CMA New Artist of the Year Nominee Spotlight: Zach Top

Source: Zach Top performs onstage during Day 1 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 26, 2024 in Indio, California. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Zach Top exploded onto the scene in 2024, bringing a fresh helping of new country music in a 1990s-like package. Due to his breakout year, the Country Music Association saw fit to nominate the young star for the “New Artist of the Year” award. Top’s nomination is driven by how he stands out in the growing country music scene, proving a classic sound has a place in today’s music.

Hailing from Sunnyside, Washington, Top grew up with a bluegrass music background, playing with several groups including one with his siblings; Top String. He made the move ton Nashville in 2021 to pursue recording music, releasing several bluegrass singles and an EP in 2022. In 2023 Top made the switch to country music, and drawing on the inspiration from favorites like George Strait and Randy Travis, fashioned his sound around that of the 1990s icons. His debut single, Sounds Like the Radio, was a massive hit on country radio upon release.

Top’s nomination is a clear indicator that various sub genres play an important part in the evolution and celebration of country music. His rise to prominence could signal a major rise in the classic sound of 1990s country.

Top’s debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, is only the beginning of a long and promising music career, and we should all be looking forward to more of what’s to come. Top’s feel-good sound and fun demeanor will likely continue to draw more fanfare and more nominations, but for now he’s got as good a chance as any to win the award.

Catch Top at 93Q Star Party Driven by Best in Texas Ford on Dec. 4, at 713 Music Hall.