Zach Top, hailing from Washington, patiently honed his craft for five years in Nashville, a period culminating in the release of his debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music on April 5th. These formative years were dedicated to writing and recording music that resonates with the soul of traditional country, earning him a devoted fanbase eager for each new release. His journey, much like the themes in his songs, transformed hard work into something truly special, marking a significant moment for authentic country sounds.
Cold Beer & Country Music is a rich tapestry of classic country instrumentation, brimming with fiddle, steel guitar, and the unmistakable twang of Telecasters. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a statement, a resounding win for traditional country music. Top is set to bring this sound to audiences across America, sharing stages with country music heavyweights like Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley throughout the fall.
In a recent interview, Zach Top delved into the creation of Cold Beer & Country Music, his artistic evolution, and the experience of collaborating with some of the industry’s finest musicians.
Zach Top album cover for Cold Beer & Country Music, showcasing classic country music style.
From Singles to Albums: A Full Project Vision
Reflecting on the album’s long-awaited release, Top shared the anticipation and excitement that preceded it. The title track, “Cold Beer & Country Music,” had been released as a single back in July 2022, building anticipation for the full project. “It was so long-awaited,” Top explained. “We had been writing these songs for five years. Some of the stuff had been cut for a couple years, and we were just sitting on it and waiting to put it out.” For Top, the album format holds a unique appeal beyond single releases. “I think there’s something a little more special about that than tossing out singles every now and then. I like the essence of a full project, so we tried to make it feel cohesive.”
This cohesive vision allowed Top to showcase the diverse facets of his artistry. He aimed to create an album with broad appeal, ensuring “there’s a little something on there for everybody.” From the lively, beer-raising energy of the title track to the introspective tones of “There’s the Sun” and the aspirational narrative of “Dirt Turns to Gold,” the album offers a range of emotions and experiences. The ultimate goal, as Top expressed, was to create music that fans could connect with and sing along to at his shows.
“Sounds Like the Radio”: A Traditional Sound Climbing the Charts
The success of “Sounds Like the Radio,” which climbed to just outside the top 30 on the country charts, marks a significant milestone for Top. As his debut single on country radio, its performance has been particularly gratifying. Top’s belief in the song was immediate from its inception. “I believed in that song as soon as we wrote it,” he stated, highlighting its upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm. “It’s fun, upbeat, and good dancin’ music… it’s a ‘what’s not to like here?’ kind of a song. It’s an easy introduction into my music.”
However, releasing a song with a distinctly traditional country sound to contemporary radio was not without its anxieties. “It sticks out like a sore thumb because it doesn’t sound like anything else that’s on the radio,” Top acknowledged. Anticipating a potentially polarized reaction, he was “thankful that so far, it’s mostly been ‘love it!’” The song’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic country music and Top’s ability to craft songs that resonate with a wide audience, even in a modern landscape.
Authenticity Resonates: The Success of “Use Me”
Prior to the album release, “Use Me” was unveiled as a single and quickly garnered nearly two million streams on Spotify. This cheating waltz, deeply rooted in traditional country themes, resonated strongly with listeners. The success of “Use Me” is particularly encouraging to Top, validating his commitment to authentic songwriting. “I love it. That song is so raw and so real,” Top said, emphasizing the importance of honesty in music. “I think ‘Use Me’ is a great example of writing something real and honest and having people recognize that authenticity. It turns out people still like waltzes! [laughs].”
For Top, “Use Me” embodies the essence of traditional country music. “I always say at shows that it’s probably the countriest song I’ve ever written,” he remarked. The enthusiastic response from audiences, who sing along as if it were already a classic hit, further solidifies the song’s impact and the enduring appeal of genuine, heartfelt country music.
Crafting a Narrative: Inside “Cowboys Like Me Do”
Among the standout tracks on Cold Beer & Country Music is “Cowboys Like Me Do,” co-written with Carson Chamberlain and Roger Springer. Top shared the collaborative process behind the song, noting it was his first time writing with the esteemed Roger Springer, known for his extensive catalog of hit songs. The songwriting session was sparked by Carson Chamberlain’s title idea. “The title of the song was Carson’s idea,” Top explained. “We got the chorus down first, and then went into the verses; I remember running off on the verses.”
Top described his approach to songwriting, highlighting his preference for narrative and listener engagement. “I love stuff where a whole song carries on one half of a conversation and the listener has to fill in the blanks for what the other person is saying. It tells the story well enough for the listener, but it also allows them to take some artistic liberties and fill in the blanks how they want to.” The recurring “Naw, ma’am” in the lyrics exemplifies this technique, creating a conversational feel and inviting listeners to participate in the unfolding story. “Cowboys Like Me Do” stands as a testament to Top’s songwriting prowess and his ability to craft compelling narratives within the framework of country music.
“Dirt Turns to Gold”: A Wholesome Message of Roots and Values
“Dirt Turns to Gold” has emerged as a streaming favorite among the new tracks on Cold Beer & Country Music, resonating with listeners through its heartfelt message. Co-written with Paul Overstreet, the song’s origins lie in a casual conversation about the challenges of purchasing property in Nashville’s current real estate market. “The way it came out was us just shooting the bull, and I was talking about trying to buy a place in Nashville,” Top recounted. Carson Chamberlain’s father’s saying, “’dirt, that’s the one thing they ain’t making no more of,’” became the song’s opening line and central theme.
