Talking ‘Universal Light’ with Highest Intention & more for 2024

Highest Intention is a vintage roots reggae band from California. Their sound is locally grounded, yet globally appealing, conveying a message of love and unity. The band consists of founding member and San Francisco native Ben Lowe (on vocals/guitars), Toho Saunders (on bass), and Tuviel Levi (and drums). Highest Intention combines unique and thoughtful songwriting with heavy one drop beats, deep intoxicating […]

E.N Young breathes new life into Half Pint hit with “No Complaint”

Pretend you just got off work, because it’s time to get comfortable and light one up! Producer, singer-songwriter and roots reggae leader E.N Young is here to help you fill the room with ganja smoke with his latest single “No Complaint”. His roots-inspired, dubbed-up take on a classic Half Pint tune from the early 80s […]

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 […]

SYNRGY to release “Here I Am” E.N Young Remix

SYNRGY is a soulful, sweet San Diego reggae rock band, one that has consistently brought blessings and positive vibes to the scene. From local shows to large weekend festivals, SYNRGY has made a name for themselves since their formation in 2007. Now, with three full-length albums and two EPs under their belts, SYNRGY continues their […]

Sensi Trails talks new single “Just Livin’” feat. KBong

Sensi Trails' new single “Just Livin'” is now streaming on all digital platforms! Six months ago, I met with the band to cover their journey from North Carolina to California. Since then, they have had so many positive experiences to share with us, including working with KBong and producer E.N Young of Imperial Sound Studios. Get […]

Why Th3rd Coast Roots is second to none

From playing acoustic sets in bars to recording an album, Th3rd Coast Roots has gained incredible momentum from the moment they connected. Lead vocalist/guitarist Jayton Lening never imagined that he, who started out acoustic at local bars, would lead to creating a roots rock reggae band with unstoppable energy. When Jayton decided to dedicate more […]

Sensi Trails on the rise

Sensi Trails is on the rise as band’s frontman, Kyle Rising, relocates to Ocean Beach, San Diego. Originally from Kill Devil Hills, a town on the outer banks of North Carolina, Sensi Trails has shared the stage with The Original Wailers, Pato Banton, E.N Young and Through the Roots. Kyle’s love for music started in […]

WORLD VIDEO PREMIERE: Kwamevi “Faithful” (feat. E.N Young)

Kwamevi (born Edem Kwamevi Agbottah) was born into the Ghanaian Ewe Tribe in Dallas, Texas, inheriting both West African and American traditions as a result. With an affinity to bamboo flutes and African rhythms, Kwamevi began playing classical guitar at age 15, influenced by music that speaks of self-awareness and togetherness. After releasing and producing […]

Top Shelf talks with Tatanka

Colorado-based and buffalo enthusiast band Tatanka has recently concluded a short winter tour alongside E. N Young, Dubbest and Bumpin Uglies. After 10 days on the road trekking around the continental southwest, the Tatanka boys took a break to chat with Top Shelf Reggae on tour highlights, future plans and weed preferences. 2017 was a […]

Gonzo “Talk About It” single speaks volumes

Tribal Seeds’ Ryan Gonzo has shown the world a more soulful side to his reggae demeanor time and time again since his first solo album Rocksteady hit digital outlets Christmas of 2012. Since then, Gonzo has debuted Tribal Seeds’ fourth full-length album Representing and his sophomore solo LP Red – both escalating to #1 on […]

E.N Young and Imperial Sound show review

On Wednesday May 20, E.N Young of Tribal Seeds and his new band, Imperial Sound, played at Over the Border in Chula Vista, California. A local band, Revival, opened the night for the infamous melodica player and singer. Revival is an eight piece band from Chula Vista, although some members may have been missing that […]

“Helping Hands” single by Revival

San Diego-based band Revival is increasing the hype for their third full-length album with their latest release “Helping Hands”: a slow dub track preaching unity, humility and equality. E.N Young once again employs himself as a powerful constituent, mixing and producing the track out of his Imperial Sound Recording Studio – an establishment rooted in […]

“Trumpets” reggae remix by the Mystic Roots

The five-member Mystic Roots Band (MRB) hails out of Chico, California as a self-described “pop reggae fusion” group – a definition they've recently taken quite literally. It seems the MRB has hit the radio for inspiration, releasing reggae remixes of Justin Timberlake's “Mirrors” and Lorde's “Royals” for their own dubby fan base. Following in this […]

Revival releases second single “Beauty in Disguise”

San Diego-based roots reggae band Revival is gearing up for their third full-length album release and in doing so, is leaving little tastes of the record along the way. On October 28th, the eight-member band premiered their second single “Beauty in Disguise” off their much-anticipated upcoming album, following their first single “Beautiful Monster” on August […]