the star-studded spectacle of Weekend One, Day Two of Coachella Weekend Two was all about the music, drawing dedicated fans eager to immerse themselves in the diverse lineup of artists. The […]

5 hidden gems at Coachella (besides the music, obvi)

It’s here — another two glorious weekends at Coachella! While Weekend One-ers are gearing up for the great unveiling of the 2024 installment, let’s look at a few not-so-obvious thrill spots and chill spots that await attendees of both weekends. Sure, the music’s great. But what else? Between the iconic ferris wheel and the controlled […]