Among Criminals talks new album & creating in the COVID era

Among Criminals, an eclectic genre-hopping Philly band, knows all about reinvention. It was in the midst of making their latest album, Darker Sweetness, when COVID-19 crashed down, grinding everything as we know it to a halt for months to come. ‘Darker Sweetness’ is a new horizon for the band in sound and subject matter, yet […]

The Expanders pays tribute in ‘Two For Toots’ double A-side single

There are only a few souls that can transcend any particular genre of art. From da Vinci to Banksy with paint. The likes of James Baldwin, Maya Angelou or Hunter S. Thompson with words. Well, Frederick Nathaniel “Toots” Hibbert was one of those few souls for music — more specifically, reggae music. On par with Bob Marley […]

The Olés resurface with “Out of Water” single

Santa Barbara-based band The Olés are back in action with their new single “Out of Water” — the first of many to come! Following their latest album release Rise in 2018 (an LP produced by Rebelution‘s multi-talented Wes Finley), The Olés resurge with an even more mature reggae rock sound in “Out of Water”, following […]

Operation Culture talks debut album, ‘Real Thoughts Only’

Brothers Daniel and Javier Rodriguez have just brought about their debut album under the moniker Operation Culture — in the midst of a pandemic year, no less! After premiering their single “Go Far” with us back in April of this year, this reggae-loving duo out of Wilmington, North Carolina has finally unleashed their full-length, Real […]

TSM Artist #HotList: November 6th, 2020

Welcome to the Election Tuesday episode of Top Shelf Music’s Artist #HotList, with your host Alexia Johnson. Considering this week is all about Democracy, the catharsis of the most heated and aggressive U.S. election to date, Alexia has compiled songs centering around political action from up-and-coming artists of all genres. “Thunder Clap” — I Am […]

ZeeCeeKeely talks forthcoming debut album

Tucson band ZeeCeeKeely has come up in the reggae rock genre of late, announcing new work off their forthcoming debut album, Fightahs & Unitahs. Although its release date is to be determined later this year, ZCK has launched a sneak peak with their single “Beautiful Creation” with more in tow. But, who are the boys […]

VirtuS gets sensual in “Summer Love Ending” video

Italian reggae artist VirtuS has released a new music video for his nostalgic and moody, yet vibrant and vivacious dancehall hit “Summer Love Ending”. Written, produced, mixed and mastered by VirtuS himself, the song delivers heavy doses of an old-school atmosphere and produces vintage summer vibes molded into a more innovative, modern sound, helping to […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Blakkamoore “Mek It Play”

Hip hop-reggae artist Blakkamoore releases his highly-anticipated new single “Mek It Play” on October 30th, an entity only available off his forthcoming Upward Spiral Deluxe Edition LP with Lustre Kings out November 13th. You read that right: welcome to the world premiere of “Mek It Play”, one whole day of streaming before the single hits […]

Top Shelf Music News: Episode 9

Velcome to the vonderfully scary vorld of Top Shelf Music News [evil laugh]! This extra haunted Halloween episode extraordinaire stars your hosts Matt Cook & Kristy Rose, with Kyle Smith joining as musical guest! Explore the rotten music world of COVID-19, with updates on artist news, upcoming releases and all-around good-to-know knowledge. See you all […]

Jack Hinson enlivens in “Journey Within” single

Singer-songwriter Jack Hinson relishes life and the “Journey Within” in his latest single — the first of six he’s releasing over the next six months! Following two tracks that made it to Rootfire‘s ‘First Listens’ list, Hinson has now teamed with roots producer E.N Young to render “Journey Within” at Young’s Imperial Sound Studio in […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Sunny State “Unite & Be”

Sunny State returns with a world video premiere ahead of their latest single, “Unite & Be”, out this Friday, October 30th! An anthem to unite a country divided, Sunny State reflects on the vast amount of diversity within the United States, days before the most tumultuous election this country has had to date. With Election […]

Tropidelic drops “Sunny Days” single & video, feat. Devin The Dude

The hard-working boys from Cleveland are back in action with not only a nostalgic new single featuring Devin The Dude, but a bangin’ new video to boot! That’s right, Tropidelic — the horn-heavy, reggae-hip hop conglomerate — has partnered with one of Houston’s top emcees to render “Sunny Days”, a song about reflecting on simpler […]

Roots and Tings’ “Election Time” surges with raw political honesty

Every four years we feel it. Every four years we dread it. The overwhelming frustration and, for some, fear that comes with ‘Election Time’ in America. The never-ending flood of lies and misinformation, cheap political promises and in the case of the current administration, the blatant and obvious sexism, classism and racism seem to invade our […]

WORLD TRACK PREMIERE: Double Tiger “Drop Sound”, feat. Slightly Stoopid

Double Tiger, aka Jay Spaker, is back in action premiering lead single “Drop Sound” off his forthcoming album today on Top Shelf Music before it hits digital outlets tomorrow! The song is the first to surface from sophomore album, The Journey, a much-anticipated follow-up to his debut solo venture Sharp & Ready, both off Easy […]