The conversation evolved into a reflection on the common desire to return to one’s roots. “The conversation shifted to how so many people that grow up in the country get a little restless and look for something more flashy and exciting, but as soon as they get it, the only thing they want is to go back where they came from,” Top elaborated. This sentiment, coupled with the rising value of land, led to the line, “I’ll tell you what, dirt’s as high as gold now!” “Dirt Turns to Gold” encapsulates a universal feeling of longing for home and appreciating the simple values of rural life, explaining its strong connection with listeners.
The Mentorship of Carson Chamberlain
Carson Chamberlain’s role extends beyond co-writing; he also produced Cold Beer & Country Music and has been a pivotal figure in Zach Top’s career. Top emphasizes Chamberlain’s profound impact, describing him as “another father” and an invaluable mentor. “I would be nowhere without Carson,” Top stated emphatically. “He’s been like another father for me, personally. And on the business side of things, he’s been a fantastic mentor. He’s never steered me wrong.”
Chamberlain’s established reputation in Nashville opened doors for Top, enabling collaborations with renowned songwriters early in his career. “When I first started coming to town, it was entirely on his reputation that he could get big time hit songwriters like Mark Nesler and Tim Nichols to come in and work with me. I would’ve never been able to get in the room with them on my own.” Beyond creative mentorship, Chamberlain has also provided crucial business guidance. He instilled in Top the importance of business acumen alongside musical talent, providing a “thorough education on how to be successful in the music business.” This partnership has been instrumental in shaping Zach Top’s trajectory in the country music landscape.
Playing with Legends: Recording with Nashville’s Finest
Cold Beer & Country Music boasts performances by legendary musicians such as Brent Mason and Andy Leftwich, artists who have contributed to countless country music standards. Top described the experience of working with these icons as initially intimidating but ultimately rewarding. “It’s killer! I was so intimidated the first time we went in the studio and worked with those guys,” he admitted. “They’re all super nice and put me at ease really quick. Now that we’ve cut a ton of songs with them, they all feel like buddies. It’s like a little reunion when we get a session booked.”
Working alongside musicians he deeply admires has been a source of both learning and validation for Top. “Brent walks on water to me, so to be able to shoot the bull with him and pick his brain on gear he uses and his thought process when he’s playing has been great.” He appreciates their willingness to share their expertise and their genuine enthusiasm for his music. “It’s such a validating feeling when they get excited about these songs too. I know a lot of the time, it’s work for them; they’ve gotta go make a check and they may not love everything they play, but they’re always really excited about what we’re bringing to the table, so that’s a fun feeling.”
Zach Top performing live with his band, showcasing energetic country music performance.
A Tapestry of Human Experience: The Album’s Message
When asked about the takeaway he hopes listeners gain from Cold Beer & Country Music, Top emphasized the storytelling tradition of country music and its ability to connect with diverse experiences. “One of my favorite things about country music is the stories in it and how there is something for everybody,” he explained. “With this record, I tried to make a point of having that. You’ve got a love song, you’ve got songs you can stomp your feet to, and you’ve got a cheatin’ song. It runs the gamut of the human condition. There’s something for everybody, wherever they’re at. Music’s a beautiful thing when it can do that.”
Top hopes the album serves as a relatable and understanding companion for listeners, offering something for every mood and life situation. “I hope that this record does that for them and that they can feel understood by at least one of these songs.”
Growth Through Songwriting: Embracing Honesty
Reflecting on the five-year journey of creating Cold Beer & Country Music, Top discussed his evolution as a songwriter. Early on, he focused on clever wordplay and “hooky things” aimed at commercial appeal. However, his songwriting philosophy has shifted towards a more authentic and direct approach, inspired by artists like Merle Haggard. “Now, I’m trying to emulate guys like Merle Haggard and just letting the song say what it needs to say,” Top shared. “It isn’t intricate, crazy rhyme schemes with word tricks that makes you like his songs, they just had great, honest messages that said just what they needed to say, no more, no less.”
This evolution is evident in “Use Me,” the last song written for the album and one he considers a point of pride as a songwriter. “‘Use Me’ is the last song we wrote that was included on the record, and I think that’s one of the songs I’m most proud of being a writer on. It’s honest and it says what it needs to. It doesn’t gloss over anything or water anything down. When a song is authentic like that, I think that’s what people resonate with the most.” This commitment to honesty and authenticity is at the heart of Zach Top’s approach to creating Country Music Top Songs.
Zach Top portrait, highlighting his traditional country music image and style.
Life on the Road and Beyond
With Cold Beer & Country Music released and a busy touring schedule ahead, including opening slots on Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley tours, Zach Top is poised for a significant year. He expressed his enthusiasm for life on the road, despite the hard work involved. “I’m pumped! There’s a lot of hard work that goes in to life on the road, and the reward is being on stage. It’s worth it every single time we’re on a stage in front of people that want to hear our music. That keeps me coming back, and I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I’ll take all the work I can get as long as I can get it.”
Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, Top anticipates a whirlwind of touring, interspersed with moments to appreciate the journey. “It’ll mostly be that, but I’m gonna try to find a couple minutes every now and then to get some sleep [laughs]. It’s gonna be balls to the wall. I think I have my next weekend off for Thanksgiving. I’m super pumped about it. We’re going a lot of beautiful places this summer! We’ll be in Montana, so it’d be great to do a little fly fishing and to see Lake Tahoe. I get to do some hometown shows in Washington too. I’m gonna enjoy all of the places we play as much as I can. That’s one of the cool things about this job!” For Zach Top, the journey of sharing his country music top songs is just beginning.
*Zach’s music is featured on The Best of Pro Country Playlist!*
