Oceans Calling 2024: Day One

Oceans Calling kicked off its second year with 50,000 fans gathered on Ocean City’s notorious boardwalk, ready to dive into a nostalgia-packed lineup of ’90s and 2000s hits. From the sandy stages to the nostalgic pull of the Jolly Roger amusement rides included within the walls of the festival, Friday delivered on its promise of […]

D-I-Y band, Bumpin Uglies refuse to use “Cheat Codes”

Bumpin Uglies’ latest single, “Cheat Codes,” emerges as a raw and unapologetic anthem, showcasing the band’s punk spirit and lead singer Brandon Hardesty’s rebellious lyrical prowess. Set to be the first track released on their upcoming album, the song encapsulates a sonic uprising against conformity, packaged in an exhilarating blend of a fuck you attitude […]

Oceans Calling 2023: Day Three

Never miss a Sunday show. This particular Sunday will forever be etched into Ocean City, Maryland’s music history as the cherry on top of the extremely successful inaugural Oceans Calling Music and Arts Festival weekend. Music lovers from around the world flocked to the shore of the Delmarva Peninsula to once again dance in the […]

Oceans Calling 2023: Day One

Of A Revolution (O.A.R.) and industry titan C3 Presents partnered with the town of Ocean City in Maryland to host the first annual Oceans Calling Music Festival. After two grueling years, battling mother nature, through hurricane seasons, navigating uncharted waters, breaking new barriers and against all odds Oceans Callings planted a forever flag on the […]

And…that’s a wrap on Ballyhoo!’s 2023 summer tour

I am going to let you in on a very obvious, and not-so-secret theory of mine. I am convinced that no matter how big a band gets, no matter how many festivals they play or how many shows they sell out, there will always be a calling to go back and play those small, worn, […]

New Dale and the ZDubs single is “Off The Rip”

One of the most interesting components of Dale and the ZDubs’ music is the opposition. Every song dropped by these guys sounds fun. There is a Ska-type, high energy sound brought about by the bouncing instrumentals that are paired with Dale’s hilarious commentary sprinkled throughout the verses. The opposition comes when the listener takes a […]

Crab cakes and reggae, that’s what Maryland does!

Reggae Rise Up Maryland returns to the Baltimore Peninsula for the second year in a row following their wildly successful 2022 first-year installment. Boasting a lineup stacked with all your favorite reggae acts–plus some newcomers for funsies–the three day festival takes place June 23-25 and all but screams summer vacation. With estimated temperatures hovering in […]

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 […]

Fans wrapped around The Fillmore in anticipation for Jessie Reyez

It was a chilly Monday night, perfect for a concert. I was really excited to see Jessie Reyez live. I remember the first time hearing her voice on the song “Nice Guy,” her collaboration with Eminem and I immediately wanted to know more about her. Walking up to The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Fans wrapped […]

Maxwell brings generations of fans together in Baltimore

Crowds of people walked towards the doors of The Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena. Daughters, mothers, fathers and grandparents all smiled while they got their food and found their seats. Multiple generations came together for one reason, to witness Maxwell’s beautiful voice and sensational music. However, first up was Alex Isley. She walked the stage with […]