I would definitely put this man in a country star category.
In a genre lately where you have voices ranging from the likes of Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Turnpike Troubadours and Colter Wall, there’s no one doing it like Zach Top on a national scale right now. I mean there are plenty of other artists keeping the traditional scene alive like Jake Worthington and Charley Crockett…but Zach has really made a name for himself.
Right before the release of “Cold Beer & Country Music”, there’s no arguing that “I Never Lie” was the song that helped Zach become a certified traditional country artist. In addition to becoming a viral online hit to say the least, it would eventually become Zach’s first-career #1 song on country radio in May of 2025. That song also received a two time platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Then during his interview on the Zach Sang Show, Zach revealed that “I Never Lie”, along with the entirety of “Cold Beer & Country Music”, was being passed on by a plethora of different labels in 2023. He pointed out that while there was a lot people saying that the record was really good, but he was met with multiple responses from Nashville executives basically saying “get back to us if anything goes viral.”
“I never got any notes specifically other than ‘this isn’t what’s working right now, so let us know if it goes viral or something.’ Everybody liked it. Everybody was like, ‘Wow, it’s really good, but you hear what’s having hits today? This ain’t it.’”
As usual. Those Nashville executives were wrong about there “this ain’t it” comments. Luckily his now label home, Leo33, wasn’t deaf and knew what was happening and took a chance on Zach as they signed him to a deal.
As it stands today, Zach has landed a Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song nomination at the Grammys, a Single and Song of the Year nomination at the ACM Awards and a Single and Song of the Year nod at the 2026 CMAs…and all for that one hit track of his.
I feel with guys Zach, Jake, Spencer Hatcher, Drake Milligan and Dillion Carmichael to name a few… traditional country music is alive and very well.