Monique Powell of Save Ferris gets candid and personal in exclusive interview

COVID-19 ended live shows, diminished studio sessions and new album releases, put countless crew members on hiatus and it ruthlessly harmed one of the things so many of us love. No band nor venue was spared. But through it all, and many other life challenges over the years, Monique Powell, the radiant, charismatic, strong, and […]

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 […]

We can’t wait to Hangout!

If you’re feeling those winter blues, there’s nothing like planning out your summer festival schedule to warm you up inside. Thanks to Hangout Festival’s 2023 lineup announcement, I’m literally beaming with sunshine. Top billed artists for the beachfront festival include Red Hot Chili Peppers, SZA, and Calvin Harris, taking place from May 19th to the […]

Hayley and the Crushers bring bright colors and mischief to San Pedro

Tucked away in the corner of San Pedro, California is a portal leading straight into NYC’s notorious 1990s punk rock scene. Low lighting, patched leather vests, and the smell of whiskey encompass The Sardine; a punk rock bar, record store, and music venue. November 19th welcomed a night of old-school punk rock. Three female-fronted bands […]

Skegss had Chicago thrashing all night long

Australia is known as the birthplace of several captivating rock bands–groups such as AC/DC, INXS, Jet, The Divinyls, and Tame Impala. These artists are well-known in the land down under and internationally. Within the last decade, dozens of rock groups have aimed at filling the shoes of their Aussie predecessors, thanks to a cultural resurgence […]

Dropkick Murphys reminds LA their music is timeless

My dad, Shane, and I go to a lot of shows and work together as a team to do reviews here at Top Shelf Music. We have seen some of the biggest performers in the world and countless new bands in dimly lit clubs that barely fit 50 people. Some shows are fun, some shows […]

When We Were Young Fest drops 2023 Lineup

With 2022’s installment of When We Were Young Festival in the books, a resounding success, the event’s organizers over at Live Nation are already looking ahead to next year. They just announced an amazing 2023 lineup of over 50 bands! And, blink-182 — featuring original guitarist Tom DeLonge — is tabbed as the headliner. On […]

Punk in the Park 2022 is coming to Orange County

Attention all punk fanatics — Punk in the Park is almost upon us! This Saturday and Sunday, on November 5th and 6th, the greatest punk music festival on the west coast will take place once again at Oak Canyon Park in the heart of Orange County, California. Brew Ha Ha Productions presents an epic two […]

blink-182 reunites with “Edging” single

After 10 years, Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker have reunited! blink-182 is back! And, they’ve released their first single “Edging” from their upcoming album. The three musicians haven’t released music together since their Dogs Eating Dogs EP in 2012. Needless to say, many fans of the band were very excited to hear of their […]

A Day To Remember plays downtown San Diego

A Day To Remember brought an incredible show with a stacked lineup during their Just Some More Shows Tour stop at Gallagher Square in Petco Park in San Diego, California. The band has been going across the US headlining festivals and arenas, but San Diego was lucky to have The Used, Movements and Magnolia Park […]

Shame and Viagra Boys pummel Nashville

A few days ago I saw a question posted on Reddit, asking: “What is a hill you are willing to die on?” This essentially means you have established an opinion or conviction you believe so wholeheartedly that it’s almost unshakeable. At the time, I didn’t really have a good answer, so I just scrolled past […]

Blink-182 reveals massive 2023 tour with Tom Delonge

All hands on deck and batten down the hatches! blink-182 has announced a massive reunion tour WITH Tom DeLonge! DeLonge parted ways with the band twice in recent history: once for four years in 2005; the second time in 2015, which continued indefinitely… until now! Maybe the band is working with Tom on new music… […]

The Pixies “La La Love” performing in Anaheim, CA

As I entered the ever-inviting House of Blues in Anaheim, California for The Pixies’ show, I was filled with mixed emotions. First, let me say that I am embarrassed that this was my first Pixies’ concert… I have really enjoyed their music since Surfer Rosa, but just never have had the chance to see them […]

Flogging Molly moshes in a pool in Vegas

This was by far one of my favorite lineups of the year. While the featured bands played different styles of punk rock, they could not have been more perfectly paired! Both bands were nonstop high energy, from the opening beats to the closing notes. It was my first time attending a show at the Mandalay […]