Jus Goodie embraces “Changes” in new single

2020 has been a rough one. No doubt about it. From lockdown to racial injustice to wildfire, quality of life for everyone has changed exponentially over the course of one year. Reggae artist Jus Goodie, resident of southern California, feels his surroundings morphing around him, yet, while others wallow in self-pity and fear, Goodie charges […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Sunny State “Smiley Girl”

Easygoing Sunny State band is back, bringing their reggae warmth to women in their latest single “Smiley Girl”. Not only that, but the band premieres the cinematic video for the single today on Top Shelf Music only! Following two self-assured adventurous women around the world, from snowy mountain peaks to rollerskating sandy boardwalks, Sunny State […]

The Resinators release steam in “Vacation” single

For those well-versed in the reggae rock agenda, you have probably heard of the band The Resinators. If not, you’re missing out! Originally from Eugene, Oregon and now based in Encinitas, California, The Resinators have truly grown in sound and presence over the last six years since their inception. Their new single “Vacation” is no […]

Sabotage Soundsystem’s ‘Sabo 2’ is finally here

There are few succeeding in the reggae rock business better than the Pepper boys. Fact. Touring and generating hits for over two decades, Pepper has cemented its name firmly in the industry, enough so that frontmen Kaleo Wassman and Bret Bollinger have had time to pursue their own side projects of late! Bret Bollinger & […]

Lucid Phase reveals video for “Roots Enterprise”, feat. Sensi Trails

Los Angeles-based band Lucid Phase has revealed their brand new music video for “Roots Enterprise”, a single featuring reggae rock bredren Sensi Trails! Strutting through a barren desert, boys of Lucid Phase begin this illustrative western-themed journey, pointing at a mysterious rotary telephone sitting idly on a stool. Obviously, they have to use it to […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Edjacated Phools “Tell Me” feat. DELA of Slightly Stoopid

Edjacated Phools of Baltimore, MD is definitely knowledgable in their craft. The reggae rock-meets-hip hop six-piece conglomerate teams with Slightly Stoopid‘s DELA on sax for this sweet end-of-summer anthem and we’re stoked to host the world premiere! Out everywhere tomorrow, “Tell Me” will complete your summer season in stoney, surf style. Starting with waves crashing […]

In memoriam of DJ Carlos Culture, a reggae legend

Before this massive escalation in American reggae, far ahead of the reggae festivals marking the calendar year, people grew up honoring the roots. Roots, rock, reggae — dub, ska, dancehall, lover’s rock, mento, rocksteady, raggamuffin. These genres are the infrastructure making up reggae as we know it. One person who knew it all too well […]

Top Shelf Music News: Episode 7

Welcome to the late summer edition of Top Shelf Music News, with your handsome hosts Matt Cook & Kristy Rose. Joining the dynamic music-reporting duo is O.G. of Slightly Stoopid, commenting on just how incredibly stoopid this year has become. With election coverage factoring in the mix by sheer accident, enjoy the latest music industry […]

Roots of Creation revives classic in “Casey Jones” video

Reggae jam band Roots of Creation honors the 50th Anniversary of “Casey Jones”, one of the Grateful Dead’s greats, with the official release of the updated single’s music video. Their modern rendition was part of the band’s Grateful Dub: A Reggae-Infused Tribute To The Grateful Dead compilation — an album that climbed the charts straight […]

Sealegs at the Beach presents: Wheeland Brothers

On July 26th, Sealegs at the Beach continued their post-COVID acoustic reggae Sundays with Wheeland Brothers. Warm weather, sand, waves and Wheeland Brothers — the perfect combination for a summer beach party! The Wheeland Bros. brought amazing energy that always makes their shows so fun. With fans dancing and social distance-toasting, using a beer cozy […]

Rockstead to release “Distractions” single off forthcoming album

Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, four-piece reggae rock band Rockstead has been making moves and making people groove since 2013. The band is known for their ability to mix reggae, rock, hip hop and alternative flawlessly into their performance and sound. Through the last seven years, the band has managed to make quite a name for […]

The Irie to drop “Turn Me Up” single, feat. The Elovaters

As everyone else experiences a musical freeze for 2020, one band is turning up the heat. The Irie of Chandler, Arizona has used this downtime well, releasing a four-song reggae rock EP entitled Coming Down after a west coast tour with reggae rock bredren Ease Up. The independent Arizona three-piece proffers elaborate guitar riffs, danceable […]

Common Kings perform Anaheim drive-in concert

Common Kings hosted a sold-out show on July 18th at the City National Grove of Anaheim. It was a truly unique experience, giving us a glimpse into the rising trend in live music performances incorporating the new norm of social distancing — drive-in concerts. The venue was set up to accommodate social distancing, music enthusiasts […]

Top Shelf Music News: Episode 6

Top Shelf Music News is back on the virtual airwaves, standing as the first post-quarantine episode with both hosts Matt Cook & Kristy Rose filming inside the newsroom! After taking June off to observe a month of silence in the support of Black Lives Matter, Top Shelf Music feels the world — and the music […]