26-year-old Zach Top is currently one of country music’s biggest acts. Entering the scene rather recently, Top has joined the class of Zach Bryan, Megan Moroney, Morgan Wallen, and many more. To many, his music stands beyond the rest. Furthermore, his guitar-playing ability is among the best the younger class of country music artists has to offer.
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Even though Top’s music stands alone in today’s day-in-age, the inspiration comes from ’90s greats such as George Strait and Alan Jackson. It’s this sound that Top has mastered that has landed him a spot on Lainey Wilson’s Country’s Cool Again Tour and a record deal with Leo 33. Beyond the success story Top has, the truly fascinating element of his flourishing career is the fact that he aims to bring back a sub-genre he so cherishes—’90s country.
Been Nothing but Music From the Beginning
In an interview with RFD-TV, Top gave a testament to how music surrounded his life from an early age. “We always had George Strait on,” and “We’d put a tape in of Marty Robbins gunfighter, ballads, and trails songs,” he stated as being some of his earliest musical memories. Additionally, Top did not grow up playing the music he does now, as he and his family members started a bluegrass band. Matter of fact, Top fronted a band named Modern Tradition which one a bluegrass award in Washington state.
It’s Top’s love for bluegrass, traditional country, and ’90s country that drives his sound. Furthermore, his fast flat-picking guitar skills can be attributed to his bluegrass background, as the man can put more notes in one song than any current country musician out there.
“Sounds Like The Radio”
His hit single off of Cold Beer & Country Music is the tune that gave Zach Top the momentum to launch his full-fledged country career. Respectably so, as the tune showcases his ability to pick notes at faster-than-light speeds, sing in a rich tone, and write lyrics that appeal to the masses.
Regarding the lyrics, Top actually pays quite of bit of homage to ’90s country. Writing lyrics such as Well, the day I was born the doc couldn’t believe / I came out cryin’ Chattahoochee and Didn’t take too long after that / For the hair on my head to grow long in the back. Furthermore, the song’s premise of sounds like the radio seemingly stems from Top’s long-time love affair with the genre. That being so, by releasing this song and others like it, Top hopes to share that love affair with others and bring back the genre so many fans love.
Photo by John D Shearer/Shutterstock
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