Cali Roots 2020 announces round two artists

California Roots returns to Monterey County Fairgrounds for yet another incredible year of music and fun for 2020. The event in its 11th year continually impresses fans and 2020’s round two lineup announcement brings about a new sound, along with recurring favorites.  The first round of artists, announced on October 22nd, wowed fans as we […]

An interview with Scrap Yard Aces

Scrap Yard Aces, a rock-reggae dub band from Huntington Beach, shares their success story with Top Shelf Music journalist Renee Simpson on their recently released album, Sense in This Time. Check out this intimate interview with the band! Can you tell us about the creative process for the new album? We wrote most of the […]

DUBBEST ‘Gold Fever’ album review

If you have not taken a moment to listen to one of reggae hottest upcoming bands, DUBBEST, you are seriously missing out on a musical experience reminiscent of true roots reggae. DUBBEST members, originally from Boston, are now residing in San Diego and have worked their way up through the ranks, currently finishing up a […]

A chat with Katastro

Back in 2007 in Tempe, Arizona, four very different, yet similar friends got together to play some music and created the musical ear candy that is now Katastro. After working the music scene in Arizona to the point the band opened for renowned alt -hip hop band, Dirty Heads, Katastro picked up a fantastic opportunity […]

One Love Cali Reggae Fest reveals massive lineup for 2020

A reggae rock lover travels the world and back for events that incorporate all their favorite artists. Imagine having virtually all reggae artists — from Jamaican reggae to island reggae to Cali reggae and back — all in one place. In one weekend. We cannot stress enough that this is the case for One Love […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Dyado “End of Your Song”

Alternative Americana duo Dyado is making major waves this month, releasing two lead singles off their EP out early next year. Following a full-length album entitled Dreamcountry, cousins Matt Lohan and Luisa Stancoiff have joined forces to bring forth melodic indie-folk music, infused with their “signature hazy California spirit” and a sound quickly gaining them […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Jah Sun “Tomorrow”

Having a west coast reggae name collab with one of Jamaica’s finest is always a dream. Case in point, reggae rocker Jah Sun with producer Jallanzo out of JA! With the world premiere of Jah Sun’s “Tomorrow” track today, out on all digitals outlets this Friday, November 15th, reggae fans get a taste of the […]

After effects of Aftershock 2019

Wow! Can’t believe this is the 8th year of Aftershock in Sacramento, CA. This year, the festival took place at Discovery Park and had a sold-out crowd, including huge headliners. The bar was set very high, but the music, fans and overall experience definitely delivered. Fans were dressed in metal, gothic, and alternative clothing on […]

Boomshaka returns to San Diego January 2020

Los Angeles might be the home of Hollywood, but San Diego holds down the fort for a music mecca — specifically, reggae. Alternative acts have also risen from this SoCal paradise (cough, Blink-182, Jewel, Stone Temple Pilots, et. Al.), yet reggae rock bands, such as Slightly Stoopid and Tribal Seeds, reign at the top of […]

The Who at the Hollywood Bowl

When a living rock band legend like The Who comes to town, it’s a huge event for everyone. Even in Los Angeles. Especially, when the venue is a legend itself. People get excited: some looking forward to relive their youth; others, to learn about classics and make sure that they still rock. Sometimes, they rock […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Stick Figure “World On Fire” (El Dusty Cumbia Remix)

GRAMMY-nominated producer El Dusty continues his Latin influence on the reggae scene with a remix for the ages. Considering Stick Figure is on top of the world at the moment, there’s no better time than now to remix one of their latest bangers, “World On Fire” featuring Slightly Stoopid’s Kyle McDonald. The original track exudes […]

Day One aboard Megadeth’s metal MEGACRUISE

One year ago, I saw a post that said MEGACRUISE with photo of Testament. Megadeth is hosting a five-day cruise with thrash metal bands!! As months went by, more bands were revealed: Anthrax, Queensryche, Armored Saint, Death Angel, Metal Church, Suicidal Tendencies… I was not about to miss this boat! October 13th couldn’t get here […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Como Las Movies “¿YPQSP?”

Austin, Texas is known for its diverse musical inhabitants, with up-and-coming bands in every genre gaining more and more momentum every day. One band combining classic cumbia with new wave and indie rock is Como Las Movies — a quartet with a ‘Nuevo Wave’ sound. Following an EP with the same title, Como Las Movies […]

Cali Roots 2020 takes shape

Following a landmark year is hard to do, plain and simple. Among festivals celebrating a decade in the biz last May was Monterey’s reggae rock meets hip hop conglomeration, California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Starting from a low-key hangout for reggae lovers has now morphed into a movement beyond measure. Celeb sightings abound as […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Micah Shalom “Peace, Rights, Love”

It’s no secret that this country stands at a crossroads. One road leads to salvation; the other, certain doom. Destruction is all our doing, with propaganda misleading the masses and puppet masters pulling the strings behind Oval Office desks. What we need to do is wake up, get up, stand up. If we stay silent, […]