Cali Roots 2025: Day One

Day One of the California Roots Festival kicked off at the historical Monterey Fairgrounds once again on May 23rd, 2025. Reggae fans from all over the country traveled to Monterey to see friends and the stacked reggae-meets-hip hop lineup — with Day One leaning heavily into the former. The day was nice… not too cold, […]

IRIEspect blend Cali with Caribbean in debut self-titled LP

Let’s have a chat about a band that needs to be heard across the country and then some, IRIEspect. This rad seven-piece energetic band blends Cali and Caribbean styles — we’re talking hip hop, Latin, and new and old-school dub rock reggae. They are an extravagant bunch who blow it out of the water with […]

Holo Holo Fest to hit Sacramento & other cities for fall 2025

The Aloha spirit remains strong, thanks to cultural celebrations like the Holo Holo Music Festival set to return to Sacramento and other coastal cities this fall. Featuring a dynamic lineup of top Island reggae artists — with Sacramento’s lineup including Spawnbreezie, Katchafire, Maoli, J Boog, Common Kings, Sammy Johnson, Kimie Miner, Josh Tatofi, Eli-Mac, and […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025: Day Four

The fourth and final day of Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025 kicked off with the same momentum as the rest of the weekend, showcasing Florida natives Tidal Theory and Dale and the Zdubs right out the gate all the way through The Movement and Dirty Heads closing out their respective stages. The festival was teeming […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025: Day Three

Saturday. Day Three. Reggae Rise Up Florida was in full gear. Attendees were halfway through the event and the energy had no indications of waning. From kicking off the day with local favorites Seranation until the rockin’ after-party with Bumpin Uglies, the day was packed with amazing music and experiences. A great advantage of music […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025: Day Two

Day Two of Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025 kicked off right where we left off; the energy from the first day carrying over and amplifying throughout the next day. The crowd grew quickly after gates opened and continued to do so all the way until Slightly Stoopid closed the day out with their headlining set. […]

Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025: Day One

Music was heard echoing through downtown St. Petersburg as thousands of festival-goers filled the streets and the waterfront for Reggae Rise Up Florida 2025. The long weekend kicked off Thursday, March 13th in the fest’s longstanding home of Vinoy Park, right on the western shore of the Tampa Bay. But, this year was a landmark […]

Kat Hall turns intention into melody with new single “You Choose”

Released on March 7th, 2025, Kat Hall’s latest single, “You Choose,” is a vibrant, soul-soothing song that delivers more than just good vibes — it’s a call to personal empowerment through intentional living. Known for her fusion of soul, reggae, R&B, and a deep-rooted passion for conscious lyricism, Hall brings her signature authenticity and positivity […]

A chat on life & reggae with Iyah Wise

Top Shelf Music recently caught up with Los Angeles-based alt/reggae artist, Iyah Wise. The singer-songwriter spans jam rock to roots reggae, always giving blessings to the righteous. With new music on the horizon, Iyah Wise had quite a bit to share. Read on through our exclusive interview with the up-and-coming reggae artist, including Iyah’s plans for […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Blindman “Mighty King Jesus”

Seasoned reggae artist Blindman returns with a message of “Mighty King Jesus”. Released via Rebel Sound Records, the track is a tribute to the highest of high, the holiest of holies. Feeling blessed, feeling confident, feeling healthy — that’s the power of “Mighty King Jesus”. Over a bubble organ and reggae backbeat, Blindman‘s account of […]

Cali Vibes 2025 is switching things up with jaw-dropping lineup

Long Beach’s beloved Cali Vibes Music Festival is making big moves in 2025 — both literally and figuratively. Goldenvoice’s premier reggae and beach culture festival is shifting from its traditional February weekend to a brand-new summer schedule on June 7th through the 8th at Marina Green Park. Not only that, but the festival has downsized […]

A sitdown with Mick Attardo of South Swell Syndicate

Mick Attardo took the time to sit down with Top Shelf Music and talk about his new reggae rock project, South Swell Syndicate, via Long Beach, California. Mick, no stranger to the music scene, has recently come back to bring reggae rock — on his terms. And, let me tell ya, his music speaks for […]

Sammy Johnson & friends bring Feel Good Music to Redwood City, CA

On Saturday, November 23rd, Sammy Johnson fans were treated to an evening of “Feel Good Music” at The Fox Theatre in Redwood City, CA. Along with Sammy, there were four other amazing artists being featured that night — Servants, Etu, K’Nova, and Finn Gruva.  A great time was had by all!  So much so that the […]