Drummers, with the exception of a few backline frontmen, rarely get enough love. Katchafire’s Jordan Bell likes to live a little differently. His family band, originally started by father Grenville Bell and alongside brother Logan Bell, has since grown to be a staple of New Zealand and roots reggae music altogether. Jordan Bell goes centerstage, […]
Denver collaborative collective The Autos share their debut recording “Trespass” today on all digital outlets, following the track’s New Year’s Day premiere on Rootfire. And, what a way to start the year! 2020 has brought many challenges for all, yet hindered most were those trying to make ends meet in the art, music and film […]
Denver-based jam-tronica band Giant Walking Robots takes their reggae-infused anthems to the next level in their latest EP, Out Into The Streets. Comprised of four songs, the EP may be short and sweet, yet it packed with explosive talent from start to finish. Vibey, bassy and full of food for thought… welcome to the realm […]
As a renowned roots reggae musician of over 50 years, Alan Moe Monsarrat (of The Lotions, I-Tex, Mau Mau Chaplains) has finally released his own solo debut album! The 20-track LP, Agriculture, comes off of the Music4Life label and is packed with themes of thankfulness and cognizance for a better world. That said, Moe also […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Florida-based progressive roots reggae band The Ellameno Beat have come down from the clouds with their newest psychedelic single, “Break Through” — available for streaming now! The single is the band’s newest release since the success of their 2017 album, Surface. With this new single, the band is sending out major indications of cultivating a […]
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 […]
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 […]
A mastermind of spiritually-conscious reggae, Rastafarian Vaughn Benjamin brings forth music from the grave in his new Akae Beka single “Black Carbon”, featuring reggae revival catalyst Chronixx. Vaughn’s untimely passing in 2019 did not deter Akae Beka’s co-founding member Ron, brother of Vaughn, from releasing yet another beautifully-executed call to action with the late singer […]
On September 26th, Fortunate Youth continued their second of two headlining shows at The City National Grove of Anaheim. The weather was great and the vibes were just right. There were even more friends and family in attendance than the night before! You could feel the anticipation of all the fans there, enjoying quite possibly […]
On September 25th, Fortunate Youth performed the first of two headlining shows they had at The Grove in Anaheim. The opening band for Night One was the The Expanders, who, with FY, were the perfect combination to kick off the weekend of fun. After so many months not seeing friends or being out at shows […]
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 […]
Who’s ready for an all-new Project: Out of Bounds? For those in the American reggae scene, it would be a crime if you don’t know P.O.B. by now… These hardworking San Diego boys have been there from the birth of reggae rock’s popularity, particularly in southern California, with their first two albums in 2008 and […]
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