One Earth Live virtual festival unifies globe this Memorial Day Weekend

A virtual lineup of world musicians, instructors and speakers has been announced for a truly one-of-a-kind, unifying event happening this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend entitled One Earth Live. This virtual rendezvous promotes positivity in a world so needing it taking place online only via their streaming partner PORTL on May 23rd and 24th, 2020. This […]

Sensi Trails release “Purpose” single, feat. Nick Sefakis

Southern California band Sensi Trails, a notable name on-the-rise, has unveiled a smashing new single as of today entitled “Purpose”, featuring Nick Sefakis. Sefakis, lead guitarist of renowned reggae rock band Iya Terra, not only lends a hand in the single (well, two, literally… with his guitar), but also guest spots on a vocal verse! […]

Ocean Alley astounds in “Hot Chicken” single & video

Australia’s surf rock band Ocean Alley is back in action with the lead single “Hot Chicken” now available on all digital outlets off their forthcoming Lonely Diamond LP. The third full-length follows the band’s 2018 Chiaroscuro album — one that took them straight to the top! Gaining a following playing small gigs around Sydney’s Northern […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Braden Lee Waiters “Think About It”

There are not many people who are as dedicated to keeping roots blues music alive as Braden Lee Waiters. Waiters is a young blues artist who is releasing his debut single titled “Think About It” tomorrow on all digital outlets and Top Shelf Music has the pleasure to showcase its exclusive premiere! Originally from Tooele […]

The Dirtnaps drop eerie “Shadow” single

Rising hip hop-reggae artist The Dirtnaps out of Detroit is taking the quarantine scare up a notch in the latest single “Shadow”. The name might be plural, but The Dirtnaps is actually the brainchild of one-man-band Richard Ensley — writing, performing and producing it all on his own! After signing to Eyecon America, Ensley has […]

Iration teams with Rebelution, Stick Figure in single “Right Here Right Now”

Iration has long since cemented their reign in the reggae rock scene, with six full-length albums, countless singles, a multitude of music videos and tours around the world since their formation over 15 years ago. It’s pointless to argue anything but Iration is king. Other supreme beings in the reggae rock realm include that of […]

A brief Reggae Rock history

To date, reggae has had an underrated rap. Out of all categories the Recording Academy credits for their annual GRAMMY Awards, Reggae only gets one slot – which is simply a travesty! Anyone who follows the genre knows that a myriad of subgenres exist that have fractured the larger Reggae umbrella over the years – […]

Enhance early summer with KBong’s “Good To Hear Music” single, feat. Mihali

KBong, Stick Figure keyboardist turned solo artist, has recently released his new single “Good to Hear Music” featuring Mihali of Twiddle! The song features a lighthearted vibe and beachy tone. With such an upbeat timbre and relaxed lyrics, “Good To Hear Music” is sure to make it on your summertime playlist… it’s simply in the […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Operation Culture “Go Far”

Brothers Javier and Daniel Rodriguez have always had a musical knack. Teaming together to form a duo under the name Operation Culture, the two have released a handful of reggae singles to initial acclaim. Following their latest “Way It Goes” single comes this world track premiere for “Go Far”, a lighthearted love story so needed […]

How Cali Roots wins Earth Day, every day

Memorial Day Weekend simply will not be the same this year in Monterey. For the past decade, one festival has grown to be synonymous with the three-day weekend at the Monterey Fairgrounds, the same setting of the historic Monterey Pop Festival — you know, where Jimi Hendrix set his guitar on fire in between Janis, […]

Etana serenades in soothing “Truly” single

Jamaican songstress and ‘Best Reggae Album’ GRAMMY nominee Etana has released the first single, “Truly”, from her forthcoming album G.E.M.I.N.I. originally set to be released in staggers throughout May although new dates for release are pending due to COVID-19. Being in a constant state of the panic and confusion amidst this global quarantine, it’s refreshing […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Joss Jaffe “Play It Again” feat. Kiyoshi

Reggae artist Joss Jaffe is back, unveiling three new songs off his forthcoming full-length album Traveler! After gaining initial success with three albums entitled the Dub Mantra series, Jaffe really hit big with his last LP, Meditation Music, reaching within the Top 10 of the Billboard New Age Charts. With another album on the horizon, […]

Jonathan Emile adds Etana in his “Canopy (Remix)” single

Jamaican-Canadian crooner, activist and poet Jonathan Emile has released a remix of his song, “Canopy”! The addition of sweet, sexy vocals by GRAMMY-nominated reggae artist Etana heightens the sounds of the already old-time ska-meets-tropical vibes, emphasized in her beautiful voice and creative energy.  The two share a sweet and playful exchange as they envision what […]

Top Shelf Music News: Episode 4

Your Top Shelf Music News hosts Matt Cook and Kristy Rose are back for Episode 4… although their sanity is questionable, at best. Under the current COVID-19 circumstances, the music industry has all but ground to a halt, yet these two dedicated news reporters aren’t giving up, assembling what few bits and pieces of music […]

Ben Barbic teams with Craigy-T in “Close 2 Peace” single

Hip hop-meets-reggae anomaly Ben Barbic is back with a brand new single “Close 2 Peace”, featuring the legendary talents of Craigy-T! Best known for his role in the dancehall ensemble T.O.K., Craigy-T has since branched off in a solo direction. Barbic knew Craigy-T’s dynamic Jamaican dancehall would pair well with his American fusion approach, exemplified […]