Best mainstream live performance of 2022!

2022 ushered in what many considered the first full year of music without restriction since the pandemic began. This year, the photojournalists and writers of Top Shelf Music have had the privilege of covering some pretty amazing shows! In true end of year fashion we have compiled a list of some of our favorite live […]

Thank you, Everclear, for 30 years of glorious music

The line wrapped around the building despite the cold winter weather creeping onto Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip. Eager fans chatted while huddled together, reminiscing over the last time they saw Everclear perform and holding up the toy they brought with them as Everclear partnered with Border Kindness, a 501c3 nonprofit humanitarian-aid organization, for a toy […]

Wonderfront Fest 2022: Day 3

It was day three at Wonderfront Festival and the grounds were busier early in the day, full of festival goers shopping around at any of the incredible vendor booths that were filled with one-of-a-kind art, clothing, jewelry and all the other festival accessories of your dreams. Over on the grounds on Embarcardo North, a stationary […]

Wonderfront Fest 2022: Day 2

As Wonderfronters gathered for day 2 of bliss in sunny San Diego, the festival vibe was in full affect. Cue the cute festival outfits, sun hats, selfie stations, and even a ball pit. That’s right, a ball pit! Wonderfront is a festival that you come to for the incredibly stacked lineup, but you could also […]

Whitney brings a little bit of Chicago to Milwaukee

Whitney fans have come to know the band’s unique sound and emotions that its songs evoke. Each idyllic melody is interwoven through nostalgic lyrics, inducing a deep happiness for the memories made, as well as a sadness that those moments can’t stay forever. Throughout their four albums, Chicago-based indie soul duo Whitney have mastered their […]

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 […]

Wonderfront Fest 2022: Day 1

November 18, 2022, on the shores of the city of San Diego, thousands gathered for the epic return of Wonderfront Festival.  Even though it is only this festival’s second ever installment (after a two-year hiatus) Wonderfront made its mark on America’s finest city leaving us with anticipation for this day. If you came to town […]

Weish you were at WeishFest

Welcome to WeishFest, a night of inspirational hope, giving, and unforgettable music. For those of you who are unfamiliar with WeishFest, imagine a night where a ticket can buy you more than live music. WeishFest welcomes you into a special family and community by sharing the story of a beloved son, brother and leader, Andrew […]

San Diego embraces Turnover’s musical metamorphosis

On the heels of the release of their fifth full length album, alternative-indie kings, Turnover, is making its way across North America in celebration of their recent album release. Myself In The Way, released November 5th, is another genre shifting work of art created by the Virginia based group that allows them to stay true […]

Foals announce their love for Chicago fan base for always bringing it

Audience members at Chicago’s Vic Theatre were treated to a vivacious show on Friday night. In a venue packed to capacity, British rock band Foals brought the energy to Chicago, extending past their slotted showtime and playing well into the night, to much of the audience’s delight.  Opening the night was GLOVE, an electro-punk group […]

Nordista Freeze takes Music City to outer space

This past Friday, Nashville’s Brooklyn bowl played host to one of the craziest annual parties in the city, Space Prom. What began as an idea in the mind of one of Nashville’s most creative and musical minds, Nordista Freeze, the event has evolved into one of the wildest and largest events around. I walked into […]

Sunsquabi delivers on year long promise to always come out strong

After a hard and cold loss to the Wolverines, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the whole city of Columbus were in dire need of some warmth and a little holiday cheer. Luckily for all those jam band and electronic fans out there, finding that O-H-I-O spirit was right on the outskirts of campus, on 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 […]