Rising Artist Spotlight: Advents

Metalcore is one of the most common subgenres of heavy metal and it’s arguably the most popular. Combining the best elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk, metalcore is brimming with aggressive breakdowns and mosh inducing hooks. Advents, a rising metalcore band from the outskirts of NYC are working tirelessly to ensure they bring innovation […]

Red Calling is rising to the TOP

Venezuelan vocalist, Jessica Pons has come far to start a new life, and becoming what she was meant to be, a musician. Tampa’s Red Calling is one serious metal band. I came across them on facebook and was pleasantly surprised to see a fierce woman on the front lines. It’s not that common to see […]

Best mainstream live performance of 2022!

2022 ushered in what many considered the first full year of music without restriction since the pandemic began. This year, the photojournalists and writers of Top Shelf Music have had the privilege of covering some pretty amazing shows! In true end of year fashion we have compiled a list of some of our favorite live […]

Thank you, Everclear, for 30 years of glorious music

The line wrapped around the building despite the cold winter weather creeping onto Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip. Eager fans chatted while huddled together, reminiscing over the last time they saw Everclear perform and holding up the toy they brought with them as Everclear partnered with Border Kindness, a 501c3 nonprofit humanitarian-aid organization, for a toy […]

2003 is coming to 2023 thanks to DCFC’s tour announcement

The kings of indie rock Death Cab for Cutie are back again for another tour in 2023, but this one is different.. this is HUGE! Co-headlining the tour is Death Cab’s frontman Ben Gibbard’s long lost project The Postal Service. Thats’s right, for the first time in a decade, Jimmy Tamborello and Jenny Lewis will […]

Nashville spent the weekend smiling

This past Saturday night, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville hosted music legends Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and drummer Tom Skinner as their latest band, The Smile rolled into town. The side project is the latest in a long list of projects for Yorke and Greenwood of Radiohead fame. After many years as a photojournalist, I could […]

Can’t stop, won’t stop: sitting down with Geoff Weers of The Expendables

Northern California heavy hitters, The Expendables have become well-known in the music world for their creative intent and a mastering of their craft that is untouchable. Their vibe is on point, and they only want to be true to the music. Layered with sounds and lyrics deep enough that it’s alluring and inviting to listeners […]

Collie Buddz shows the Midwest how to have a good time

It’s not every day you get to go to a Collie Buddz concert. It’s even less often that you get to go to a Shwayze and Collie Buddz show, but when it happens, believe me, it’s a night like no other. On November 11th, the two artists came to St. Louis and performed a fantastic […]

California Roots 2023: a true bucket list event

Music festivals are a big undertaking. For many, months of planning and budgeting goes into the experience. At times, there is stress, setbacks and logistical nightmares before even getting to the gates. And I’m not talking about the music festival itself. People travel from far and wide to attend such events and the premiere music […]

HIRIE at Newport Dunes

With the pink and orange sherbet California sun setting on the sparkling bay in Newport Beach, HIRIE took to the stage for a fun-filled family evening of reggae on the beach. Families and groups of friends took to the VIP areas, the picnic benches and sand to grab a spot to enjoy the show. Excited […]

Steel Pulse sits down with Top Shelf Music

Steel Pulse members David Hinds and Selwyn Brown sit down with Top Shelf Music journalist Keela Sweeney following their Day One BeachLife Festival performance in Redondo Beach, California. With their long-awaited Mass Manipulation album out as of May 17th, Steel Pulse chats about the inspiration behind the album that took 15 years in the making […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Ras Teo x Lone Ark “Down In The Garrison”

Ras Teo brings his humanitarian efforts to the forefront in his new track “Down In The Garrison” off his Ten Thousand Lions album and featuring the likes of Lone Ark. The duo felt called to action after witnessing the struggles of the Caribbean streets, a situation that doesn't seem to be improving any time soon. “Down […]