Good music stands the test of time. Good styles of music never go out of style. That is the case with 90s country music, which brought us the superstars Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn. A new artist is emerging who will make you feel like it’s 1994 all over again: Zach Top. One look at him and you could believe he belongs in the 90’s

Many are referring to him as the new King of the Honky Tonk. With his distinctive blend of traditional country roots and a fresh, contemporary twist, Zach has emerged as a dynamic force in the genre, captivating audiences with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics.

Growing up on a ranch in Washington State, Zach’s journey to country music stardom began with him listening to country music around the house. He started playing guitar at five years old and asked his guitar teacher to help him play “Amarillo by Morning” by George Strait. He began his own bluegrass band at age seven and continued his love of music by performing in various bluegrass groups. Moving to Nashville in 2021, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut in July 2022 and has performed at the Opry several times.

He pivoted to recording country music in 2023. His debut single to country radio, “Sounds Like the Radio,” was released on January 8, 2024, and has literally made air waves. He released his first country album in April 2024, Cold Beer & Country Music.

“Sounds Like the Radio” not only sounds like a fresh version of a 90’s radio classic, it pays tribute to that era and the artists. “Cold Beer & County Music,” the title track to his album, relates the story of a guy who just wants to sit in a bar and relax and only needs his two favorite things. “I Never Lie” shares about a man’s heartbreak and how he is doing just fine – sort of. Recently, Zach released the song “Beer for Breakfast,” an anthem for the quintessential beverage that meets all needs.
He’s already toured with Ashley McBryde and opened shows for Luke Bryan and Brothers Osborne. This year, Zach is the opening act, along with Ian Musick, for Lainey Wilson’s “Country is Cool Again” Tour, performing in many iconic venues, including Radio City Music Hall. During the show, he joins Lainey on stage to sing Johnny Paycheck’s classic “Take This Job and Shove It.”

It appears he is not slowing down anytime too soon. With 152K followers on Facebook, 472K followers on Instagram, and 44K followers on YouTube, he continues to gain momentum.
So grab your nearest barstool, an ice-cold beer, and crank Zach up. To learn more about Zach, check him out on all social media platforms, including zachtop.com.
This article was originally written for the Fall 2024 Issue of Modern Cowboy Magazine. Catch more stories from this issue below!